I thought I’d hate LeBron. Turns out I’m feeling sorry for him

Okay, I surrender. LeBron James and Co. have won me over. (AP photo)

Okay, I surrender. I have no idea what it is LeBron James is trying to do. (AP photo)

I thought this would be easy, pulling against LeBron James. Eleven months ago I’d worked up a disdain I figured would carry me through 2011 and probably 2021. But here Miami is, playing for the NBA title, and I have a confession:

I’m actually starting to feel sorry for LeBron.

He’s the best player in the world. He’s on the sport’s biggest stage. He’s hiding in the corner.

He scored 17 points in Game 3 of the NBA finals, which prompted Gregg Doyel of CBS Sports to dub him an “incredibly shrinking superstar.” Bristling at a Doyel question, James took pains to extol the virtues of all-around excellence,  and in his defense he did feed Chris Bosh for the jumper that won Game 3, and when your team wins you can say whatever you want.

There can, however, be no defending Game 4. James scored eight points, a personal playoff low. He took one fourth-quarter shot. The Heat blew a sizable lead for the second time in three games, and suddenly the Legion of Superheroes doesn’t look super or heroic — it looks like a hugely gifted team that doesn’t know what to do.

Check that. Dwyane Wade knows. He was supposed to be the Boy Wonder to LeBron’s Caped Crusader, but in the finals Wade has averaged 29.8 points to James’ 17.3. Even Bosh, always regarded as the least of the Big Three, has outscored James in this series.

That’s correct. The best player in the world has become the third-leading scorer on his team.

Eleven months ago, I’d have sworn typing such a sentence would fill me with glee. That’s how frosted I was over “The Decision” — that programming monstrosity foisted on us by LeBron and ESPN. It was the utter height of hubris, and in one stage-managed hour I went from liking James to hoping he never wins anything ever.

But time has, as time will, softened my outrage. “The Decision” was a grievous mistake. NBA commissioner David Stern said so. Even ESPN’s ombudsman said so. But I’d been a LeBron fan since I saw him play for St. Vincent-St. Mary High in Greensboro on Martin Luther King Day 2003, and as these playoffs have unfolded I’ve started to think it might not be the worst thing in the world if he gets his title.

Through 3 1/2 quarters of Game 4, that long-sought championship — the very reason for “The Decision” to leave Cleveland in the lurch — seemed very near. (Earlier that day, James had told reporters he was “starting to taste” a title.) Only thing was, the Decider was having little to do with it. The ball was going to Wade on every trip, and he was operating as if he’d become LeBron James surrounded by lesser Cavaliers.

That part about standing in the corner? I mean it literally. James stationed himself — I say that because I can’t imagine this was an Erik  Spoelstra ploy — 25 feet from the goal. And stood there. In the infamous Game 5 against Boston last season, James was criticized by Cavs fans for not shooting. This time he barely moved.

Why would the world’s best player decide not to try very hard? Was he afraid of rankling Wade? If so, what was that  blather about uniting with players of similar ability for the greater good? Was LeBron scared of the moment? If so, why would the greatest amalgam of speed, strength and skill in the history of the sport be scared of any moment?

A conspicuously ailing Dirk Nowitzki scored 10 points in the fourth quarter of Game 4. An apparently healthy LeBron James has scored nine fourth-quarter points this series. The guy who wanted out of Cleveland because his supporting cast wasn’t good enough is standing around admiring D-Wade’s work. I’m confused by this startling development — heck, everybody is — and I’m also confused by my response to it.

I thought it’d be amusing to see LeBron lose, but I don’t want him to lose like this. If Nowitzki and the Mavericks outplay him and the Heat straight-up, so be it. But this way feels wrong. It’s as if King James has, on the morning of his coronation, chosen to abdicate the throne.

By Mark Bradley

145 comments Add your comment

Dawglasville

June 8th, 2011
4:38 pm

GT Joe – Race? I remember watching the big coming out party in Miami. He looked soooo sad during “the decision.” He and Bosh didn’t look too upset dancing and macking up on that stage. I was watching that wondering what Bill Russell, Dr J, Magic, Akeem, Duncan were thinking about watching it. Notice the people I mentioned were all black. Those are players I admire. Magic and Barkley both said that they couldn’t get behind the way that team was put together. If white people feel the same way is that racist? If I pull for Dirk does that make me racist? Even if I pull for Mike Tomlin and Danica Patrick? Do you remember what happened to the boy who cried wolf? I’m sorry. I’m sure that there are many subtle levels of racism that I am not sensitive to. I really, really, really don’t understand how you can say that.

