LeBron James is hogging the spotlight during NBA finals
The NBA finals are going on but LeBron James has put himself center stage. (CNN photo)
This issue has been floating around the media for the last couple of weeks, but it didn’t really start bothering me until the other day, when people started seeking insight from Larry King (seriously?). So let me just put it out there: Does it bother you that LeBron James is hijacking the NBA finals?
This is the kind of thing league executives don’t like. I’ve seen situations where teams were asked to hold off announcing the hiring of a coach until a certain time or day so that it wouldn’t upstage a significant league event, like a championship game. (The NFL generally has every other team in handcuffs during Super Bowl week.)
Loading ...Now, I understand that James can’t stop people from talking about his impending free agency. He is news. But what he can do is not hold nationally televised interviews like the one he taped with King, knowing excerpts were going to be systematically leaked for days leading up to Game 1 of the NBA finals before the actual interview aired (tonight).
And try to follow this: ABC, an NBA rights holder, was so angry that James did an interview with CNN that the network announced throughout the day Thursday that it was going to re-air its month-old “Nightline” interview with James following Game 1 that night. So, in effect, ABC tried to upstage CNN, which upstaged the finals, which is on ABC. Got that?
Again, James can’t control people talking and writing about him. But it’s clear now more than ever that this free agency period, for how ever long it lasts, is a carefully orchestrated Nike production. You doubt that? Here’s something else that just “leaked” out — not that anything really gets leaked unless James wants it to. This comes from AOL Fanhouse’s Sam Amick:
LOS ANGELES — In honor of LeBron James and his apparent insistence on being talked about during the NBA Finals, we interrupt coverage to share some free agency news about the league’s King of hype.
According to a source with first-hand knowledge of James’ plans, the Larry King interview that was shot Tuesday and will air Friday on CNN was only the beginning of his elaborate scheme to draw unprecedented attention to his courting. James, according to the source, is in discussions with Nike to create a new shoe for every visit along his free agent path starting July 1. The shoes would have the date of the visit printed, with James already having scripted his itinerary for the Free Agency Tour 2010.
When asked about the timing of the King interview, NBA commissioner David Stern said, “I don’t have a problem with it. It’s fine. The same way it’s fine to have [President Obama] talk to Marv Albert about where LeBron is going or about our game.”
Stern is being disingenuous. He knows there’s a difference. One is the President talking and the other is James talking. Bottom line is that Stern is not going to publicly call out James, who is probably his biggest revenue producer.
This would be a good time to tell you that Atlanta is not on James’ Nike/free agent itinerary (not that he ever was expected to be). According to Amick, James will visit the New York Knicks first, then New Jersey, then New York. Miami and the Los Angeles Clippers could follow.
See? There I go. Talking about LeBron and not Lakers-Celtics.
Maybe he can just hold interviews with prospective owners and general managers at halftime of finals games at mid-court. Then everybody would be happy.
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129 comments Add your comment
T-Bone
June 4th, 2010
9:57 am
First!!
First time First!
G-Money
June 4th, 2010
10:09 am
Mr. Schultz, James is not hijacking the finals or putting himself in front of or above anything. It is the media who is doing it. You could have chosen to write a piece on something pertaining to the NBA finals, or on the game itself, however you chose to write about this lunacy of this being a great free agent summer. The truth be told, in excess of 95% true NBA fans have been aware of this for the past few years. I mean even the New York Knicks have been aware of this for the past few years. It is not new news, so why do you guys all think that it is necessary to keep the story alive?
DP
June 4th, 2010
10:11 am
Larry’s hair color and volume looks real natural. No wonder his wife was getting it on with the pool boy.
Oedipuss
June 4th, 2010
10:19 am
T-Bone, you are the man. Lebron is a joke, he’s never won anything. He’s been crowned, but the emperor wears no clothes. All hat, no cattle….
Fresh
June 4th, 2010
10:19 am
What G-Money said ^^^^^
cmon son
June 4th, 2010
10:27 am
I’d rather talk about Lebron and the Free Agency and how next season will look, as opposed to the boring playoffs that have been had so far. It’s 2008 all over again which is cool to see a rematch between Boston/LA, but to say Lebron is personally hijacking the finals is the most silly thing I’ve ever read. You’re just making up conspiracy theories. haha.
chad
June 4th, 2010
10:28 am
Lebron has to do something to upstage Kobe because he sure as hell can’t do it on the court. We should be celebrating the real best player in the game…Kobe Bryant.
Not Disappointed
June 4th, 2010
10:33 am
wow, he’s just one man in the NBA! Don’t get me wrong, I like the guy, but Geez!
