Your All-Purpose LeBron Thread
by DexterFishmore on Dec 11, 2010 7:11 PM PST
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PrintBy the power vested in me by SB Nation and Silver Screen and Roll, I hereby christen this thread as your all-purpose, one-stop-shopping destination for anything and everything related to one Mr. LeBron Raymone James. Whatever your thoughts are about LeBron, whatever about him you need to get off your chest, this is your place to post it. For instance, let's say you feel like weighing in on:
- LeBron's merits as a basketball player,
- His performance this season or at any point in his career,
- Whether or in what ways he is a better or worse player than Kobe Bryant,
- The media's treatment of LeBron,
- His possible free-agent destinations,
- His dancing,
- His jewelry,
- His taste in movies,
- How he compares with Kobe Bryant,
- Whether he has any pets,
- Whether he intends to adopt any pets,
- What grade of gasoline he selects when filling up his cars,
- Whether he'll ever be as good as Kobe Bryant,
- What side of the bed he sleeps on,
- His magazine subscriptions,
- Why you'd prefer to have Kobe on your team,
- His tattoos,
- What he likes on his burgers,
- What he needs to do to become as good as Kobe Bryant,
- What he really thinks of Mike Brown,
- His commercials,
- Whether his commercials are as good as Kobe's, or
- Whether LeBron prefers CSI: Los Angeles or CSI: Miami.
This is the place to discuss those topics and any others having to do with LeBron. Just let loose in the comments below, everyone will see what you had to say and will be happy to respond. So long as this thread is on the front page, please put all that good stuff here and resist the temptation to create new LeBron FanPosts.
Thank you, and have fun.
(Oh, and please rec this so it stays up top.)
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His jewelry
or lack thereof….
Buffalo, that's where it's at baby. - Adam 'Pacman' Jones
To us winning is a tradition. We are victors and need not explain. You may hate us, but your girlfriends love us. - BC
by silverstreak3k on May 14, 2010 7:00 PM PDT reply actions 11 recs
You don't use the Rec-button here at SS+R?
Takes a Bulls fan, eh? ;)
PS! Please kick Bostons behind if you should meet in the Finals. (Which I believe you will…)
but but
I want to make my own separate fanpost explaining my completely unique and original thoughts on the issue!
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
love Woj
Best in the biz
"That's a giant sig " - Ben R.
by Saurav A. Das on May 14, 2010 7:12 PM PDT up reply actions
eh he's too harsh
and he did the same kind of character attacks on Kobe back when he was losing so … me don’t like
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 14, 2010 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions
damn he said that same stuff about kobe?
just lost alot of respect for dude,thought he was a kobe defender or something. every woj article ive seen since 2008 ish has been pro kobe lol. i dont think i use to read yahoo articles before that just watched espn and went to www.lakers.com back then
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
Here ya go - A Sampling of Past Woj Columns on Kobe before 2008
Last Shot: The NBA’s Anti-Kobe
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
wow
that was a little harsh. i know what your say now. is lebron his new fav target then?
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
sure seems like it
new whipping boy for Woj, I’m not enjoying that.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 15, 2010 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm with Gil
I wrote a long article about it and nobody agreed with me. lol
I think it's funny that..
The first comment on that Woj post said “let’s see him do that to Artest” lol and sure enough 2 years later….=D
by MexcNguy1 on May 15, 2010 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
He'll be doing so all summer
Good stuff.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
actually, listening to them tear at lebron is almost getting as annoying as them kissing lebron's ass
it’s kind of like what Adrian Woj wrote…he’s going to be the center of attention no matter what.
Well, yeah, but I'd much rather read articles rightfully criticizing him for being an ass
And Woj is usually pretty good about diversifying the content of his articles and if not, throwing in new twists or tidbits.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Woj is saying everything the rest of the world is thinking
The only thing I disagree is the way Woj and others always mention that Lebron will eventually get a ring or two.
Sorry, a lot of great players never got one.
Now, if he drops the massive ego business and dedicates himself to winning a championship, and not becoming a marketing mogul, then I think he has a great chance.
Otherwise, he may be the next Karl Malone.
by LakersForDeuce on May 15, 2010 2:17 AM PDT up reply actions
I agree..
To me lebrons priorities are listed like this and i think this last series showed it:
1. Become billionaire
2. Win a championship (somewhere not in cleveland)
3. Sell more jerseys than kobe (number change)
" I'm a human, not a sandwich"
by true_lakerfan on May 15, 2010 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions
Woj is trying hard to compete with Skip to be lebron’s biggest hater in the media. Now he’s hating him for doing an interview, but he had nothing to say when Wade and Amare and everybody else did interviews since the season ended. And Woj was every bit as unfair towards Kobe a few seasons ago. The guy has a job if he gets views, and he gets views if he hates on someone.
by CavsLebronFan on Jun 3, 2010 4:04 AM PDT up reply actions
Oh man, did I miss Wade and Stoudemire on Larry King?
