The drama about LeBron James in Cleveland just would not stop. The hometown hero narrative is just too juicy to set aside.
The latest episode in the ongoing soap opera is LeBron James recently unfollowing the Cleveland Cavaliers official Twitter account. For most normal people, that does not seem like a big deal.
However, in light of the recent events and rumors including their recent defeat at the hands of the Miami Heat, this minute non-incident might be the straw that breaks the Cavalier fans' back.
In a recent NBA Lockdown podcast, the topic was discussed, specifically the non-response that LeBron gave when he was asked about it.
In a press meeting, LeBron James brushed the question aside, seemingly offended. The podcast announcers, specifically analyst Amin Elhassan, noted that James seemed to ignite these rumors and then he would blame the media for making it a big deal. It was even theorized that he might be jealous with all the attention shifting to the Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs.
Elhassan eventually concluded that the Cavaliers, specifically the fans would be better off if they just let LeBron James leave. He reasoned that there's too much emotional attachment and it's a roller coaster of highs and lows on LeBron James' every move. "They just can't run a regular organization with him. Let them build with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love like a normal team."
James (and most other players like Kevin Durant) often blames the media for "overblowing" non-issues or reading too much about non-events. However, it was mentioned in the podcast that James also throws a log into the fire. There were many ways to unfollow the Cavs if he was really just going into "playoff mode."
If James does consider leaving, one interesting question was asked. Would he join a title ready team with a solid organization like the Warriors or Spurs and be just a cog in the system, or will he join an organization who would look to him as its "savior?"
The entire discussion raged all over sports media and just because LeBron James unfollowed the team account on Twitter. Not all media outlets thought this was a big deal. Sporting News was heavy with the sarcastic take.
"LeBron follows Victor Cruz, so is he going to play for the Giants? He also follows Bun B. Time to start that rap career,"SN's Jordan Greer stated.
"Or maybe James doesn't need to follow the Cavs on Twitter because, you know, he's physically there with his squad. It's not necessary to receive your news and updates online when you can just say 'Hey, Kyrie, are you going to play tonight?'"
The Cavaliers failed to make their team competitive the way the Heat did when LeBron left them in 2010. But now, the team has two young stars (Irving and Love) signed to long term contracts if James leaves. That could be something to consider.