Factory Lines: LeBron James Rumors Heat Up, Josh Gordon and an All-Star Snub

Mar 18, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) stands under the retired jersey numbers of the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Miami won 100-96. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Right now, the Cleveland Cavaliers appear to be the frontrunner to land LeBron James.

It all started with a Tweet, when CBS Radio’s Joe Lull reported Dan Gilbert was on his plane to Florida. Gilbert added huge fuel to the fire when he replied.

As Factory of Sadness Co-Editor Jared Mueller pointed out, Gilbert wouldn’t acknowledge Lull if he didn’t have something cooking.

Twitter’s great for fun and games, but the plot took some serious turns Sunday night when some NBA reporters with serious street cred unleashed their knowledge in 140 characters or less.

Adrian Wojnarowski dropped another “Woj Bomb,” reporting the Cavs were trying to move around some parts to create cap space for James’ return.

He also indicated that Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are starting to “read the tea leafs.”

https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/status/485983379385364480

ESPN reporter Chris Broussard served as James’ mouthpiece during the 2010 decision, and now he’s starting to put Cleveland as the frontrunner.

The Factory worked overtime Sunday, keeping you covered on the King‘s possible return. From James’ agent being impressed with the Cavs’ pitch, to tracking Gilbert’s plane, to Zydrunas Illgauskas (a Cavs employee) meeting with James and Heat officials, the LeBron drama is better than anything on network TV.

James’ return could be real. He spent four years repairing his brand after devastating Cavs’ fans with his television special four years ago. There’s no way he lets Cleveland come this close, only to turn his back again…or would he? According to USA Today’s Sam Amick, Heat President Pat Riley will have his day in the King’s court.

• Miami is Cleveland four years ago. Fans are fearing the worst, as James’ departure looks more likely. Miami Herald columnist Greg Corte wrote a column declaring “Relax, everybody…James will lead return of the Big 3…”

• There are some out there who advocate the release of Josh Gordon. I made the case the Browns don’t have to cut the Pro Bowler because Gordon poses no financial burden to the franchise. Cleveland.com’s Terry Pluto did write a compelling column where Gordon would be faced with the ultimate ultimatum.

• Johnny Manziel celebrated another holiday weekend in Las Vegas. He was also on hand at the Elite 11 football camp, a clinic for some top high-school prospects.  But, you probably won’t hear about that.

https://twitter.com/WayneEmbrysKids/status/485963805491343360/photo/1

• Michael Brantley earned a well-deserved trip to the All-Star game, but Corey Kluber got snubbed. Now the K Man will have survive the “Final Vote.” It’s the Factory’s mission to end this ridiculousness and get Klubber to Target Field July 15. Do the right thing and vote for Kluber here.

• Speaking of the Indians, they won a series against KC and sit just six games out of first.