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
by SoCalGal on Jun 3, 2010 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
+1
"E-Coaches are heavy in here tonight! Take E-Sasha and put him on the E-bench on your fantasy league, that’ll show him!" - Jevon O
Must have missed them on Nightline too.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Great comment from FB&G
Hollinger had the best take on last night’s Crabs-Leps game: "Games 2, 4 and 5 came with just one day of rest; in those three, he shot 0-for-13 on 3s and 17-for-47 overall. Games 1 and 3, on the other hand, had an extra day of rest beforehand, which seemed to allow his elbow to feel much better: In those two contests, he was a one-man wrecking crew, making 26 of 46 shots from the floor and scoring 73 points. Needless to say, those were the two Cleveland wins in this series."
In my opinion, that’s the best explanation for what’s going on with Lebron. Lebron has a very low pain threshold. Remember a couple years ago when Kobe missed no time despite tearing a ligament on his right pinky and also suffering an avulsion fracture on the pinky? The same season, Lebron suffered only a SPRAINED ligament on his LEFT index finger, and missed six or seven games. I think if this were the regular season, Lebron would not be playing with his sprained elbow. Since it’s the postseason, he has to play, but it’s bothering him enough that he’s checked out mentally, and his teammates have picked up that signal as well. The whole team (except Shaq) is pretty much done.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
i believe it, he played terribly. 6'8, 265lbs and the pain tolerance of baby.
When kobe had that bad shoulder a few years ago didnt he just learn to shoot lefty so that he wouldn’t miss any game time? Now thats a mans man.
" I'm a human, not a sandwich"
by true_lakerfan on May 15, 2010 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions
DEX LOL, I just think this was funny
Whether he has any pets,
Whether he intends to adopt any pets,
What grade of gasoline he selects when filling up his cars, His jewelry,
His taste in movies, Whether he has any pets,
Whether he intends to adopt any pets,
What grade of gasoline he selects when filling up his cars,What side of the bed he sleeps on,
His magazine subscriptions
There are basic Fundamentals that are needed to move forward in this game. Always keep your guard up at all times to avoid being caught in a trap. Overcome the fouls that will be committed against you REBOUND AND PRESS ON. ADJUST to the Limelight: ALL-STAR PLAYERS ARE ALWAYS THE CENTER OF ATTENTION. Know what your role is and play your position. Find a game plan and execute it. REMEMBER YOU ONLY GET OUT OF THE GAME WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT.
Lebron to the Nets
i have been calling it since 2003. Jay-Z
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
that wouldn’t be a bad destination. brook lopez, devin harris, a top 2 pick. they still need some pieces, but already he’s probably got 2 better players than any other players the cavs currently have. they have money to add some more pieces.
"the man who created a legend; the legend who resurrected a franchise."
If they can get the #1 pick thats john wall right there,
then trade harris for some other parts. They do have a new billionaire owner who sounds like he wants to win. It could very well happen……. or he could be a clipper……..
" I'm a human, not a sandwich"
by true_lakerfan on May 15, 2010 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm having serious LeBron burn out!
There is some great basketball yet to be played by those still working toward a championship.
I’m tired of every other article being about Mailman, Jr and whether the restaurant selections in certain cities will impact his decision.
His post game presser was the most selfish thing this side of Jordan’s Hall of Fame speech. I’d be ticked if I were his teammate!
* LeBron’s merits as a basketball player: He is fast and strong, needs a one dribble pull-up jumper
* His performance this season or at any point in his career: Unbelievable statistics
* Whether or in what ways he is a better or worse player than Kobe Bryant: Better vision, less skilled
* The media’s treatment of LeBron: Unfair and Kobe-esque
* His possible free-agent destinations: In order of highest likelihood – Chicago, Miami, New York
* His dancing: Pretty good for a guy who is 6’8
* His jewelry: Diamonds and gold
* His taste in movies: Have not seen the documentary of his high school team
* How he compares with Kobe Bryant: Impact, favorable, Aesthetics, unfavorable
* Whether he has any pets: An Italian mastiff named “King”
* Whether he intends to adopt any pets: No plans in near future
* What grade of gasoline he selects when filling up his cars: Always Premium Chevron
* Whether he’ll ever be as good as Kobe Bryant: Possibly
* What side of the bed he sleeps on: the middle
* His magazine subscriptions: Sports Illustrated, Vogue, Maxim, Food & Wine, Money
* Why you’d prefer to have Kobe on your team: More versatile and able to adapt to complex defensive schemes
* His tattoos: Lion Head – Right Bicep, “Beast” – Left Shoulder, “Hold My Own”- Left bicep, "No one can see through what i am except for the one that made me" &“Prince James” left inner forearm, Lion/Eagle – Chest, “Gifted Child”- Right Pec, “Witness” – Right Calf, “330”(Akron Area Code) – Right outer forearm, ", “L”- Left tricep, “J”- Right tricep, ,“Gloria”(mom)- right shoulder, “K-J-1”(King James 1) – Right thumb web, “Bryce Maximus” – left outer forearm, “Chosen 1” – upper back, “What we do echoes in eternity” – Right forearm, “Family” & “Honor” – abdomen, “History” left calf:
* What he likes on his burgers: Cheese
* What he needs to do to become as good as Kobe Bryant: Develop Post up game, add one dribble pull-up jumper
* What he really thinks of Mike Brown: respects his knowledge, as Brown was trained under Popovich
* His commercials: Good acting for an NBA player not named Kareem
* Whether his commercials are as good as Kobe’s: They are in the same commercials – puppets
* Whether LeBron prefers CSI: Los Angeles or CSI: Miami: neither. Entourage.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 15, 2010 1:53 AM PDT reply actions 11 recs
Nicely done
+1
Twitter feed: @dexterfishmore
by DexterFishmore on May 15, 2010 2:02 AM PDT up reply actions
Gil is a great spy lol
thats some need to know info haha
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
And a song for Lebron
I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own
I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemy’s eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing
“Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!”
