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LeBron’s Dilemma
Is winning an NBA Championship the only way LeBron James will ever get the respect for his stature in the game. I’ve been one of James’ biggest critic, especially the way he handled leaving Cleveland with the infamous “I’m taking my talents to South Beach” speech live on ESPN. But maybe it’s time we give the devil his due. He is a dominate force in the NBA.
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It’s not only “The Decision” but the overwhelming sense of entitlement that he and so many players of his era engender. Carmelo Anthony is the same way. They’ve never been told ‘no’ from the time people realized they were exceptional athletes as teenagers. If he loses again in the Finals, it will once again prove that team basketball wins championships. Michael Jordan became the consumate team player later in his career, and that won him 6 rings. The Spurs are another great example.
Just because you play with your buddies Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, does not guarantee multiple championships as he so voraciously stated at the big hoopla event they held at American Airlines Arena when he signed with Miami two years ago. His team lacks some serious depth, and they can’t afford getting the solid role players they need because of $45 million of Miami’s allotted $60 million in player salaries is tied up in 3 players. Championships are not bought, they are earned.
After watching him last night – in which he turned in an excellent performance that required an insane fourth quarter by Durant to nullify – James is comfortable taking the team on his back. He helped close out the Boston series, and led – LED – the Heat out of series deficits against the Celtics and Indiana.
The Heat’s loss last night was getting overrun by OKC’s superior bench and halftime adjustments, as well as Westbrook only giving up two turnovers – and NOT a Lebron meltdown in the final minute. I know it doesn’t fit the ESPN and Newspaper Pundit Narrative that we’ve gotten used to, but James has been, so far, a rock for Miami.
Good Morning from Omaha,
basketball is a team sport and the thunder seems to be the better team. Up and down the bench they appear to have better players after the staring five.
Lebron brought this on himself. He set his bar and now is trying to jump over it. As sports fans, after we see someone built up as James has done, we , as humans, enjoy watching him flail around.
He will hit his stride eventually. The heat will win a world championship or two with this crew, but winning five or six in this era of free agency is not going to happen.
the youth of the thunder, the starting five is around 23, will be served. maybe not this year but in time.
Strive for excellence, nothing but your best.
Gene
Dear Drew,
First of all thank you for channeling one of my favorite comedian’s of all time. I’ve always been a major Rodney Dangerfield fan.
As far as the cartoon goes LaBron seems to be suffering from what I call “Wilt Chamberlin syndrome” Let me explain. In his prime Chamberlin was a one man wrecking crew yet for all his dominance he constantly was playing 2nd fiddle to Bill Russell and the Boston Celtics. The only difference between Chamberlin and LaBron is that only one player/team kept stopping Chamberlin short. With LaBron the team or player varies but in the end he still keeps playing 2nd fiddle.
All the best
Louis