National Basketball Association

Not everyone is happy with LeBron

Published Jul. 9, 2010 8:42 p.m. ET

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People in Miami are thrilled by LeBron James' decision to sign with the Heat as a free agent.

The rest of the NBA world? Not so much. Here's a sampling of negative reactions:

LeBron "Benedict" James?

Benedict Arnold was America's first notorious traitor. Is LeBron the latest?

Cleveland Cavaliers owner Daniel Gilbert seems to think so.

Gilbert, who posted a scathing letter about James following his star's decision to join the Miami Heat, is also a main financier of Fathead, which produces posters of athletes and celebrities.

LeBron Fatheads have been marked down from $99.99 to $17.41, a price that is no coincidence -- 1741 is Benedict Arnold's birth year.

A Florida rivalry brewing

Orlando Magic general manager Otis Smith is adding a little more sizzle to the Sunshine State rivalry with some welcoming shots at LeBron James.

Smith says he is surprised James went to Miami because he thought the two-time MVP was "more of a competitor." He says the "great ones" do it on their own and "usually stay in one location."

Smith says the Magic "still hold the crown" as the best in the Southeast Division, having won three straight titles. But he also says the Heat will be tough to beat. -- AP

Where's the loyalty?

Charlotte Bobcats forward Stephen Jackson would have done things differently.

"If I were LeBron, I would have gone to Chicago or I would have stayed home and showed a little more loyalty to my city and my team," Jackson said. "But I'm not LeBron. That's the best decision for him and everybody has to live with it." -- AP

Public Enemy No. 1 in Cleveland

Gilbert isn't the only person in Ohio miffed at LeBron James. Fans throughout the state, especially in Cleveland, voiced their disappointment, bitterness and anger.

"I think it was a slap in the face to this city, who had supported him and been behind him since he was in high school," said Earl Mauldin, who watched James' announcement from a bar across the street from Quicken Loans Arena.  "To go on national TV and spit in our face like that is very, very, very wrong." -- AP

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