One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
wow, going coldplay on his ass
that’s pretty cold man ;)
I can't tell if Phil Jackson is playing 3D chess and is 10 moves ahead of us or if he's just goddamn senile...
It seems so appropriate
We need a “delete” within 10 seconds button
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Its Kobes world Lebrons just living in it
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
by Czheck on May 15, 2010 2:23 AM PDT up reply actions 9 recs
Whoa! That shit needs to be on a T-Shirt
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 15, 2010 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yes it does and I want one.
Floyd Little: HOF Class of 2010.
2009 NBA Champions L.A Lakers
2009 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant
idk i got it from my boss
“its your world,im just living in it”
gil do you remember saying it???? lol
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
What's a Lebron
and what is he doing in Kobe’s world?
You all occupy a world dominated by Kobe Bryant, consider yourself fortunate.
love the sig
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
or at least trying to
kobe>lebron
always and forever.
by lakerlover2by4 on Jun 9, 2010 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions
can Lebron play with other stars?
He gets crazy stats and is very effective but it seems to me like his game has no room to accommodate another star. Has anyone improved while playing with Lebron and moved onto better things? (I really don’t know) Players like Larry Hughes, Mo Williams and Antwan Jamison were good productive players before cleveland and thats why cleveland fans were excited when they signed and look at them now.
If he leaves I hope cleveland still makes the playoffs and knocks out Lebron’s new team.
Kobe even made Smush look halfway decent enough for other teams to sign him and then they realized that a cheeseburger was worth more than him.
The Lebron thread...
…was a really good idea to try and keep all the Lebron-chatter contained so the Lebron talk doesn’t run amok on this lovely blog.
I have a question about Lebron’s free agency status and I’m sure it’s quite possible that the answer was mentioned in another thread and I missed it, but I’m blonde, so I’m hoping that ya’ll will forgive me this once and overlook the fact that I might have missed it : ) — and anyway, my question is this: Does Lebron have some sort of deadline when he must decide about where he will play?
I’m interested about the deadline for a couple of reasons — one of those reasons being that I’m really curious as to when we can expect all this talk about "where Lebron will play" to go away, although I’m sure it won’t go away completely as I suppose it will just change to talk about how he will fit in with his new team, new city, blah, blah blah, but anyway, if anyone knows the answer about a deadline…..thanks in advance
July 1?
Somebody else may know better than I do, but I believe he can’t sign with another team until July 1, when free agency opens.
by LakersForDeuce on May 15, 2010 7:49 AM PDT up reply actions
But i think contracts cant be signed till the 8th,
talks can start the 1st but signing isnt till the 8th. I think
" I'm a human, not a sandwich"
by true_lakerfan on May 15, 2010 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions
This is correct
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
before the season starts?
well, technically he doesn’t have to sign a contract…ever. but if he wants to play somewhere next season for the entire season, i presume he needs to sign before it starts?
i dont think theres a deadline
he has to “opt out” by June 30 (as in file to league office)
can start contract negotiations and make verbal agreements July 1 12.00am
Can officially sign starting July 8
doesnt HAVE to sign (he could literally wait until mid-season and then sign with a playoff contender)
but remember, if he takes too long teams with cap space will begin to sign players in order to not end up with anything and he could end up not having a team with sufficient cap space to sign him and he would then take a pay cut.
by igotasmanyringsaslebron on May 16, 2010 12:25 AM PDT up reply actions
nobody will make a move until he signs
not new york or new jersey at least.
i’ll guess that miami will probably try to pursue bosh or amare (as i highly doubt wade wants to play with lebron or vice versa—and wade will most likely stay in miami and possibly chicago)
Does houston have enough cap space for him?
I remember thinking earlier in the season that if I were Lebron, I’d go to Houston. They have one of the best offensive centers (if he’s healthy next season), a solid bunch of role players, and one of the best coaches in rick adelman.
i can’t believe come people actually think he’s going to miami…(not unless wade leaves)
very good stuff on hoops hype shows all the teams payrolls and players contracts
http://hoopshype.com/salaries.htm
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
Houston's primary draw is the amount of assets it can throw in a sign-and-trade
But no, they used most of their cap space in the Kevin Martin deal.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Sometimes we (especially myself) whine about SSR without
realizing how great it is to be part of this site and how great SSR is. This whole post is a genius idea.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 15, 2010 10:07 PM PDT reply actions
i wonder what he's going to do after 2010
you know, like when the only way to get attention will be to actually WIN?
by igotasmanyringsaslebron on May 16, 2010 12:14 AM PDT reply actions 10 recs
lol @ your name..