Ted Striker
June 4th, 2010
10:35 am
I don’t have a problem with it. My reasons, in no particular order:
1) Doesn’t matter to me who wins the finals. By a hair, I’d prefer the Celts, but Lakers is fine and dandy. I respect both franchises.
2) I simply don’t enjoy watching Kobe and am not watching the games because of him. Yes, Kobe is an incredible, awesome, jaw-dropping player…but I simply don’t like the guy, really don’t like the guy. Bryant on the court is a detriment to my enjoyment, no matter how he plays, one way or the other. Can’t explain it however that’s how it is.
3) From my perspective, James is a more compelling saga than the finals. When the finals are done, one team will get rings and a trophy, the other will go home disappointed. Then we’ll forget it. It will mean zilch next season. Where James goes will mean something for at least the next 5 years of league play, likely more, barring injury.
4) In a world of TIVO, DVR, cell phones, twitter, etc — if a basketball fan can’t follow both the Finals and an LBJ media blitz — if they like — it’s on the fan, not anyone else. Stern’s wife is probably getting liposuction paid for by what James (and others) bring to the league. Bonfongoola if he doesn’t like it the timing of the interview.
5) Without the NBA and it’s players, Stern is probably still practicing law or working for Bud Selig.
Hawk n the Ham
June 4th, 2010
10:36 am
Agree Chad.
Kobe > James
TONE
June 4th, 2010
10:38 am
my sources tell me he is going to handpick a coach and stay in cleveland
the final three in his hand picked coaching list are Patrick Callahan currently the head coach of NOME-BELTZ high in Nome alaska, Aubrey Brown currently retired but he coached Julian king in the 5th through the 8th grade julian king is the current secret leader for the hawks head coacing job, third on the list is calipari but they are having trouble agreeing on who would get to call the timeouts during the game Lebron doesn’t want to give up that perk and calipari thinks he should be able to call a timeout every now and then.
Timmy
June 4th, 2010
10:39 am
It really is the media driving this thing…from ESPN to CNN right down to local sportswriters like Schultz. This news seems to be way more fascinating to the media than it is to the public, especially when he’s probably not even leaving Cleveland (MJ, Magic, Bird, Kobe, etc. all got their rings where they started and Lebron will be no exception).
Oedipuss
June 4th, 2010
10:50 am
Lebron would lose to Larry King if the game had any meaning, he is a prima-donna who shines in the regular season, when the men show up for the play-offs he chokes on the moment everytime….
Word
June 4th, 2010
10:56 am
We treate Lebron like he is the King of Kings, but really he has only been to the bid dance once and came home with no date.
Could Lebron be a poison?
Word
June 4th, 2010
10:57 am
big dance
Ben
June 4th, 2010
11:00 am
Jeff, your article was featured on my web site’s Twitter feed. You can read it at twitter.com/sportsownershub. All the best to you.
Tweets that mention LeBron James is hogging the spotlight during NBA finals | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
June 4th, 2010
11:00 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Charley Beans and Jeff Schultz, Sports Owners Hub. Sports Owners Hub said: LeBron James is hogging the spotlight during NBA finals – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog): Atlanta Journal Con… http://bit.ly/aC8ZHn [...]
HawkKingBibby
June 4th, 2010
11:04 am
J.S. Yes it bother me big time. I never liked this clown and while hate is a strong word I hope HE NEVER EVER WINS AN NBA TITLE. I wouldnt trade Mario West for him and I mean that. He thinks he is bigger than the game and makes Kobe look like a modest American hero, lol. PS Any word on the coach thats the only thing thats bigger then the finals for me lol. WHO WILL COACH THE HAWKS?
Clay
June 4th, 2010
11:07 am
Has LBJ ever won ANYTHING? Peewee, Jr High, High School state championship? Anything?
It would be nice for him to win something before he gets called the greatest . . .
King James
June 4th, 2010
11:08 am
I won the Slam Dunk contest! There!!
Morrus
June 4th, 2010
11:09 am
Curiously, in a supposed anti-incumbent year, most of the departing are not retiring but seeking higher office. We may recycle more than we replace. The bad news is that a frustrating 114 seats still have but one contestant. Two of them aren’t even incumbents, meaning they will affect state policy without being vetted by voters. And I have to think that we’d be better off if many had run instead for the Legislature — and cut down on the number running unopposed. Georgia’s problems are numerous. They aren’t going away. There’s too much stale thinking at the Capitol, on both sides of the aisle. New voices would be welcome.
Ron Mexico
June 4th, 2010
11:15 am
He was on that Jimmy Kimmel Game Day thing he did too, and got killed by some guy in shooting free throws on one of those little Chuck E Cheese machines. It was pretty funny, and the closest he’ll get to the finals for a while.
