Cleveland rips down Lebron James Banner...

There was never any "ripping down" of any Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Isaiah Thomas, John Stockton, or Tim Duncan banners in those collective cities. Why? Because those players understood the loyalty of staying with the same team throughout their careers.



As is the attitude of most every player these days, the grass is always greener on the other side. The sad thing about it is that James has taken Cleveland to the finals for several years in a row, and apparently is upset that they cannot beat the Warriors on any consistent basis. Not that it will help going to the Lakers, but one would think that your loyalty and confidence in your teammates would propel you to give it another go next year, instead of running off (for the second time).

As a long term Minnesota citizen, most people sort of understood the concept of Kevin Garnett leaving for Boston. After all, the T-Wolves had been perennial also-rans, and everyone here understood that Garnett deserved better (and deserved a ring). When the time came, we welcomed him back into the mix of winning 40 some games and either missing the playoffs or losing in the first round. He retired as a T-Wolve and one suspects he will wear that uniform when he is inducted into the hall of fame.

But James had success in Cleveland. They were one series away from another championship. He just up and leaves. When the time comes for James to be inducted into the hall of fame, it may not be clear that Cleveland would want him wearing their uniform after everything that has transpired.