Rec just simply for the creativity of your name.. that is too funny.
Honestly, Im more curious as to what is going to happen with Shaq.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 16, 2010 12:36 AM PDT up reply actions
thx
probably gonna keep it for a nice long while…
How does Phil feel about toe rings?
by igotasmanyringsaslebron on May 16, 2010 12:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Lets hope you keep it forever.
I’m only jealous because I didn’t think about it.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 16, 2010 3:08 AM PDT up reply actions
HAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!
Faith.... a fan's biggest downfall
by desecrator09 on May 16, 2010 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions
hahahahahahahahahaha
i finally got it!
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Clarification
I realized that I should have been a bit clearer with that first image. HINT: Shaq is holding a phone.
Id like to submit to the great fans here at SS&R
that May 13th from now on is “Lebron Day” to celebrate Lebron Day it is imperative that you do not show up to work.
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
lmao!
How about show up but not do shit at all just sit around and dance around.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 16, 2010 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Don't forget...
You gotta throw some powder in the air.
by bigdeal1188 on May 16, 2010 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions
i like that PAGFL its a either or kinda thing for the holiday
if u think u might get fired then just up and dance then get you a real nice job in brooklyn
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
MISSING PERSON ALERT!!!
Lebron Raymore James
Age: 25
DOB: 12/30/1984
Last seen: Cleveland, Ohio
Reported Missing: 5/11/10
Last seen being taken to school by Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics.
Have not heard from im since Nike stopped running puppet comercials.
Last seen in false NBA crown.
James may be in need of medical attention for Elbowitis.
Any info helping authorities find Lebron or his game, contact 1-800-FAKE-MVP!
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
by LakersFoEva on May 17, 2010 8:34 AM PDT reply actions 7 recs
lol rec
forgot to mention delonte and gloria are very concerned…just saying
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
rec
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 17, 2010 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions
as Stu lantz would say
NOOOOIIIICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Faith.... a fan's biggest downfall
by desecrator09 on May 20, 2010 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions
Oh, that is cold, yet so true and too f-ing funny.....ROFLMAO!
Floyd Little: HOF Class of 2010.
2009 NBA Champions L.A Lakers
2009 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant
Laker fans, hows this for a deal:
The NBA just gives you the championship so the playoffs stop distracting everybody from vital Lebron free agency rumors that can get lost in all this playoffs talk,
only under these terms
luke waltons contract must be waived,and brain shaw is given eternal life
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
When the Lakers win the title
the NBA can talk about whatever they want.. They can say that Lebron is better than Kobe and whatever they want to claim. The 16th title would be amazing and will trump any negative Lebron media love fest.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 17, 2010 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Lebron needs to wait his turn.
Floyd Little: HOF Class of 2010.
2009 NBA Champions L.A Lakers
2009 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant
anybody remember this?
LeBron, Shaq, Mo, and Jamison
They were once Lakers, Bucks, and Witnesses. Great players for other teams. Then Danny Ferry gave to them nine contracts of power. Enticed by their potential, they signed them without question, one by one coming to Cleveland. Now they are Masters over Mike Brown. They are the Stretch Four. Cavaliers, neither living nor dead. At all times they feel the presence of the Larry O’Brien, drawn to the power of the Championship Ring. They will never stop hunting you.
by WaveOcean on Apr 12, 2010 6:44 PM PDT up reply actions
In the end the Witch King James gets wacked by a girl. Cavs lose
.
by Joshua S on Apr 12, 2010 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
by LakersFoEva on May 20, 2010 6:22 AM PDT reply actions 5 recs
glad somebody finally laughed at this picture, after 2 weeks of it being posted………
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
You know, I think I'm one of 25 ppl who liked that movie.
I’m also a huge fan of Dominic West. Gerard Butler, not so much.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Loved that movie.
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
"THIS. IS. SPAHTA!!!!!!"
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
It should say, "Don't worry, I am not going to the Finals either."
Floyd Little: HOF Class of 2010.
2009 NBA Champions L.A Lakers
2009 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant
Lebrick's choice of offseason training partners...
am i the only one thats caught this? he called up eddy curry- EDDY CURRY – to train with over the summer… seriously? kb24 trains with the dream and he calls up EDDY CURRY… i guess it shows his true appetite for winning and improving his game…
can i get a link to this story.
seems far-fetched he would call eddy somehow-i-was-a-highly-regarded-prospect curry
i think it was on a yahoo blog.
i remember reading that, just dont remember exactly where.
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
by LakersFoEva on May 20, 2010 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions
i saw it on SI
but apparently it came from a story in a nyc newspaper…
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2010/05/lebron-james-talking-with-eddy-curry-should-the-knicks-be-worried/1
http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nba/news/story?id=5205952
There’s no way LeBron will join Dallas. Know why? Because the Mavs have one DeShawn Stevenson.