LeQuit James

June 8th, 2011
4:50 pm

The way he played last night is how he played in game 5 last year, and that is why Cleveland did not win the championship. Because he is such a mental midget with no guts or pride. He may be called the greatest player of his generation, but of all time? I don’t think so. He doesn’t have the mental toughness to be a true winner.

Time

June 8th, 2011
5:02 pm

No pity for him. You make your bed and you sleep in it. He’s always had the physical skills but exposed the fact he doesn’t have it mentally to win big with how he left Cleveland. First quitting on the team, then the decision, then all the early celebrations of the year. The Heat may win titles, but he will never be the reason they do.

Go Mavs. Sad thing is all the focus on LeBron is just distracting from the real all time great in this series. One who has long been overdue for some of the praise he’s finally getting. Dirk Nowitzki

BravesFan79

June 8th, 2011
5:03 pm

How can he be the best player in the world when Dirk outscores his constantly in crunch time!?? What i hate most about James is after he eventually wins a title from piggybacking off of a better player like Wade, HE will get all the credit for being “the great one”. BS!
Players who i would rather see have the ball in the 4th quarter: Drexler, Nash, Jordan, Reggie Miller.. guys like that were CLUTCH! James is more on Pippens level than Jordans. And if he wants respect from long time NBA fans like myself, he should drop the “king” title all together.

You're Stupid

June 8th, 2011
5:14 pm

Larry,
You’re stupid.

Najeh Davenpoop

June 8th, 2011
5:27 pm

He’s not the best player in the world if he’s not the best player on his team in the biggest moments.

LeBron doesn’t deserve anyone’s sympathy. He quit in the playoffs last year and has repeatedly implied through his words and actions that the subpar team around him in Cleveland was the cause of his lack of championships there, and now he’s proving what was obvious last year — that he doesn’t have what it takes to step his game up on the big stage.

Like Jason Segel says in that commercial, call me when LeBron has six championships. It’s the only argument I need.

UGA UGA

June 8th, 2011
5:39 pm

Could be worse – he could be earning what an ajc blog writer makes.

Earl

June 8th, 2011
5:53 pm

Labron has most eating out of his hand. He is nothing but a self centered, self serving overpaid basketball player that could not make a living at anything but.

Just Me

June 8th, 2011
5:54 pm

UGA UGA
That was a low blow. Mark B, DOL Michael C, and Jeff S work hard to put things on the blogs people want to read and comment on. If you don’t like what the Writers post then don’t read or post.

BR

June 8th, 2011
6:01 pm

I will agree that Jordan was the best basketball player of his era, but he is no magic (in magics prime who won Finals MVP from the center position) no matter how much Magic talks the script. Magic beat better teams [(teams that thrashed Jordan until they were too old to do so (or had star players with broken backs)]. I don’t even know how you quantify “best North American team sports player of all time.”

I wonder if Jordan would’ve dominated the NBA if he had to face zone defenses or the current defensive schemes (real team defense)? Jordan never played real basketball once he left UNC. And never dominated until the NBA expanded and allowed the depth to be such that he could get rings.

Erik Spo deserves the blame if Miami loses this series. I guess that Rick is proving himself the great coach once again. Anybody that can win 50+ games with at detroit team starring Jerry Stackhouse, Corliss Williamson, and Cliff Robinson, he can win featuring two future HOF’ers and their cast of x-team leaders, all-stars and highly drafted players that are finally showing benefits.

The Jordan Lebron comparisons are valid because Lebron is facing a better, tougher NBA than Jordan ever did. NBC Miami wrote a beautiful column:

http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/sports/Stubborn-Spo-Getting-Taken-to-School-123476984.html

BR

June 8th, 2011
6:03 pm

Jordan was avant-garde as was Bill Russel, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West and Pistol Pete. Eventually Dr J Larry Bird and Magic were avant-garde. Jordan, Clyde, Shaq and AI were the next wave. The league has caught up with the once avant-garde.

This series proves that Pat Riley has hired a coach much like himself: a guy who doesn’t make in game adjustments that work. Rick Carlilse on the other hand has won the second half of every game other than game 1…..I wonder why?

hubba hubba

June 8th, 2011
6:10 pm

It is all too easy to pull against the Heat. What a bunch of crybabies. Wade and James both have never created a foul apparently and cry the whole game when called. Wade is the biggest flopper since we saw the Italian soccer team in the world cup

You're Stupid

June 8th, 2011
6:13 pm

Actually, I think Bosh is more of a flopper

BR

June 8th, 2011
6:13 pm

PS – for all the “Championships are a stat that determine individual greatness” posters out there, championships are a team stat unless you play golf or tennis. If championships are your logic, Bill Russel is the best of all time. Just being consistent with logic.