Ron Mexico
June 4th, 2010
11:16 am
And dude, get a life Morrus, we get it, you have posted that on like every blog I have looked at lately, WE GOT YOUR POINT! Now take that crap over to a politcal blog or something. Jesus.
JROLL1
June 4th, 2010
11:17 am
@CLAY, YEAH, OHIO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP…BUT, LAQUEEN HAS NOT WON ANYTHING ON THE NBA LEVEL…….
Clay
June 4th, 2010
11:17 am
Nobody’s mentioning another clown who incessantly “hogs the spotlight” from any major sporting event whether it be the Super Bowl, Final Four, and now The Finals – Barack Hussein Obama.
Ron Mexico
June 4th, 2010
11:20 am
And Hawk in the Ham – Agreed. Thats why Kobe has all them rings.
BBrown
June 4th, 2010
11:23 am
Go Braves!! – Who cares about the NBA or NHL in the summer? This is June and its baseball season! LeBrown needs to take his ball, go home, let the NBA finals play out, then make the rounds if he wants. Yes, he is upstaging the overall entity by which he makes millions of dollars.
Oedipuss
June 4th, 2010
11:31 am
His Mom got game!
Reid Adair
June 4th, 2010
11:32 am
I agree, Jeff. Certainly LeBron James can’t control what sports writers, commentators and talk show hosts say on their own. However, he can certainly control what he does – especially with regard to nationally-televised interviews.
I understand that free agency has to wait until the playoffs are over, but this has been ridiculous.
Ron Mexico
June 4th, 2010
11:35 am
And what kind of moron would by some shoes to commemorate his search for a team. What the hell is wrong with this planet. If your dumb enough to by his shoes for his free agent search, then I have this bridge in Brooklyn to sell also.
Ron Mexico
June 4th, 2010
11:37 am
I heard that Delonte West was hooking up with his mom, and that threw Lebron off enough to cost them the play offs this year too. Wonder how hot his mom is?
LAKE SHOW
June 4th, 2010
11:41 am
“Lebron has to do something to upstage Kobe because he sure as hell can’t do it on the court. We should be celebrating the real best player in the game…Kobe Bryant.”
Hello somebody. But this isn’t Lebron’s fault. He wouldn’t be half the ’superstar’ he is if not for the media zealots. What exactly has this guy done to be lauded as one of the greats?? And to whom is he MVP? The Cavaliers? Certainly not the entire NBA. He and his team are the laughing stock of the league for crying out loud. I blame the overzealous commentators, too.
Chris
June 4th, 2010
11:42 am
Complaining about the media attention focused on LeBron by…writing a blog article focusing attention on LeBron.
The ironing is delicious.
LAKE SHOW
June 4th, 2010
11:43 am
24>23
Ben
June 4th, 2010
11:52 am
I hate Kobe Bryant. He is egocentric and arrogant. This guy puts him to shame.
'Net reaction – 2010 NBA Finals Game 1
June 4th, 2010
11:53 am
[...] LeBron James is hogging the spotlight during NBA finals [...]
Remarkable
June 4th, 2010
11:58 am
Write about the future destruction of the NBA. Is anyone else concerned about this “Free Agent Summit?” How I read this is, “We are all going to get together and decide how much money we all want to make, which team several of us might want to make into a winner (such as when Boston signed Garnett and Allen), and which team(s) gets shafted.” This sounds like collusion to me, but no one has called it yet. Who will care about their teams but the few winners if this continues.
marcus
June 4th, 2010
12:00 pm
lebron is a “hog”! if he would let other players get involved they probably will still be playing. i know atlanta is the new “mecca” for gays and lesbians, but does atlanta police department currently employ “transvestites”? i was walking up spring street and passed a police officer who i thought was a man. the pancake makeup, bigger than life eyelashes made me do a double take. i immediately thought the individual was “undercover” but……
lebron is just like that police officer, what lies beneath the surface is something you really don’t want to know. it’s just like him though, he failed to acknowledge orlando last year, does not want to give his teammates any credit for the past two year’s accomplishments and sold out his coach and does a disservive to his current team by placing himself on the “open market”. if he were true to his craft he’d start working in the offseason to better condition himself and consult with ownership on bringing in the missing pieces. this “king james” crap has gone on long enough, he’s shown to be more of a “judas” than anything else.
GPB
June 4th, 2010
12:01 pm
Who cares about the NBA playoffs? Haven’t they been going on for 6 months already? If it didn’t take so darn long, I might care.