Sorry...
I can’t see how is Kobe better than James. Am not a fan of either Lakers or Cavs but… This is an empty belief. He did do bad against the C’s but after all, he is the MVP.
steve nash won 2 MVPs in a row but wasn't the best
The PuertoRican Kid
by Kobe:The Legend on May 21, 2010 7:46 AM PDT up reply actions
If you gauge success by regular season record and inflated stats, then you have your "king."
You’ll probably never see why the Kobe-LeBron debate really isn’t a debate. It’s more of a hobby to keep the long and oft times boring stretch of 82 games amusing.
LeBron…where the regular season happens.
Sorry, Wave. Every now and again I have to get that off my chest.
Nothing personal. James is a lot of fun to watch and makes my jaw drop at times, but we have to keep it real.
Lawl
http://www.theonion.com/articles/lebron-james-photoshopped-into-cavaliers-jersey-fo,17477/
"Love me or hate me; it's one or the other. Always has been. Hate my game, my swagger. Hate my fade-away, my hunger. Hate that I'm a veteran. A champion. Hate that. Hate it with all your heart. And hate that I'm loved for the exact same reasons." - Kobe Bryant
Better...
Ok: Kobe is a player who shines against bad teams, takes the game to his hands. He also likes to take the chance when given to by the better or good teams.
LeBron on the other hand just keeps on bashing and playing like an animal. He’s a one man team. If you don’t know what to do, give James the ball. If you see you can’t get past your guard, just stand aside and let James do the work. Also, Joshua, if you had read my post carefully, you’d see that LeBron is not my king. I dislike him utterly, yet he’s unstoppable. On his worst day, he’ll score 25 points, with 10-12 assists. Kobe on his average day scores… what, 13-16 points? (can’t be bothered to check the statistics again). I agree that LeBron is a regular season mule, but again, he’s the MVP (and since this wasn’t clear in the last post:..) he deserves to be. Ask yourself this: If Kobe was in Cleveland instead of James, would he really be carrying out the whole team throughout the each game? Yes, Kobe’s another chapter-hogger in the history of NBA, but he’s not as good as…
Kelly Dwyer shares your opinion...
That doesn’t make it true, though. KD is the Yahoo! Sports Blogger who covers the NBA in case you didn’t know. Good writer, he had a piece today that names Lebron as the 4th best player in the playoffs, but basically named him God in the regular season. http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/The-top-10-players-of-the-2010-NBA-playoffs;_ylt=AtVlDsugjml7fBZbe3KYrwy8vLYF?urn=nba,242918
To sum it up he wrote two things that I referred to…
“Most importantly, after months spent working endless pick and rolls with Pau Gasol during the regular season..” (This is relevant because direct assist numbers are higher in the pick and roll offense than in the triangle where players get hockey assists) AND…
"..Funny, because for all of Kobe Bryant’s last-second theatrics during the regular season, James still scored way more, shot better, rebounded twice as much, and dished three times as many assists than Bryant in the clutch in the regular season. Not sure what the Celtics did to make it all go away, but it worked. " There was an attached link highlighting these statistics viewable here. http://www.82games.com/0910/CSORT11.HTM
I felt those stats were actually worth sorting through so I left him a comment which might answer your question. Obviously I don’t expect him to respond, but I dropped it anyway. (And for the record Kobe averaged 27.2 points this season.)
The following is my post.
“KD, if you’re going to post regular season clutch stats, wouldn’t it be a little less bias to put up Kobe’s clutch numbers from a relatively (compared to this season) healthy season? This link here ”http://www.82games.com/0809/CSORT11.HTM" target="_blank">http://www.82games.com/0809/CSORT11.HTM shows Kobe’s stats during a healthiER 08-09 campaign, (Still had that whole hand injury didn’t he? After having gone to the Finals in the 07-08 season and following that up with a trip to Beijing). Obviously, if you’re not wasting your time reaching the Finals on a perennial basis, you would theoretically have a bit more energy during the end of games in the regular season wouldn’t you?
Clutch as defined by 82games.com, is the last 5 minutes of a game, which is great, if your coach isn’t Phil Jackson and loves to sit players during the regular season to constantly experiment with the possibility of certain line-ups being dependable when it counts. In basketball, rhythm counts, especially in shooting. The Lakers this season as a team shot the ball terribly from 3 and generally didn’t do that great of a job around the perimeter. The starters Kobe’s passing to are guys like Derek Fisher who somehow found his shot during the playoffs and Pau Gasol who wasn’t really in rhythm due to the hamstring injuries(he worked through it all year and has just found his groove in April). Artest was waiting in the corner, but went through a terrible shooting slump in the second half of the year.
Lebron James has great regular season talent on his roster, they can shoot lights out when no one’s pressuring them, but for all his regular season stats, his playoff stats dropped off in assists (team wasn’t making shots) and his rebounds went up due to there being many more opportunities since everyone was missing shots AND TELL ME HE DIDN’T INTENTIONALLY PAD HIS STATS IN GAME 6. What’d he have like 19 rebounds? When was the last time he pulled down 19 rebounds? His PPG also dropped off relative to last year’s playoffs by 6 averaged points.