For all the “overpaid posters,” if people are paying the prices that they are paying to go to games league-wide, should we have a system like college sports where the coaches, female sports and some AD make all the cash on the work of Football, Baseball, and Basketball athletes or should the players get paid a fair cut of the profits of the brand?

The ATLien

June 8th, 2011
6:13 pm

Here Here, Hubba Hubba!!!

LeWhiner is a mentally weak, self absorbed, unable to handle the moment JERK!!! If the basketball gods have their way he will – at least in his feeble mind – be the greatest ever to NOT win a title!!!!!!!!!!!

The ATLien

June 8th, 2011
6:16 pm

BR – you are on crack, plain and simple.

In Jordan’s day those moves to the basket by LePunk and Dwayne Shady would have been leveled with a broken collarbone by Charles Oakley or any one on the Detroit Bad Boys. And MJ would have murdered a zone defense.

doc

June 8th, 2011
6:19 pm

mark, you went brain dead on your vacation. i will welcome you back when you come to your senses.

it would do the world a better service if dirk and cuban get the title this time. it would be too easy for the queen to walk in a grab up a title then five more. he is good from the neck down and that is what you have been over admiring forgetting how he walked off the court two years ago as a petulant two year old having his candy taken away from him then did even worse by quitting on his team then the city that raised him on “the decision” which was the worst thing i have never seen in my life because i couldnt stomach the idea of watching someone self appointed king not living up to it.

yes he will get his title but make him work for it and grow up in the mean time. he had every right to leave and go where he wanted to. just pay your dues before your taste something that you havent even smelled before.

please let me smile as stern gives his fake smile to cuban as he hands them the trophy. that would be the karma i wold love to see played out.

Phil

June 8th, 2011
6:21 pm

Who cares… the NBA is garbage..

Heath

June 8th, 2011
6:21 pm

Sympathy for Mr “I’m taking my talent to Miami?”

I think not.

BR

June 8th, 2011
6:23 pm

I agree with you, ATLien, Jordan couldn’t even win in that physical NBA. Jordan didn’t win a ring until refs started calling in his favor which is why he got to the line way more often then any other player he played with. He didn’t win a ring until 90 jobs were added to the NBA. Jordan wasn’t a three point shooter on the level of Lebron James, D Wade or Kobe Bryant. Jordan wasn’t a passer either. Jordan has no proof in his playing career that he could win against a zone or against the NBA until it expanded (also known as allowing players in the league that formerly were only good enough to play in Europe or Canada). Jordan is the greatest marketing beast in the NBA’s history, but that doesn’t mean he is the greatest outside of his era.

MAD-DONNA

June 8th, 2011
6:24 pm

First of all, there is no “best player in the world” Mr Bradley, there are only best players, [in our minds]! “Opinions are just like butt holes!” Secondly, if LJ was not so arrogant, my OPINION might be the same as yours!

hubba hubba

June 8th, 2011
6:29 pm

GT Joe Never fails to amaze me how youngsters are so anxious to crown the new phenom in any sport as the best player ever. Basketball, golf, baseball- you name it. In the case of golf what it seems to me is that we have millions of new Tiger fans who most certainly are not golf fans. Will not even watch if he is not playing. But do you really think James is better than the few that you named- Russell, Wilt, Oscar; and MJ??? MJ??? Of course you left out a few- Dr. J comes to mind. Tell me what James has won- a couple of MVP’s?? Any championships? Is this even his team- no way- this is still Wade’s team. Let’s wait and see how the new “Greatest player ever” turns out with a full career under his belt. That goes for LeBron, Tiger and whatever other sports phenom that you want to anoint so prematurely.

The ATLien

June 8th, 2011
6:29 pm

So by your same reasoning, BR, then LeBrat should have at least 3 rings by now….

I rest my case

Heath

June 8th, 2011
6:31 pm

Dickey Simpkins has more rings than Lebron will ever see.