Rufus
June 4th, 2010
12:05 pm
All you Kobe hatter, get a life. Most of you are MJ fans and can’t let go. Go Lakers and Kobe, Kobe.
Another Media Hypocrite
June 4th, 2010
12:09 pm
Jeff,
Your problem has a simple solution. Call all your associates in the media and tell them to stop covering Lebron. Pull down all the Lebron Watch pages on the sports sights. Stop offering your opinions on the subject. Here is a really radical idea! Just wait until he makes a decision. that is what people in the real world do!
Stop complaining and take action if you are so upset by it.
Brett Farve
June 4th, 2010
12:12 pm
How selfish. It’s all about him.
Clay
June 4th, 2010
12:19 pm
All you Kobe hatter …….?? Slow down, Rufus.
Dr. Warren
June 4th, 2010
12:22 pm
Jeff–you wrote that he is visiting New York two times. I think you meant “Chicago” instead of that second New York.
athdog
June 4th, 2010
12:22 pm
Ted Striker,
You said it all. Kobe is a fantastically talented player. I wouldn’t walk acros the street to sit courtside for free to watch him play. Lots of talent in the league, most of it in totally uninteresting to me. Of course, I’m a middle aged white guy whose interest in the NBA lies in the occupants of Phillips arena…and not much interest there, to be honest.
SEC4Life
June 4th, 2010
12:27 pm
Totally agree with G-Money.
I don’t think LBJ is “hijacking” the Finals, but I DO think the media is largely to blame for perpetuating the whole “LeBron Watch 2010.” LeBrick isn’t helping matters by doing these stupid interviews. I mean seriously, Larry King Live? That’s nothing more than someone irrelevant interviewing someone that’s overexposed.
But like someone said previously, we’ve seen this coming for two years now. It just sucks that it’s finally here. David Stern isn’t going to do/say anything b/c LBJ is his cash cow. This was obvious last year when in the aftermath of LBJ leaving the court w/o shaking hands with Magic players, Stern apologized days later ON HIS BEHALF. I knew where Stern stood then.
As for Delonte West, I didn’t want to believe the rumors either until I found this article a week or so ago,
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/20/calvin-murphy-lebron-jame_n_583135.html
Jerry West
June 4th, 2010
12:30 pm
“According to Amick, James will visit the New York Knicks first, then New Jersey, then New York”
so he’s gonna be a Knick?
LAKE SHOW
June 4th, 2010
12:31 pm
“I hate Kobe Bryant. He is egocentric and arrogant. This guy puts him to shame.”
I hope you weren’t a fan of Jordan.
Until Lebron gets three rings, excuse me, 4 and a possible, he’s putting NO ONE to shame.
Tdawg
June 4th, 2010
12:31 pm
Why not just suspend the NBA finals until Lebron has signed with a team?
LAKE SHOW
June 4th, 2010
12:33 pm
I don’t care where this kid ends up. He’s one of the most overrated players since Mike Vick.
LAKE SHOW
June 4th, 2010
12:33 pm
LMAO @ Tdawg
LAKE SHOW
June 4th, 2010
12:38 pm
“2) I simply don’t enjoy watching Kobe and am not watching the games because of him. Yes, Kobe is an incredible, awesome, jaw-dropping player…but I simply don’t like the guy, really don’t like the guy. Bryant on the court is a detriment to my enjoyment, no matter how he plays, one way or the other. Can’t explain it however that’s how it is. ”
Ted, that is what my son would call “haterade”.
b23
June 4th, 2010
12:38 pm
Its funny how everyone blames lebron for not winning a ring when he clearly has never had a team that can be productive in the playoffs…lebron puts up crazy stat lines far better than kobes in the playoffs…if lebron n kobe switched teams u would all be hating on kobe and lebron would be in the finals…fisher, pau, odom even ron-ron have come through in the playoffs…but where were mo n jamison for bron?…and its not like he doesn’t trust them because he averages more assists than any forward…if u hate on lebron u clearly aren’t very knowledgeable about the game….
LAKE SHOW
June 4th, 2010
12:40 pm
Most of the people I know who hate Kobe either hate him because they perceive him as arrogant or are upset with him being compared to the REAL 23. Amusing, since Jordan was, and still is, one of the most arrogant pricks the league has ever seen.
Do a youtube search for “Jordan snubs fan” and see for yourself.
NC Braves Fan
June 4th, 2010
12:47 pm
I don’t like Kobe, but I respect him.
Maybe if Bron Bron actually wins something I’ll respect him, too.
Funny how some folks can excuse away a team that won 66 & 61 games as not having good enough players around LBJ to win the chapmionship.
