According to ESPN.com source, in an attempt to convince free agent forward Trevor Ariza to sign with the Cavs, LeBron James told him that he was going to stay in Cleveland past 2010.
Ariza wasn't moved by James' conversation and made a verbal committment to sign with the Houston Rockets. It's life in the NBA now as teams compete for the quality free agents.
James could leave Cleveland next year if he so desires. There are teams, such as the New York Knicks, who have tried to put themselves in position to go after LeBron next season.
He wants to win a championship and that's his number one goal. He needs to help to win it all and we found that out in this past years playoffs.
I think Ariza made a mistake by not staying in Los Angeles. He played at UCLA and is a fan favorite after stepping up his game in the playoffs to help the Lakers win the NBA Championship.
This young man would have been able to make hundred of thousands and over a period of time, millions of dollars off the court in Los Angeles. He would have been able to retire there but foolishly young players like Ariza don't look at the big picture.
I don't think his agent was looking out for his best interests by signing that type of deal. Many times these agents are just like stockbrokers who will do whatever they can to increase their commission even though it's not in the best interests of their clients.