I’m not saying, I’m just saying.

hubba hubba

June 8th, 2011
6:32 pm

BR I’ll let Jordan’s records speak for themselves. But you are certainly welcome to your love affair for the new kid on the block who spends half of his time game wise finding the camera to pose for over and over. He is the biggest hot dog in the NBA today and the biggest crybaby also.

sports chik:o]

June 8th, 2011
6:37 pm

lebrons good, but comn strait to nba from high skool, he nevergrew up,too cocky

BR

June 8th, 2011
6:42 pm

My last post of the night – Championships are determined by the teams and coaches you are playing against. Individuals, no matter how dominant they are as individuals, don’t win rings unless their team can help them out. Jordan won rings with All-NBA defenders, and all-time great catch and shoot players. The Chicago bulls were the second seed in the playoffs (55-27) without MJ with Pippen as Captain and BJ Armstrong as the #2.

Jordan won 6 because he played on a great team. Much like Magic or Bird winning thier rings because of who they won with.

I we are talking individual dominance of a sport, championships are a very unfair way to measure that.

The ATLien

June 8th, 2011
6:48 pm

ok BR… so what you’re saying is if LeBum doesn’t now, when he has all that you mentioned, then he’s out of excuses right?????????

BR

June 8th, 2011
6:51 pm

Magic is the best individual player of all time. If not Magic, Wilt, if not Wilt Kareem, if not Kareem Russel. Kobe, MJ, Lebron, ect fall after those guys. Kareem was the leading scorer on a Laker championship team during MJ’s career. I’ve watched games where Wilt as an old man had fun with Kareem on the offensive end. I just think the ghost of MJ is much more impressive than MJ actually was.

Name one player that was a point guard who’s MVP center got hurt and had to start in the NBA finals at the Center position and would be able to win finals MVP. Could Jordan? Could Lebron? Maybe Bryant? Nope none of them could. Magic did.

If you put MJ in his prime in this league, I think Jordan is just another guy, that happens to be in the Kobe, Wade, Melo, Durant, Lebron, Dirk, Rose club. Great players who have mixed made better the model playing styles of Dr. J, Bird, or Magic.

hubba hubba

June 8th, 2011
6:56 pm

Of course you did not mention that Jordan made the first team all nba 10 times OR made the first team all defensive team 9 times. I guess Pippen and the rest on the Bulls did not carry him after all to those 6 titles.
It is a fact that he is considered by acclamation to be the best nba player ever. EVER. Deal with that fact pal.

Finish Up

June 8th, 2011
6:56 pm

Lebron and Dwayne will light it up in game 5, get a win, then blowout Dallas in game 6 for the title—mark it down! Lebron will not be denied. The partying in south beach may last for days!! lebron’s entourage alone may fill up 2-3 clubs.

Al

June 8th, 2011
6:57 pm

I don’t understand all the HATE against Labron. He did what we ALL would LOVE to do…choose his employer. So what if he left Cleveland. He didn’t owe them anything. He played there for 7 years…and the owner is $100 MILLION richer as a result of his presence. All the merchants in the area got paid off his presence. He wanted to leave and he did. What was he supposed to do, stay for loyalty? To what? If they wanted to trade him, there wouldn’t have been any loyalty. The same stupid mindset exists for employers and employees on a smaller level. Employees are supposed to be loyal at all cost, when employers can lay people off on their way out to lunch.

He’s a team player (as evidenced by his assists). He left because HE wanted to play on a better team. He took a pay cut to do so. He voluntarily shared the spotlight with two other superstars. How’s that so arrogant and self centered? The venom directed at him is illogical. He did what we all would like to do, and many of us actually chose to do when we change jobs…go somewhere that make us happier. Regardless to how he left, he didn’t and doesn’t owe the city of Cleveland, the state of Ohio, or the Cavilers organization a damn thing. They all benefited from his presence, and clearly still mourn his departure. Good for him for doing what was best for him and his family…the exact same thing that all of these stone throwers would do as well, given the opportunity.

hubba hubba

June 8th, 2011
6:59 pm

He has promised us 9 rings at Miami- I guess we shall see.

BR

June 8th, 2011
7:03 pm

ATLien/those in this line of thinking
About this series, I think this is a coaching mismatch, much like the Lakers when they possessed Shaq, Bryant, Payton, Malone, ect. Larry Brown abused Phil Jackson. When players look stupid(dumbfounded) that normally look amazing (i.e the Lakers against Dallas this year or the celtics against Cleveland or Orlando in playoffs past, Atlanta against Orlando this year), the coach is having a good time at practice.