Don’t get me wrong, the guy’s a fantastic athlete, he’s surrounded with pure shooters left and right, and the problem with them is that they’re not designed for post season play. Lebron as the captain should instill confidence in his team, not just by putting up big numbers which can be just as demoralizing to his teammates(“DAMN…, if he’s doing that, I must not be doing my job very well!”) as it is amazing to watch as a fan, but by leading the team with his demeanor and focus. Kobe is a 6’6 205 pound representation of what absolute dedication and discipline to maintaining your body at it’s absolute peak looks like. Lebron James is an absolute physical monster at 6’9 275 pounds, how can you expect Kobe to shoot the same percentages as Lebron over an entire season when Lebron is mostly a drive-to-the-basket type of player and Kobe is a shooting guard??
You can argue that James is more efficient than Kobe, but to put up stats between Apples and Oranges in different systems (didn’t think that “pick and roll offense” line would go unnoticed did you?) is insanity. How could you possibly argue that Lebron is an overall better basketball player? I WOULD LOVE to see what Kobe would do with Lebron’s physical talents, but that’s impossible. What’s not impossible is Lebron learning to do what Kobe does, that can be learned, practiced, and yet you continuously promote a man who’s obviously not putting as much effort into elevating his game as you are writing about it. "
Kobe is like constantly in Kill Mode - Ron Artest
So “better” for you means statistically better in the regular season. Ok, you’ve got a point there. So do you also believe Wilt Chamberlain is the greatest NBA player ever? Because stats wise I think nobody touches that guy. If Kobe were in Cleveland….. Erm, as I’m not a Kobe expert I’d hazard a guess that with the free reign offense they have there (a.k.a. Give LBJ the ball and let him do his thing) Bryant’s stat line would improve, don’t know how much though.
The questions that we really should ask are
which defines a great legacy, stats or titles? and which should be respected more, athleticism or skill? not so long ago there was this debate over who’s the better PF Kevin Garnett or Tim Duncan. KG had the better stats, but TD had the more rings, and you also can’t say that KG didn’t have a shot at a title with the T-Wolves because he did. And I’m sure most of us can agree that KG has the better legacy, and considered to be the better player over all.
In short, the best athlete is not the best basketball player. They are two different categories.
"Love me or hate me; it's one or the other. Always has been. Hate my game, my swagger. Hate my fade-away, my hunger. Hate that I'm a veteran. A champion. Hate that. Hate it with all your heart. And hate that I'm loved for the exact same reasons." - Kobe Bryant
TD has the better legacy*
damn TD and KG rhymes in my head.
"Love me or hate me; it's one or the other. Always has been. Hate my game, my swagger. Hate my fade-away, my hunger. Hate that I'm a veteran. A champion. Hate that. Hate it with all your heart. And hate that I'm loved for the exact same reasons." - Kobe Bryant
umm,
I could really rip you a new one about why statistically Lebron James is nothing but a by-product of a numbers-blind society but I won’t get into that. Just watch Kobe play and see how he scores on the floor. He’s not driving belligerently into the lane looking for a foul after he dunks and runs over 4 players. He actually has to try to do that. What he doesn’t have to try is to pull-up and hit a fadeaway or a mid-range jumper or pull off a post move with proper positioning and footwork. This argument is painful. It all depends on what you like more. Stats fueled by an unmatched physical specimen or a player with average build who still competes and beats the best with the only advantage being basketball I.Q. I choose the latter, you prefer the former. Its all about preference
Not sure why everyone agrees that the "stats" are so concrete
I put stats in quotes because there are many statistics that just aren’t getting measured, but when we are talking about “stats” we really mean points, rebounds, assists, blocks, turnovers, plus/minus, steal, etc. or some formula using those measures.
But think about it. Aren’t these measures just outcomes? Why wouldn’t you measure the elements that create those outcomes? If you were to try to make a statistical model of a soccer player, would you start with goals, or how many times they stole the ball? Do you think that model would really give you a good picture of the performance?
If basketball statisticians really wanted to do their job, they would stop futzing with the existing numbers, and start looking to create better statistics as a foundation for their models. What should they create? I don’t know – how would you do it for an individual soccer player?
Some subjectivity is going to be required, but isn’t an assist a subjective measure too, left up to the scorekeeper? I’d look at successful pick and rolls (on offense and defense), separate the types of shots (not only by distance, but by type also – “13 foot pull-up jumper”, or “20 foot three pointer”) and distance of the nearest defender … maybe the technology isn’t there yet, but I could accept the results of that type of model.
While people will argue that you don’t always need that detail, I’d rather see my model than one that just tries to correlate performance with some broad elements of the game (the points, rebounds, etc.).
