LeBron James Discussion: Not Returning To The Lakers

For me I've got MJ at #1 and KAJ at #2. Unless LeBron displays unprecedented longevity, I don't see anyone displacing Kareem at that spot.

Afterwards I think you can argue more. I'd put Kobe, Wilt (depends on how you see eras), and LeBron in 3-5. You could also put Magic somewhere there followed by Bird. I'd say Kobe and LeBron are neck and neck at this point, with the slight edge to Kobe because ringzzz. One ring for LeBron on a stacked team would tie him with Kobe IMO, and two would pass him to that #3 or #2 spot. If he gets one on a not so great team at this stage in his career, especially with the Warriors being around, I'd have to push him to #2 or #3 right away.

Right now Kobe has 4 rings as a primary option (yes, he was the Superman, not robin, to Shaq's Batman for 2/3), and 1 as a secondary option (the first). LeBron has 3 as a primary option. I'd call their individual achievements pretty much even, as the only ones he really has over Kobe as MVPs and stats, the difference in which isn't THAT big when you take into context Kobe's time in the league, including things like the Triangle, era, and strength of conference.

I know rings depend a lot on the team you have. But the ultimate goal of the game for the greatest isn't to get MVPs or scoring titles, but rather to win a championship. If there's a player who should be held to a high standard on that front, it is LeBron, considering he dictated his team situation numerous times to optimize specifically for that purpose (Miami, Cleveland round 2), especially during his prime years.

 

Funnily enough, KAJ wrote a nice article about Lebron today:

https://www.newsweek.com/2019/02/22...s-goat-1327188.html?__twitter_impression=true

I think the recent news on LBJ is based on our recent results. If we can win a couple of games in a row, the LBJ bandwagon will be rolling again.

 

We can have some good discussions about #2, but yes, Cap is the GOAT.

 

I hope all this negativity on LeBron lights up a fire that will make him play better and with more intensity. I hope he thrives off criticism, because I know Kobe did...

 

Rich/Bron are getting upset with all this anti-Klutch stuff...the push backs going to be amazing...and in the scope has to be the Pels and Boston among many, you'd think...

 

whoa. yeah, NO screwed up. unfortunately, nba general management is a good ol' (white) boys game still.

i worry about race-baiting and such, but i don't think lebron and rich are that far off in saying that it's a factor. and maybe it's less about being black and more about just not coming up through the ranks the same way as folks are used to.

i hope klutch turns some of this on its ear; i think things will improve as a result. there are still ways in which the league's CBA could change to accommodate both player agency and franchise health.

quite frankly, players telling franchises early that they plan to leave is in the best interest of the franchise. otherwise, they walk in FA without warning (see, cleveland circa 2010) and things are REALLY decimated.

i thought the trade demand was a savvy business move that cut ainge off at the knees, and that's what the backlash is about. ol' country clubber got outmaneuvered by the "hoods."

get sharper, brah.

 

LeBron's Lakers not favored to make playoffs at SuperBook

BEN FAWKESESPN Staff Writer12:06 AM ET3 Minute Read

Legler: Lakers not committed to winning
Tim Legler breaks down plays from the Lakers' loss to the Hawks, showing their breakdowns on defense.

 

Leglers Lab?

He spent the whole time staring at his device, and very little eye contact

But it almost seemed like it was slanted towards blaming Lebron - and this is ESPN

Unfortunately film reveals many things, good or bad.

 

I forgot Legler existed, he used to love bashing Kobe.

 

Solid take bro!

 

He coming

 

Another fine LOL. Good thing Bron made a "few bucks" in his career. Expensive weekend ahead.

 

You misspelled "Magic."

 

Laker fans think everyone is coming lol

 

We do... they are. Plus we're getting Zion. Lakers baby

 

love the positivity

wish I could stay that positive all the time

 

Me too, but being also a Dodger, Kings and Rams fan, I’m always reminded of pain and disappointment.