Maybe that’s true, but it sure doesn’t look like LBJ has learned how to take over a game or series when the chips are down either.
b23
June 4th, 2010
12:47 pm
Of course kobes an arrogant prick like jordan…he had to steal every aspect of his game to come as far as he has…
Rufus
June 4th, 2010
12:51 pm
I hear arrogant from all u Kobe hatter, but I don’t buy that so let’s stop the bs because the real reason is that Kobe is about to replace the GREAT MJ in most of you guy minds. So let’s enjoy greatness in the present. MJ had his time. Also, I have to always remind myself that I am on the East coast, just like that SEC bs.
max
June 4th, 2010
12:57 pm
I think that LeBron will either stay at Clevelend or go play for the Bulls if him and Dwane Wade got together and played for the Cel;tics they would both get their first ring and many more. I am a Jazz fan and i bet that If LeBron went to Utah and Utah trades Carlos Boozer and the first round pick to the cavs then the Jazz and LeBron would get their first ring.
LAKE SHOW
June 4th, 2010
1:00 pm
“Its funny how everyone blames lebron for not winning a ring when he clearly has never had a team that can be productive in the playoffs”
How do they hold the best record in the league for two straight years then get to the playoffs and CHOKE both years? Was his “help” no good when they were winning all those games during the regular season?? Enough with the excuses, this guy is simply NOT THAT GOOD.
max
June 4th, 2010
1:00 pm
LeBron > Kobe I hate Kobe he is really good but I hate the Lakers ever since I was born
LAKE SHOW
June 4th, 2010
1:01 pm
Rufus: H-A-T-E-R
Thanks and good day.
max
June 4th, 2010
1:02 pm
Hey Lake show LeBron hasn’t won a ring cause he hasn’t gotten on a good enough team yet
LAKE SHOW
June 4th, 2010
1:03 pm
max, my condolences for being a Jazz fan. I can certainly understand your hatred for the LAKE SHOW. But Dwyane Wade already has a ring.
max
June 4th, 2010
1:05 pm
I am going Celtics in the Finals 6 games
LAKE SHOW
June 4th, 2010
1:05 pm
max: Lebron is just as overrated as his team. That is all.
Cody The KNow It ALL
June 4th, 2010
1:13 pm
Of course the media is going to be on Lebrons dick about what team he is going to. This is One of the up and coming best players in the NBA. This guy has so much potential and the team he decides to go to will go down in history.
NumberFanatic123
June 4th, 2010
1:15 pm
To all who say Lebron hasn’t won anything. Since when does winning an olympic gold medal not count for anything?
GoodTraction
June 4th, 2010
1:17 pm
Is Larry King wearing a coconut on his head?
LAKE SHOW
June 4th, 2010
1:19 pm
So why hasn’t Cleveland put up any banners, Mr. Know it All? Wasn’t Shaq supposed to be LeQueen and the Cavs’ savior? Shaq, the lauded one who Kobe could not get a ring without? Remember that?
The excuses keep piling for this kid. So now his mom getting her cougar on with Delonte West is the reason they CHOKED?? Was he hitting that last year, too? Are they currently preparing the next EXCUSE for when he BRICKS in 2011?
dap01
June 4th, 2010
1:22 pm
Lebron is a GREAT player but I am tired of his act. I am tired on hearing “he wants a great team around him”. Duh! Every player wants a great team around him. He is the best in the NBA but he clearly CHOKED in the playoffs.
I am tired of the “me first” athletes who feel that they are owed a championship.
FAN OF THE AIR UP THERE
June 4th, 2010
1:31 pm
kobe is great , lebron is great , no doubt lebron would beat kobe one on one but its a team sport , kobe won three titles with shaq and he will win at least two with gasol , and gasol is an elite player .kobe like him or not is more of a team leader where lebron is a me first player . and neither one of them will ever be michael jordan michael did it with a lay off in the middle , he is the best ever arrogance aside.
i can see an argument for bill russel being even better than MJ though.
justin
June 4th, 2010
1:36 pm
max i’m with you man!
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
June 4th, 2010
1:42 pm
71ST
Ted Striker
June 4th, 2010
1:54 pm
Lakeshow, 12:38 & 12:40 — Some guys don’t enjoy hip-hop, some guys don’t enjoy whitefin tuna, some guys feel insecure if they’re dating women who might be extremely attractive but maybe an inch or two taller than them when they’re wearing high-heels. Me, I’m very fine with all those things.
On the flip side, I don’t enjoy runny eggs, Zamfir Master of the Pan-Flute, non-lubricated condoms or watching Kobe Bryant. There are just better options for me. No hate involved, merely 100% personal Ted Striker preference.