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 22, 2010 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I agree with you
I think the means of making the technology is there, but I don’t think the league wants to expend the end to do it, mostly cuz more concrete statistics doesn’t correlate to more league revenue in any way. Its hard for any business to want to take on an externality cost that has little to no monetary benefit. Then again they could always make you pay for the more in depth statistics.
This is what Synergy does
And yes, they make you pay for it.
Twitter feed: @dexterfishmore
by DexterFishmore on May 22, 2010 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Neither
They’re a private company that analyzes game tape to generate a suite of original stats. It’s really good stuff. My big project for the offseason is diving in and figuring out how I can make use of their numbers.
Twitter feed: @dexterfishmore
by DexterFishmore on May 22, 2010 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions
How much does it cost, and what does it say?
I’m interested. I’ve seen the website, looks like it could usher in a new era of how stats and basketball play are analyzed.
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
With your blogger's six figure salary
You can easily afford this
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 23, 2010 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions
IIRC, it's something like $30 for a one-year subscription
Twitter feed: @dexterfishmore
by DexterFishmore on May 24, 2010 5:53 PM PDT up reply actions
you made me look up what "IIRC" means dammit!
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Gil, you disappoint me!
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
speaking of synergy
Are you able to focus on delonte west to see if there is any change in interaction between him and Lebron during the games? just trying any angle to see if the rumors have any truth to them, not that a change in attitude toward west would be proof, but it could be an indicator …
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
This is what some of the newer GMs are doing
I remember reading about the Rockets GM and certain other teams thinking along the same lines as you. One example I remember reading is about the stats for blocked shots.
In the current NBA a block is counted if the defensive player gets a swat in after the offensive player releases the ball. Someone realized that it’s also very effective to hit the ball when the offensive player is bringing the ball up from his shooting pocket, before he gets the ball locked in to shoot. Apparently, statistically speaking, it’s as effective as getting an actual block in.
Teams have realized that the current box score is not nearly as useful as it appears to be in judging a player’s effectiveness, and are taking measures on extracting more useful information. The math never lies, you just have to ask it the right questions….
As for using box scores to compare 2 players, like it says above, it’s Apples and Oranges. Box scores depend so much on what type of scheme a player plays in, what type of plays get called for him, etc that it’s just really not worth it. I’m not saying that Lebron isn’t a beast, or that I think it’s somewhat valid to compare him to Kobe (although imo he still has a lot of growing up to do), just that quoting your typical box score stats doesn’t prove anything
Soccer's answer to the 'who's the best player' problem.
There is a lot more debate in soccer over who the best player is and how to compare players because (people don’t know much about this in America) there 11 possible positions to play, and there are so many more leagues, teams and players. Enter he Castrol Rankings. The good people at Castrol Football go through all of the tape and then assess every player’s every touch of the ball, then judge it to see if the player helped his team or hurt it. It looks like a very intricate process if still somewhat subjective. You can find out more about it here: http://www.castrolfootball.com/rankings/about/
Although it doesn’t end the debate, I think it helps make things a little more interesting and factual. Either way, definitely adds a new point of view and seems a lot more effective than a ‘box score’ at assessing a player’s contributions…
I seem to remember Kobe carrying his team MANY times.
Remember the season he dropped 35+ per game? He did that with far fewer pieces than James has had.
If you measure greatness or MVP’s strictly by scoring then there is no point in trying to make a case to counter that thinking.
People try so hard to stretch LeBron’s accomplishments to match great players who have already had full (or almost full in Kobe’s case) careers. Yes, LeBron is dominant, but very stoppable. He has proved that most of his career, especially when it counts.
I think LeBron will be hard pressed to stay dominant over a long career. As his physicality breaks down due to weight gain and wear on his frame, which it inevitably will in a few years, he probably won’t be as Jordan, Kobe, Magic, Malone-esque as he’s been touted to be.
Maybe more Barkley-esque
Jeez..
Not like I saw more than 60% of Lakers games this year, but you guys haven’t really seen more than 2-3 Cleveland games this season. Have you?
Stats are concrete since they didn’t get to play much in the playoffs. Anything beyond stats can only be: Amazing moves, Navarro style ‘and-1’ and game solvers.
Before you flame me how Kobe killed half the teams this season with his buzzer beaters, tell me if you really think that Kobe could play 87 games in a season in which he’d dominate completely?
Oh, remember that I still utterly dislike James.
This gives me an idea… I’ll go to Nets’ blog and make a poll on who’s a better player between Kobe and LeBron!
Did we forget
about the years from 05-07 where he dominated the league at the guard position on a D-League team? Dominating more than Wade AND Lebron. Here’s some statistics: in the 05-06 season, he had 27 40+ games, a streak of 4 consecutive 45+ games and became the only player since 1964 to do so. Same year he set the Lakers highest scoring season mark at 2,832 points. He also became the only player in the shot clock era to completely outscore a team in 3 quarters. he set a new franchise high for points in a game at 81, which of course you know I just had to throw it in there for the sake of statistics. He scored over 300 points in 8 games in the month of April on 50% shooting and 42 ppg. How is that not the definition of domination?
by Marty Mart on May 23, 2010 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Anything beyond stats can only be: Amazing moves, Navarro style ‘and-1’ and game solvers.
