Baby Come Back!

by Jeff Laboon

On July 8, LeBron James stood on a stage on live TV and told the world that he would "take his talents to South Beach." Times were good for Cleveland during their seven year relationship with LeBron. The city was always front-and-center in the basketball world and loved their prince. Graned, he never got them any jewelry (do rings come with conference titles?), but the fans knew that it would come someday.

It's been 177 days since the break-up, and Cleveland continues to look at old photos of them with LeBron and to make mix-tapes with songs like "Baby Come Back" by the Players.




The five stages of the Cleveland/LeBron break-up

Stage 1: Denial
Early on July 8, rumors started to circulate that LeBron may sign with the Heat, but Cleveland insisted that their hometown hero would not even consider turning his back on Ohio to form a New World Order with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh (who signed just hours before).

Stage 2: Anger
The immediate reaction to "The Decision" was ugly. Fans set LeBron jerseys aflame and the Cavs majority owner Dan Gilbert released a scornful open letter (in comic sans font) to Cavs fans, assuring them that the Cavs were good and James was a coward. The giant mural of LeBron outside of the Q was promptly taken down. The Cavs front office also considered accusing the Heat of tampering.

Stage 3: Bargaining
The timing of the break-up was just another nail in the proverbial coffin. Cleveland anxiously waited for LeBron to make his announcement and missed out on several possible free agents in the process. Few free agents remained by the time LeBron signed with the Heat. The Cavs rushed to sign anyone and even signed Kyle Lowry to an offer sheet, which the Houston Rockets matched.

Stage 4: Depression
Then came the release of the new Nike commercial featuring LeBron James called "Rise," which became fodder for parody. "What should we do, LeBron?" became the battle cry of a city without a hero as though Batman left Gotham to die.

Stage 5: Acceptance
Cleveland is stuck at stage 4, though, and who can blame them? LeBron broke up with the city on national TV. LeBron was the person who could never break Cleveland's heart. After all, as a native of Akron, he understands the pain Cleveland sports fans know all too well. The city hasn't won a major sports championship since the Browns won the NFL Title in 1964. Until Cleveland wins again in some professional sport, they will be stuck at stage 4.