At the beginning of the year Bill Simmons wrote a piece spotlighting LeBron that not only captured what set the reigning MVP apart from current legend in the making, Kobe Bryant, but also what makes LeBron King- his command over a room. And more importantly, his command over the court. But last night we saw something very different from King James. It wasn't even as though he was having a bad day on the court and just didn't get a chance to find his groove. He has had bad games before, all the great ones do, but last night LeBron seemed like just another guy in a jersey on the court. There was no passion, no aggression, no fight.
In the post season, James, as an individual, has an impeccable record. In 2007 in the Eastern conference finals against the Celtics he scored an awe-inspiring 45 points (the Celtics went on to win). And in last years conference finals he averaged 38.5 points. Regardless of whether his team got the W, James was/is winning and fighting.
But last night he scored a mere 15 points, his passes were all over the place, he appeared to be mentally checked out in the huddle, and he was the first guy off the court. And today, everyone is wondering if the king is putting away his crown for the season.
Maybe the Celtics just found a way to stop LeBron. Maybe there is actually some merit to "elbow gate." Maybe he just can't carry the weight of the Cavs on his back any longer and is ready for his first class ticket to free-agency. Or maybe, and in my opinion less likely, there is something more to this new blemish on LeBron's nearly flawless record.
So is everyone just over reacting? Is there any merit to all the concern and raised eyebrows? Should we give the guy a break, and chalk this up to being just another bad game, nothing more nothing less?
As a Kobe fan, I don't like Lebron. But again, as a Kobe fan, I don't think this game means anything relating to his legacy. It might say something about his drive/determination cuz I know when Kobe sucks, he's still throwing up the ball 30 times or at least making plays. But Lebron's gonna go back to beasting in the next game. I made fun of him because I love Kobe, but that game is definitely not a dealbreaker on the whole Lebron for "the next NBA great" case. Point blank, the whole team sucked, at home, during an important game. Were they partying the night beforehand? Maybe. Are the Celtics better than them? Mayyyyybe (prob not, but it could be a toss up at times). Does Lebron take bball as seriously and anal as Kobe? Hell no, but who does? Cavs have the capability to win the next 2 games w/ Lebron scoring 40-50 each game, so I ain't sayin ish about Lebron's game until I see the next 2 games. Yes, the next TWO games, cuz I think Lebron's bout to go crazy in the next game. And I'll go back to hating his guts then (for trynna steal Kobe's glory and ish). Until then, everybody needs to get off his d*&% and calm down.
ReplyDeleteOne game does not a legend make; nor does it a legend break. LeBron still has one more game (albeit in Boston) to keep the Cavs' championship hopes alive, so it's premature to count them out. At the same time, don't under-Cel Boston. They're not over the hill yet and if they pull off a win here they may just have enough confidence to take on the two teams that have had their number of late.
ReplyDeleteHaha, thanks Yoda. I agree that one bad game isn't enough to cause such a frenzy, everyone has bad games. But as one writer put it, the "nonchalantness" of it was what was the most disturbing. I think his head is somewhere else. I just hope it is not on free-agency just yet, cause I wouldn't want to pick up a guy who gives up half way through a series that just a couple of games ago people thought he would come out on top in 5 or 6.
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for a Game 7
BronBron definitely wasn't all there last and the impending Elbow scandal is not helping. I agree with John, I don't think he should be counted out just yet. I do believe if he doesn't win a championship or at least make it to the finals in the next few years he will be reduced to mere hype status. His team has the pieces; as a leader, he needs to know how to put them together. Forget all the mvps, and players of the week...all of that will be pointless if he doesn't win a ring. Ask Allen Iverson.
ReplyDeleteHis head is wherever Jay-Z is.
ReplyDeleteMY BIGGEST ISSUE WITH ALL THIS...
ReplyDelete... is all the LeBron d-riders suddenly jumping off his nuts and claiming he doesn't have what it takes- that he will "never be Jordan". Well let me remind us all- Jordan didn't win a title until he was 28. LeBron is only 25. There is plenty of time for him to be great so if you want to be a "witness" to "the chosen one", don't discount him off one loss when yesterday you were praising him like he actually was the second coming.
THAT IS ALL!
Do I think he's given up? Not at all; But I do believe the Celtics have found a way to drain him mentally through this series. It's no longer LeBron vs. the Big 3 - now it's LeBron w/ a lingerie 'elbow-gate' scandal vs. the Big Four (w/ Rondo rising to the occasion cosistently throughout this series). Bottom line: he needs to find his drive to dictate the game again. He didn't get MVP honors for being the greatest 'team player'. He got the award consecutively because he can turn on the swith into beast mode at any moment - and he needs to do so asap if the Cavs have any chance of getting out of this series and advancing.
ReplyDeleteAs far as where he will go or not go after the playoffs are said and done: I definitely see him making a move to the Knicks or Nets. However, I don't think he HAS to. Jordan and Kobe are obviously legends in the game- but let's not purposefully forget that they had great supporting casts. LeBron doesn't have a solid 2 players whom he can consistently rely on. Kobe can have an off night and drop only 23 - but best believe they'll still win because Gasol will drop close to 30 and Artest will shutdown the opponents top scorer (or at least slow him down) Who exactly does LeBron have AND has been able to gel with over a decent amount of teammate experience? Virtually No one - unless you count Varejao ... and NO ONE counts Varejao.
1. Lebron Haters/Worriers should read this: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2010/columns/story?columnist=adande_ja&page=lebron-100512
ReplyDelete2. I completely agree with Alicia
3. Michelle you are lying by saying you wouldn't pick up Lebron if you were running a team and had the chance.
and 4. We do still have to remember when comparing Jordan and Lebron: Jordan won a title in his 7th year. This is Lebron's 7th year as well so technically he's played the same amount of NBA ball as Jordan plus with how much these high school stars are being played these days he probably logged the same amount of "pro-level" minutes of Jordan as well so we have to take that into account when comparing Lebron's age to Jordan's.
Fair enough. I guess I didn't state that the best way.
ReplyDeleteAnd I do think this whole thing is a bit overdraumatized, but it does make for good conversation
I woke up this morning and realize - yup, LeBron is leaving. It'd be nice to see him go revive the Knicks. I dont care for the Knickerbockers personally, but it'd be nice for an "arms race" to start in the East, especially with all of these free agent stars on the market.
ReplyDelete