LeBron James "Hopes" To Stay In Cleveland For a Long Time, So What's the Holdup?

Only LeBron stands between himself and making sure "Cleveland" stays on his uniform for the rest of his career.LeBron James' popularity took a heck of a hit following the Cavs' exit in the Eastern Conference Finals in late May at Orlando. At least to everyone besides Cavalier fans.But following a summer filled with national controversy surrounding "Handshakegate" and "Dunkgate," it seems like LeBron is doing his best to lose fans in Cleveland as well.While James has never given any indication that he is unhappy in Cleveland and wants to leave, his recent comments have to leave you scratching your head a little:"I'm excited about the upcoming season and I have never given any indication that I'm leaving Cleveland. I've been happy with what the franchise has done for me and my family. It's been great. Hopefully everything goes right and hopefully I can sign a big contract to stay in Cleveland.""Hopefully?" As if somebody else controls whether or not he stays a Cavalier for the rest of his career?Earlier this summer, up-and-coming superstar Brandon Roy and the Portland Trail Blazers had what started out as ugly contract negotiations. Roy wanted the max contract at five years, while the Blazers (according to multiple sources close to the team) shorted him and gave him just four years. But through it all, both Roy and the Blazers talked about how they "hoped" to be together for a long time to come.So for a guy like Roy, whose destiny obviously wasn't completely in his control, it's okay to "hope." But not when you are LeBron freaking James.It's not like there is much to negotiate. This isn't the NFL, where there will be guaranteed money to talk about. This isn't baseball, where big market teams can bust out crazy nine-figure contracts that will drop your jaw (like when Boston stole Manny Ramirez away in 2000). This is the NBA, the land of the max contract. The Cavs can give him a big contract today. Heck, they already offered one to him in July. So remind me again, what is there to hope for?Our friends at "Waiting For Next Year" addressed this on Thursday, as well: If you think that this summer is more LeBron drama than you can handle, then don't forget that it's next year that's supposed to be the "Summer of LeBron."Yep, we can hardly wait. Thanks for giving Cavs fans sleepless nights, LeBron.