Time to Go

The championship run is over. Mike Brown's coaching career in Cleveland may be over. Lebron James in a Cavalier jersey should be over. After last night's uninspired 94-85 Game 6 loss to Boston, the Cavaliers have blown another title opportunity after regular season dominance.

Just as I predicted Tuesday night, the Cavaliers season ended in the TD Garden. In the loss, Lebron's state line looks good (27 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists) but couple that with 9 turnovers and shooting 38% from the field, and you get "Prince James", rather then "King James." Lebron's teammates did their usual routine. Jamison was awful, Moe Williams had 2 points in the 2nd half, and the rest of the gang did nothing as well. Kill Lebron if you will, but last night was not his fault. Last night was the epitome of his Cleveland career. When push came to shove, his teammates let him down, and that is why it is time for him to move on.

Lebron James is the story. Orlando's undefeated postseason, LA's quest for a repeat, Boston's resurgence, Nash's busted eye, none of those stories are relevant in the here and now. The NBA is only 48 days away from arguably the most anticipated date in it's history. Lebron, Bosh, Wade, Nowitski, Stoutemire, Johnson, Boozer...the list goes on and on. However, Lebron is far and away at the top of that list. He will be free to go to Chicago, New York or anywhere else he wishes. He is a 25 year old 2 time MVP. If he is not the best player in the NBA, he is a very close second. No player has ever generated the free agent buzz that he will come July 1st.

Lebron needs a fresh start. New teammates, new coach, new surroundings, new beginning. In Chicago he would be playing with one of the league's best Point Guards and in New York he would have the chance to play with another max-contract free agent. No more Mike Brown letdowns, no more Moe Williams failures, no more Cleveland Cavaliers heartbreak.

Cleveland loves him, and rightfully so. He is an Ohio native that has been playing in his home state for seven seasons. If he leaves he may be looked at as a failure but so be it. A new team would allow Lebron to start over. He could be a god in his new city or he can go back to another lackluster 2010-2011 season in Cleveland. Sit around with Varejao and Ilgauskas or rock the world with Derrick Rose or Chris Bosh? My money, as well as the money of other NBA owners, says he is ready for a new home.