LABron James Discussion: The Final Year?

I'm right with you Sirron. I wasn't a Shaq fan, but when I knew we had a chance to get him I was ALL in. I'm Lakers first all day every day. If we can improve our team in one fell swoop let's do it. I don't have to be a fan of the superstar player, but I sure as hell want our team to be as good as it can be. I knew if we got Shaq we would back on our way to championship contention. We have further to go with Lebron because he's just passing his prime when we got him, but knowing Magic's competitive nature and having seen Rob's bold GM moves I think we can get there soon. Lebron's on our team so I'm rooting for him and us now.

 

LeBron is closer to Kobe in terms of responsibility than he is Shaq. LeBron has earned my respect the last couple years with his dedication to being in shape and ready every season. Someone said it recently that LeBron has the intelligence of Kobe in a body more like Shaq. We always joke about what Shaq would have looked like if he'd just been more responsible and focused when he was playing, well it'd probably look a little like LeBron.

Now of course it took LeBron 10-12 years to stop caring about failure, but once he got there he really has turned the corner and become a different player to me. I think it probably coincides with winning the title in Cleveland. I think after that LeBron feels pretty much content in his place among the greats so he feels like there's less pressure on him than before. Now he's in that sweet spot of his career like Kobe was 07-11 or so where he understands the game at a tremendous level and his body is still healthy and strong enough to play at a high level. Shaq's window for this was far too short.

I think he'll earn fans quickly even if he's still dramatic at times.

 

I don't get the beard thing myself... It looks unkempt most of the time. Actually, I'd love to see the whole team sport one as a sign of unity. It would be funny as hell.

Ya, I'm bored out of my mind...