JC
June 4th, 2010
1:55 pm
I know I’m late on this, but G-Money, it is the media who ARE doing this. Not is.
JC
June 4th, 2010
2:10 pm
Let’s call this what it is. The off-season, free agency and the NBA draft have become bigger news than the NBA Finals. Why? Because the NBA finals are boring and predictable. 8 of the last 11 Finals have either been won by the Lakers or the Spurs, and 10 of the last 11 have had the Lakers or Spurs in the Finals.
Wake me up when the Lakers win in 5.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
June 4th, 2010
2:18 pm
lakers in a sweep and no one realizes it until the ring ceremony next year.
JC
June 4th, 2010
2:18 pm
FYI, since the NBA-ABA merger, only 10 different teams have won the Finals. And half of those teams only won one championship. Only fairweather or hometown fans enjoy watching a team win multiple titles, especially teams as loathsome as the Lakers and Celtics or as boring as the Spurs.
Timmy
June 4th, 2010
2:19 pm
Remarkable,
only people with the ability to set the prices can participate in collusion. If three of the best workers from the local Wendy’s, Arbys, and KFC all decided to band together to work for the local Taco Bell then that’s not collusion…but if the owners of said companies decided to band together to fix prices or wages then it would be. The players can’t collude because they hold no real executive power…all they can do is bargain.
Steve
June 4th, 2010
2:24 pm
Jeff is there any way you can ban the word “first” or “1st?” Like the post will not post of those words are used?
i_am_soulstar
June 4th, 2010
2:32 pm
I’m not a LBJ fan by any means (probably more of a hater), but I gotta give it up. Lebron is the ultimate businessman. You’ve never seen an athlete in any sport pimp his own free agency the way this guy currently is.
He’s made it an event, and the worst part is, he may already know where he wants to go (stay), but he’s gonna milk it for all it’s worth. I don’t like the guy, but it’s downright impressive. So many writers lambaste LBJ for the Larry King interview, but it’s truly ambition and execution at it’s finest. You gotta appreciate the method to the madness.
Only sad part is (it’s already been said) that he’s exhibiting more focus in free agency than he ever did in the playoffs against the C’s.
1ST
June 4th, 2010
2:33 pm
Is there anyway post by people named Steve can be banned ?
just kidding !
gdawginkalamazoo
June 4th, 2010
2:37 pm
Ted Stryker, on your 10:35am post, point #4 pretty much renders this article useless (the Tivo, DVR argument, not the liposuction comment) Why couldn’t you have posted “First!” and ended this thing quickly.
Now days you can watch 32 different things at one time while facebooking, twitting, text messaging and driving 80+ mph down the interstate. Rewind if you couldn’t understand King James answer.
ScottBravesfan
June 4th, 2010
2:38 pm
The NBA playoffs are still going on? Damn, didn’t those things start three months ago? And now I’m seeing that they are taking not one but two days off between game 1 and game 2? Seriously? Is this football? Is this hockey? Why in the hell would you take that much time off between games when there is hardly any contact in basketball. Unbelievable. The NBA died when Jordan left.
TROTTINGHOME
June 4th, 2010
2:41 pm
He only hogs it cause you print it…just like you did here…dummy
Lebron James
June 4th, 2010
2:42 pm
My momma and Stepdaddy Delonte always said, “If you can’t join ‘em, beat ‘em”
gdawginkalamazoo
June 4th, 2010
2:42 pm
Instead of making the team around them better, players like Lebron get to move around until they get on a team with a couple of other super stars to get a ring. Why couldn’t Charles Barkley think of that one?
JC
June 4th, 2010
2:46 pm
Timmy, it may not technically be collusion, but I think the argument is still valid that LeBron can go to any team in the league and say “I want to play for you – you must also sign Wade, JJ or Bosh, and fill your coaching vacancy with preferred candidate X,” and it would be done within 24 hours. Whatever it is, it’s definitely more powerful than bargaining.
JC
June 4th, 2010
2:56 pm
If anybody’s doubting LeBron’s value, just want to remind you that Jordan didn’t win a title until he was 28. LeBron is 25. It’s not just his current abilities everyone is interested in, it’s his still-undiscovered potential.
kim
June 4th, 2010
3:05 pm
I remember when the game and the players was exciting, now all its about is who going to be the next Jordan or who is in the media the most. If Jordan would have lost like lebron , he would not leave the cavs or blame other people Jordan would be in the gym improving his skills, he would not be in the media acting like everything is ok. Players need to get back to working hard and loving the game. The NBA is crazy now, the players hearts are not in it to me. Instead of working hard and becoming the best and making a team nothing into something , they are picking teams that they know they can win with. This kind of stuff has to be stopped.
