An Open Letter To Lebron James From Dan Gilbert, And Lebron's Response

By Tirrell Hill
JR Mag Staff Writer

As you may already know, NBA Player Lebron James has made his decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and join Miami Heat. Cleveland Cavaliers offered a $128 million, 6 year deal, but instead took the $99 Million, 5 year deal the heat has offered to play along with Chris Bosh & Dwayne Wade.

Dan Gilbert [Cleveland Cavaliers Owner] was not happy one bit, and wrote this open letter to Cleveland fans.

Dear Cleveland, All of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight.

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his "decision" unlike anything ever "witnessed" in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.
There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.
You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.
You have given so much and deserve so much more.
In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:
"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER 'KING' WINS ONE"
You can take it to the bank.
If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our "motivation" to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.
Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.
Sorry, but that's simply not how it works.
This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown "chosen one" sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And "who" we would want them to grow-up to become.
But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called "curse" on Cleveland, Ohio.
The self-declared former "King" will be taking the "curse" with him down south. And until he does "right" by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.
Just watch.
Sleep well, Cleveland.
Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day....
I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:
DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue....
Dan Gilbert

Yes, he went all the way in! Cleveland fans were also burning Lebron's jersey in conclusion of his decision.

Lebron James gave his opinion on what Dan Gilbert had to say, and this is how he responded.

"I really don't have a reaction to what Dan said. When thing hit the fan, you see a guy's true colors, and I understand that. I wish the organization the best of luck and I wish the fans the best of luck, because I still do love those fans. Dan's comments are not going to stop me and my family from sleeping at night. It just won't do it. I understand now I made the right decision. And to hear my former owner's comments, I also understand I made the right decision."

Now that Lebron has made his decision and his opinion, can everybody just give it a break? It was time for him to change, and explore new things. He wasn't going to stay with Cleveland forever. Meanwhile, I hope all the other Basketball teams bring their A game next season, because I know The Heat will be bringing it.