Rick Carlilse won 50 games with Cliff Robinson, Jerry Stackhouse and Chucky Atkins as his star players. I repeat Rick Carlilse won 50 games with Cliff Robinson, Jerry Stackhouse and Chucky Atkins as his star players. For some odd reason in college basketball we celebrate Bob Knight, Coach K, and Tom Izzo as great coaches, yet we only think Red and Phil Jackson in the NBA. Maybe Rick is having a good time at practice.

This series is not a knock against Lebron just as the Laker series wasn’t a knock against Malone, or the many finals losses that Wilt Chamberlain had. Championships are a team stat mixed with coaching. Dan Marino is the second best QB to ever play. Does he fall behind Bradshaw or Young because he doesn’t have a ring? In Tom Brady’s championship seasons, he was not an impressive QB as an individual stat maker. Actually, for Brady, stats and rings seem polar opposites. The better the stats, the harder the ring.

Those rings in Chicago are proof there was no team on an equal level as the Chicago Bulls in their playoff path. If the heat lost this series, it would be because their are better teams in their playoff path. I believe a healthy Celtic team with KP is still the best team in the East. Miami has no depth. Dallas, LA, Boston, and Atlanta (minus Larry Drew or Mike Woodson) are better teams than Miami and Chicago(has no depth much like Utah circa their finals losses to a Chicago team with depth.

BR

June 8th, 2011
7:09 pm

Hubba Hubba, Chicago won 55 games without Jordan. Which means if you add one great player to that team. If you add Clyde Drexler, John Starks, Reggie Miller, Kobe, D-Wade, Michael Cooper, Joe Johnson, Chris Paul, or any other 2 guard that was a key contributor of a winning team to that team who could both take games over on the dribble, they win that amount of rings.

All Jordan added to the Bulls based on that average 6 wins a season and 2 playoff series(when they won championships which eliminates his first 6 years in the league). That makes perfect sense.

hubba hubba

June 8th, 2011
7:10 pm

You show your ignorance when you say that LeBron is facing a tougher NBA than Jordan did. The NBA that Jordan faced would plant Wade and LeBron in the third row consistently if they brought it inside repeatedly.

who cares?

June 8th, 2011
7:27 pm

really…….. fact is…… LJ is a great athlete but NOT the greatest PLAYER….too many variables in a team sport to give credit or blame to a single team member

own up

June 8th, 2011
7:29 pm

if lebron and dwayne don’t win the title this year, they’ll put out a message “We owe you one” and win it easy next year.

BR

June 8th, 2011
7:39 pm

Hubba
Jordan did not win 1 ring in that NBA. Period. The day I see game footage of a championship series after the Laker series in 91(minus Kareem – Magic won all of his rings with Kareem as the leading scorer except for the one Magic started at center) where Jordan was roughed up (I’ve seen Pippen pushed around, I’ve seen Grant and Rodman pushed around) is the day I’ve not watched 90s basketball.

The day when Jordan had to face any all-time great teams in their prime (he beat Boston post Larry Breaking his back and he beat a Laker team that didn’t have Kareem which I’ve already stated didn’t win 1 ring without Kareem) is a team I don’t know about. And don’t name the overrated Utah Jazz that didn’t reach the second round more times than they made the second round. Maybe the Hawks lead by Dikembe and Mookie are of historical significance? Maybe the Miami heat with Mourning and Hardaway? Maybe the Magic that had Shaq and Penny(”the next Mike”) as it’s leaders? Maybe we could compare a Phoenix suns team with Charles Ainge and Cebbalos with the Lakers with Kobe, Pau, and Artest? Maybe we could say the Pistons that lost to the spurs aren’t as good as the Sonics with Kemp Detliff and Payton? Maybe my ignorance is showing.

Maybe it’s easier for a penetration specialist who for his first 9 seasons shot 24% from 3pt range(MJ) to score against a zone than it is against league mandated man defense where defenders have to be within 3 ft of their man at all times or it’s illegal defense? Maybe I’m ignorant. We all see what happened last night to Miami when Dallas switched to a zone against very similar playing styles.

The same analogy can be made in football for wide receivers. It was much tougher to be a wideout (and much easier to be a corner) when DB’s were aloud to bump receivers the full length of the field. No wonder Jerry Rice and Rison broke every record in the book. Only getting bumped 5 yards helps you out. It’s much tougher to be Swann or Drew Pearson. MJ and Jerry Rice are one and the same.