StingerSplash
June 4th, 2010
5:01 pm
He hogs the spotlight, because it’s continually being given to him … like this forum.
Who cares what he’s doing right now? Why is this even important? Free agency doesn’t start for a few weeks. Ignore the LeBron Free Agent Summit of Nuclear Disarmament and Whirled Peas.
On the Dan Patrick Show this morning, their poll question was is LeBron getting too much attention right now. Well, yes, if the media continues to make him the focal point of attention through poll questions and columnist blogs (ahem). Ignore The LeBron Show — because, really, what in hell could he possibly do to merit anything newsworthy at this juncture? He can’t sign with anybody — and it won’t distract from the Celtics-Lakers Part 82.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 4th, 2010
5:29 pm
Great post G-Money.
TROTTINGHOME
June 4th, 2010
6:19 pm
Guess what my post was stopped…don’t know why so here goes again…
You could have written about the women Dawgs kicking one of the best pitchers in the game straight in the knickers, but no…we get 3 small paragraphs from the AP…fricking ridiculous…not enough DRAMA I guess…
moorman
June 4th, 2010
7:33 pm
HE NEED to worry about his moma sleeping with the team.
LAKE SHOW
June 4th, 2010
7:46 pm
“I know I’m late on this, but G-Money, it is the media who ARE doing this. Not is.”
Seriously? A spell-check?! GTFOH
LAKE SHOW
June 4th, 2010
7:54 pm
“f anybody’s doubting LeBron’s value, just want to remind you that Jordan didn’t win a title until he was 28. LeBron is 25. It’s not just his current abilities everyone is interested in, it’s his still-undiscovered potential.”
So how does anyone of sound mind call this kid “great”, lump him in with the likes of Kobe and Jordan, or venture to say that he’s better than them? Where does that make sense when he hasn’t done a damn thing “great” yet? Oh, he won an Olympic gold with the rest of Team USA, great!
There.
LAKE SHOW
June 4th, 2010
7:58 pm
Again I ask: how does a team with one of the best records in the league, projected to win it all two years in a row (ha) all of a sudden become “ungood” during the playoffs?? They sure were “helpful” to LeQueen during the regular season, now it’s the rest of the team that sucks when they lose? FACE FACTS: The guy is NOT that great. End of story.
TROTTINGHOME
June 4th, 2010
10:43 pm
http://www.redtieride.com
TROTTINGHOME
June 4th, 2010
10:44 pm
I post something irrelevant and it gets through
jesse james
June 5th, 2010
12:07 am
Yea kind of like Urban Meyer during the National Championship Game. We made James a legend before he earned it.
MitchC
June 5th, 2010
6:45 am
Jeff, I agree with you. The Finals is like the World Series. The spotlight should be on that only.
When baseball players are free agents, I’ve seen commentators during the World Series say “So and so is a free agent next year”, and musing how whatever team he’s leaving, would do without him, but that is all.
Lebron will have plenty of time to be a spotlight hog once the Lakers and Celtics finish playing for the NBA title. Until then, he should sit on the sidelines, watch, (or not watch), and keep his mouth shut.
TommyJack
June 5th, 2010
7:41 am
Larry King’s shoulders are nasty. Does he have to register those things?
LebronSucks
June 5th, 2010
7:45 am
no matter what team Lebron James plays on, He will never win a championship!!! he is selfish and so not a team player. If he wasn’t so selfish and arrogant maybe he’d do better. He didn’t deserve the MVP and sure doesn’t deserve an ring.
who cares where he goes…………….send him to college please. he is such a scab………… Kobe is the best player in the NBA stop hating on Kobe folks!!!!
rover n lassie
June 5th, 2010
8:14 am
I’d rather talk about michael vick
KB from ATL
June 5th, 2010
8:47 am
Thank you G-Money.
It’s officially obvious the media has no friggin clue they are the virus. This imbecile writes LeBron is hogging the spotlight over the NBA finals, but never considers writing a piece devoid of LeBron. The truly sad part is Shultz is highlighted in the sports column of the AJC, when his articles are rarely about the games played, but more like drivel which has been contrived after a glass or two of Bone’s Farm. Here’s a thought AJC, move this so-called “writer” to another column or drop his pieces all together. We readers could get more from a community college underground paper.
Suffering Fools Madly
June 5th, 2010
9:11 am
We aren’t talking Roy Hobbs here, folks. James nor any other professional athlete is in it for the love of the game. They are in it because they love themselves. Their resultant behavior should neither surprise or disappoint anyone.
