LeBron on losing, shaking hands and getting dunked on

[duncan228]

LeBron: ‘I want to keep my options open’
By Tom Withers

LeBron James is unlikely to accept a contract extension from the Cleveland Cavaliers until after the 2009-10 season, when he can become a free agent.

At an event to unveil his latest signature sneaker for Nike, James, who has given no indication he plans to leave the Cavs, made his strongest comments yet about his future. The NBA’s reigning MVP said he signed a three-year contract in 2006 with an option so he would have more flexibility once it expires.

“I signed a contract in 2006 with an option,” he said. “It would make no sense for me to sign that contract if I didn’t keep my options open. I’ll let you fill in the blanks.”

The Cavaliers offered James a contract extension last month. The 24-year-old said his agent, Leon Rose, and Cavs general manager Danny Ferry have had “a great conversation.”

James doesn’t expect his future to be a distraction for the Cavs, who acquired All-Star center Shaquille O’Neal this offseason.

[KidCongo]

Look here new booty, You haven't been around long enough to make that assessment. I'm probably more harsh on Kobe than most of you Laker haters, which is why I cant stand to go on Laker boards. The truth is you hate the Lakers cause we kick your ing ass, that's why you hate us, it has nothing to do with Kobe. You all can buy into the hype of James all you, and when he continues to fail, just remember luva told you so.

The real poster has been around longer than you Gasol fan.

[Culburn369]

Luva is correct here. Lakers Fandom is by far the most objective Fandom on this Board. Spurs Fandom is the most subjective. They're near shameful in their myopic mongerings.

[Chillen]

"I look at the handshake like this," he said. "During the regular season, no one ever says anything. We play 82 regular-season games, eight preseason games, guys at the end of the game, no one ever shakes hands. Ever. And you move on to the next game. The congratulations, I congratulated Dwight (Howard) via e-mail, told him congratulations and good luck in the Finals. The shaking hands thing is really not a big thing for me. It's not I'm a sore loser or anything like that. I'm just moving on. You guys beat me ... I think sometimes people want you to accept losing, and I will never accept losing. There's ways to handle it certain times, and shaking hands may be it. But I will never accept losing, at anything that I do."

Accepting losing is going out and not competing whatsoever and not playing hard, not shaking the opponents hand after a loss is not accepting losing or at least that is how I see it. As long as he gives it every single thing he's got there is no reason at all why he cannot acknowledge his opponent in defeat. I hope he matures a little more in that regard.