4. The rumors of Mike Brown being out as Cleveland's coach were of the unsubstantiated internet variety - nothing more. Pat Riley is NOT coming to Cleveland. While not an elite coach (IMHO), Mike Brown would have 3 or more job offers tomorrow if he were fired in Cleveland. Furthermore, LeBron and Cavs owner Dan Gilbert do not want a new coach as a distraction in LeBron's upcoming final contract season.
Current feeling locally that LeBron stays past next year?
The Cleveland sports cynic in me says he bolts. But I cannot see him going to NY or NJ if he truly wants to win. Those teams would be starting over. But what I have not heard is what if he goes somewhere like L.A.? I'm sure Kobe would hate splitting the touches, but they could probably win 6 titles in a row with that tandem.
I do think it's a complete myth that he would leave for NY because of the endorsements. How much more publicity can LeBron get based upon his geography? He's already with Nike, the Vitamin Water, and his jersey is a best seller. NY is not going to give him exponentially more publicity than he already has.
If you ask me this question once per month until this time next year, I will give twelve different answers.