Nor should anyone be surprised that the sports press reports on sports related news. Don’t read, watch or listen if you don’t like it.
Oedipuss
June 5th, 2010
11:21 am
Lebron is the king of talcum powder celebrations….
Timmy
June 5th, 2010
12:14 pm
JC – Only if that team either 1) has the cap room to sign all of those players or 2) can convince one or more of those players to take a pay cut (which is unlikely).
If a team chooses to sign him and one of those other players, they’re doing just that: choosing. The salary cap is still in place and it’s not NBA franchise owners getting together to decide to lowball a certain player, fix ticket prices, etc. It’s just a good player getting what he wants.
Elmo
June 5th, 2010
1:20 pm
The NBA is just an big old media whore. Nothing – Nothing – that the Chief Carny – Dave Stern can peddle – is off limits.
Where’s the remote ?
sam
June 5th, 2010
3:39 pm
Ummmm…you just gave him more media attention with this article.
NBA
June 5th, 2010
5:08 pm
Jeff S. and other posters on this board–you’re just talking smack about LBJ because you silly Hawks fans have absolutely nothing good to talk about when it comes to your sorry team.
DrewDawg
June 5th, 2010
6:22 pm
Thank You 4 noticing this Jeff it’s iratating me too!
karen deep
June 5th, 2010
6:44 pm
all you kobe haters here are a buncha pricks. honestly if you think kobe is arrogant u obviously have never watched Michael Jordan play. and you guys are just jeous because kobe>lebron.
karen deep
June 5th, 2010
6:44 pm
Enter your comments here
Alicia
June 5th, 2010
11:08 pm
wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
kobe is a
June 5th, 2010
11:37 pm
kobe is a rapist there i said it. it happened
jesse james
June 6th, 2010
12:00 am
Lebron is a good example of the American basketall player of today. They can’t shoot and rely on athletic ability. Fundamentals are missing. Cut him off from the basket and you can stop him.
Ross
June 6th, 2010
1:54 am
Do basketball fans ever get sick of these egomaniacs?
TommyJack
June 6th, 2010
10:21 am
It would suit TJ if they scuttled the entire NBA. And while there at it, take Larry King too.
J-Smoove
June 6th, 2010
10:46 am
I would enjoy a halftime interview during the finals with LeBron and other GM’s from across the league. Celtics vs. Lakers is a great story because of their history, but the Lakers will win in either 4 or 5 games so at least it would add some excitement to the finals. LeBron is not taking the spotlight away from the finals… It’s not his fault that he is the most dominating player in the league! This is a ridiculous article!
heartofdarkness
June 6th, 2010
12:00 pm
“Stern is being disingenuous.” There is no end to the amazing insights you can discover in a Jeff Schultz blog. Next we will discover it is NBA policy that if the sun is shining somewhere on the globe, it’s time for self-promotion.
Exploiting the fools
June 6th, 2010
12:24 pm
If some jackass buys a show to commemorate Lebron’s rejected suitors, then that jackass deserves a lighter wallet.
Jordan Schafer believes he’ll work his way back to Braves | Jeff Schultz
June 6th, 2010
1:48 pm
[...] ♦ LeBron James is hogging the spotlight during NBA finals [...]
Bsmooth
June 6th, 2010
10:27 pm
G Money hit it on the head. Who cares about Lebron free agency
tucker
June 6th, 2010
11:33 pm
are you even watching the finals???
who cares about LeBron and where he ends up.
The Celtics put on a clinic tonight and will defeat the Lakers, Kobe, Lama ect. all and win #18
brandon
June 7th, 2010
9:53 am
Lebron is a cancer. He thinks he is the best thing to ever happen to the NBA and believes he is already the best player. The fact is that Lebron has won nothing, I would much rather have D-Wade on my team. D-Wade 1 championship, Lebron 0. How bout this stat, Adam Morrison 1 championship, Lebron 0. Lebron acts like he is better then everyone else in the NBA, when he will never measure up to Jordan or Kobe because he might be able to handle the media hype, get the big shoe contracts, put on a good show during the regular season, but he doesn’t have the killer instinct. As much as he uses his “I just ate a lemon” scour after he dunks, he got as far as the Hawks did in the playoffs this year. Lebron can suck it.
Why would Avery Johnson pick Nets (other than money)? | Jeff Schultz
June 9th, 2010
12:00 pm
[...] ♦ LeBron James is hogging the spotlight during NBA finals [...]
joe
June 10th, 2010
10:35 am
regular season mvp.has never been a nba champion.he ask for shaq, parker ,jamison,big z was back and still donot win.
EL
June 12th, 2010
10:52 pm
good article…..wise and insightful man…..