LABron James Discussion: The Final Year?

I split the difference between Kobe and the rest. Kobe obviously had a very singular mind-set, very much like Jordan. Both were more about themselves than anyone else and so the prism of success for them is very specific: all or nothing. I think that's wildly important to have if you are that person. For instance, if you are Kobe Bryant, then yes everything about your career must be viewed through the lens of championships. If you're a reporter, writer, or fan, you can appreciate everything else (the stats, highlights, etc) more, but if you're Kobe you need that ring.

LeBron is built differently and he always has been. He was never Michael, he was always Magic. That's not an insult to anyone, it's the truth. Magic was the greatest showman the league had ever seen, one of the best competitors, one of the best players ever. He wasn't Jordan when it came to singularly putting the team up to the next level on his own back. Magic wanted to pass the ball. He wanted to be the conduit the team wins through, but not necessarily the guy to step on your throat. That's fine. It's a different mentality and a different person.

I think in LeBron's 30s he's found a better balance. I don't forgive his loss against the Mavericks or the one against the Spurs. To me, Kobe is right about those rings. His team had the talent to win those series and he lost. Those to me are winnable series like Kobe's in 04 and 08 were really series he could have won. Those should haunt LeBron. The 2014 loss to the Warriors may be one he should regret too. The others? This year? His first Finals against the Spurs? Last year against the Duranted Warriors? I mean sheesh who could expect him to win those? This year and 07 especially aren't something I can hold against LeBron.

But anyone wanting Jordan for every great player is bound for disappointment. Enjoy the guys you have when you can. Besides, not a single one of those players talked about Kareem, so f*** all of them.

 

I will say this about that tweet. GSW's system on offense is a lot better for others to get involved and have open, better shots. The way the Cavs play and have played the last few years it seems is the basketball for much of the game is always in Lebron's hands. Thus harder for others to shine get those better looks.

I'm not arguing that the Cavs supporting cast is better or we're good enough. I just think the overall offensive emphasis and identity helps a ton. GSW is all about players and ball movement.

 

I saw this a few days ago and OMG, so well done by the great LD2K #chills

 

Notice how the players with no rings are the ones saying they don’t matter as much. Of course Vince Carter would think being to 9 Finals is the best. Also, who the hell invited Jon Barry to that table?

I think Lue isn’t a very good coach. LeBron is really the coach. That 3 minute video after regulation in game 1 of the Cavs bench, sitting in silence, looking absolutely defeated, the game was over right there. Lue doesn’t say anything the entire time. Does Kerr do that? No way.

 

I think this is the little rumor everyone was running about after the Finals. LeBron has already committed his kids to LA.

I think all this talk about "settling down with his family" has been a pretty transparent setup for LA.

 

So, you’re saying he’s going to the Clippers?

 

Great article!

I'm still reading through it but I thought this was a great quote from Kobe when Beck asked the panel - How should we weigh a star's supporting cast? Does LeBron get credit for carrying Jordan Clarkson and JR Smith this far, or penalized for losing with them? We saw how the role players blew Game 1 of the series.

Kobe:

He's so right about having to find a way. Like in 2008 or 2010 when the C's had a super team. Looked at times unfair for teams in the East but Kobe found a way. Wasn't always pretty but he did it.

 

I hate Broussard so much for even suggesting this stuff. If we did this you’d see nothing but depressed, angry posts from me for an entire seaon waiting on CP3’s annual season ending injury to follow up on his 30 game off injury during the season. Also, since when does LeBron not like Lonzo? I’d assume he’d be coming here to play WITH the guy. Skip to about 2:20 for the free agency stuff, or watch the entire thing if you want to see LeBron’s soft cast mocked a little more.

 

I saw this. If we sign CP3...

 

For real. Especially if we found a way to give him close to his actual max of 40 million dollars and sold off all our youth to do it. F*** that.

 

2:00 mark. What is this guy smoking? Though the headline is wrong, he said we wouldn’t get past the 2nd round.



If LeBron comes to LA, does Windbag have to come with him? Because him becoming a Lakers reporter might be a deal breaker for me. Guy doesn’t know jack about basketball.

 

He can't convince himself he'll be on the best team in LA next season?... What?...

Sounds more like he's talking himself OUT of the Lakers.