BR

June 8th, 2011
7:48 pm

The day I see footage after the 91 season that was physical for MJ or any other guard that was a franchise head is the day I’m ignorant. The day MJ beat an all-time great team in the playoffs before players were hurt(Larry Bird Broken back) or with players that meant automatic championships (Magic without Kareem = 0 championships), or zone defense which makes it tougher for guys like Jordan (who shot 24% from the 3pt line his first 9 seasons) to score, or a three point line they moved in a foot because the shooters were so bad in that era, is the day I’m ignorant. But as long as those things remain true, I will stick to what I know.

BR

June 8th, 2011
7:55 pm

For anybody responding, please don’t list any teams Jordan played against in the playoffs because none of them would hold a candle to either the west conference losers such as Sacrimento, Phoenix, LA, Dallas, San Antonio or 1 east coast loser in Boston. John stockton and Karl Malone are not a great team. The are two great players who lead a team that lost more times in the first round than a team that deserves mention. Seatle is a great team? Maybe Portland or Phoenix with Sir Charles and Ainge? As I’ve mentioned, Magic won 0 rings after Kareems retirement in 89.

Vince

June 8th, 2011
8:14 pm

Idiots….both of ya!

hubba hubba

June 8th, 2011
8:21 pm

Your hatred of Jordan is obvious- your failure to recognize his greatness speaks to your bias and says more about you than about him. As I said before- Jordan is acknowledged generally by the experts as
the greatest player to have played- it’s pretty much by acclamation. Let’s see how your kid does- this is year 8 with no rings yet. He has promised 8 with his stacked lineup. By the way if this does not work out maybe he can add Kobe to the team and maybe steal a big man to round out the moneyed heat team- maybe call them the five spot.

hubba hubba

June 8th, 2011
8:23 pm

He won 6 against the best of his day- that’s all he could do- play out his schedule. What he did not do was try and stack a team so he could win one ring like little lebron. Poor baby.

[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]

guy

June 8th, 2011
8:38 pm

Feeling sorry for L.J. is like feeling sorry for Dennis Rodman. SPOILED AND UNGRATEFUL!

BR

June 8th, 2011
8:49 pm

Hubba Wrong again. One certain MJ pulled a stunt much like Kobe in demanding help (better than HOF’er Pippen) or he would leave Chicago when he was getting thrashed by the great teams of the 80s.

Since Lebron is such a problem for you leaving Cleveland for a better market and help, is KG leaving Sota to join two future HOF’ers a problem? How about Kareem leaving Milwaulkee for LA? Or Wilt? Or Clyde Drexler? Ray Allen? Or maybe you don’t like anybody else who did the same thing. Maybe you don’t like Eli Manning? Junior Seau? Tomlinson?

The way he did what he did was a bad decision, but the what he did is very normal.

PS the best of Jordans day was a collection of horrible teams at the top that is unmatched by any other era of basketball. For me to say this league is better would be very accurate. For me to say the NBA of 1976 – 1989 was much better than 1989 – 2002 would be very accurate.

For me to say that Jordan had a handicap also known as the rule book and the three point line would be very accurate. For me to say it is tougher for guys to play now when elite teams play each other would be very accurate. By your logic, of “Championships determine best” your Best of all time is Bill Russell (twice the amount of rings as jordan who beat the “best of his day” followed by Robert Horry(who has more rings than Jordan against the “best of his day.)”

Or you could say championships = great teams + great coaching. And let the greatest of all time be a discussion of either individual ability [which Lebron, Durant, Magic, Kobe, Wilt, Kareem, and Russell (Wilt and Russel to the point that Russell, as advised by Red, held back in fear of being attacked by racist and Wilt in fear of being required to score 55 ppg and 22 rbg every season of his career) win] or stat line conversation [which can be won by Bird, Magic, Wilt, Kareem, Moses Malone, Baylor, Bryant, Shaq, Malone, Durant, and Lebron(Lebron Durant depend on them staying healthy over time). The day I read about Jordan holding back is an enlightening day for me.

Ekim

June 8th, 2011
9:12 pm

I quit watching ESPN after “The Decision.” I’d disliked their coverage for a while, but that sealed the deal. I will occasionally watch a football game with no sound, but that’s about it.

montell

June 8th, 2011
9:36 pm

lebron tired of this disrespect—he gonna light it up big in games 5 and 6 and bring the trophy home to south beach. He’ll be partying till next week!

South Georgia

June 8th, 2011
9:42 pm

It is always enjoyable to watch an egomaniac look human. Lebron was not served well by skipping college. He has had little adversity in his life and it shows in the heat of the moment. Pippen spoke prematurely about his “greatness”.