LeBron James Makes Ultimate Leverage Play in Opting Out of Contract With Cleveland Cavaliers

By Jerry Landry
LeBron James opts out of contract with Cleveland Cavaliers
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Seven long unsuccessful seasons in Cleveland taught LeBron James one thing: Don’t be a “company man.” This time around, King James dictates his terms and conditions annually.

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James is his own entity and realizes what truly is a King’s ransom. Opting out of this latest contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers serves many constructive scenarios. First off, James will guarantee himself a max contract in view of an updated (and inflated) salary cap. But more importantly, James can use his unrestricted leverage to guarantee a supporting cast worthy of winning a championship.

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Never again will James be saddled with an aging Antawn Jamison or a fledgling Mo Williams. If the situation appears unfavorable, James has the autonomy to flee to greener pastures. This is well within James’ rights and in his situation we’d do the same — if we were that savvy.

James’ level of play is above his level of pay. A professional athlete’s window of worth is fleeting at best and what James is doing is best not only for the King but for future NBA employees exercising their value.

Jerry Landry is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Jerry on Twitter at @Jerry2Landry, “Like” him on Facebook or add him on Google.

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