So there’s nothing beyond points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks except for those things you mention? Hmmm, doesn’t sound right, they taught me a lot more than that about basketball in on my high school team.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 23, 2010 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions
If Tom T from the Celtics coaches Lebron
next year either at Chicago or Cleveland he will be forced to learn to actually play better D and he will improve his shooting. I think that alone will assure him a better chance that coach Brown ever did. Besides, I think Lebron will do himself a favor if he goes to the Bulls.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 24, 2010 7:57 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Nah
Its the same thing. A good guard who can’t play D. Little post presence asides from Joakim Noah. A couple shooters on the outside. Him running the entire show. I honestly think the best thing for him is to go to Miami with Wade and just play point-forward. They have the money and the lure with Wade already. PLus they can get any coach in the league to come there because they’re little building over again. They have no one but Beasley and Chalmers on the payroll next year. That is his best bet to get a team built right. Hell, Pat Riley may just try to coach again or get someone to coach the triangle and they start running things like the Bulls. I think that it would be his and Wade’s best bet. Unless they don’t get a good coach. With a poor coach, then their best bet is getting their respective big men in bosh or stoudemire and trying to work through that running simplistic offensive plays and formations.
Thing is
Lebron’s not really an Alpha Dog, if he can defer for something better he will. Thats the scary thing about them playing together. Like Wade can drive then just throw the ball up and Lebron can jump over someone. Or Lebron can shoot and Wade can come weakside and jump over someone. With a great coach playing the schemes it would be a practically unstoppable team because they’re both unselfishness enough to make it work.
"Good" Guard?
You really haven’t watched many Bulls games this year, have you? Rose is pretty flippin’ good. Not much worse than Wade. Just younger and without the injury history. Miami has no one to put around Wade and LeBron. Noah is turning into a pretty good player as well and there is Deng (An Hinrich) and a young promising PF in Taj. We could get Bosh in a trade also. That would be a pretty nice team for LeBron to play on
Basketball is played both ways. Rose plays one way and gets blown away on the other
and he’s nowhere near dwayne Wade’s level on both sides of the floor. Like I said its a team with a GOOD guard and small post presence and a bunch of shooters. It didn’t work in Cleveland, so why would he risk it just for it to not work again. he had a pretty nice team and he can go back to it, there’s nothing to more there to make him leave Cleveland and much less than anywhere else can offer. He wants a great team not a pretty nice one.
The Kid's 21! He's got the motivation and talent to improve, on both ends of the floor
Not that his defense is as bad as you say, anyway. Barkley rated him as the third best PG in the league after Deron Williams and CP3…
Why he will go to Chicago? Because Cleveland doesn’t have the cap room to bring anyone in. Whereas in Chicago we could SnT for Bosh, f.e. and sign James outright.
“Much less than anywhere else can offer” – That’s just ridiculous.
Miami has nothing besides Wade, fair weather and low taxes. The NY and NJ teams both suck. Chicago is his absolutely best option if he wants to win multiple titles as Rose is only 21 and Noah 24.
You said not much worse than Dwayne Wade
I disagree. I don’t think he’s near Dwayne Wade in terms of execution. He’s pretty flippin good, but he’s not, specifically, THAT good. I still consider Rondo and Nash as better decision-making PGs and I think Russell Westbrook plays better D and does what Rose does better than he can because he’s quicker. Charles Barkley has also consistently been proven wrong on many of his assertions. He’s not exactly the best person to use to backup your point. And Noah is still the undersized energy bush man I called him. He’ll give you some offense but you really mostly value his effort and hustle plays. Its the exact same setup. Cleveland has the players to do a sign and trade if Bosh forces one out of Toronto. It wouldn’t be the first time players were shipped to assuage their vocal criticisms of the team and the city.
The sign and trade thing can happen anywhere. Miami can sign both Wade and Lebron and they have an owner willing to spend money to acquire whatever support they need to win, not to mention a great coach just waiting for the chance to coach another showtime team. Also, Miami has Michael Beasley and Daequan Cook on salary next year and almost no one else making substantial money. They have team options on Chalmers and James Jones, which I doubt they pick up James Jones for another 4 million given his lack of production and Chalmers salary is less than $1 million. Their payroll this year was 73 million. For next year, they have less than 10 million on the books, assuming they don’t pick up James Jones’ team option. Thats over $60 million to create an all-star team next year through signings and trades and possibly a good draft pick. They can offer much more than anywhere else can. The possibilities are endless with their cap space.
Your limited cap space means you will have to trade someone like Deng and Hinrich to get Bosh to equal his contract and give Toronto something worth trading. You get Bosh, Noah, Rose, and Lebron but whose coming off the bench, whose playing the 2 guard, whose the outside shooter on the team. Assuming Lebron and Bosh take max deals that gives you about lets say 58 million in cap space taken up with Lebron at 25 million and Bosh at 23 million and then to equal this year’s overall salary you have 12 million to sign an outside shooter, a substantial bench, and some defensive players to guard the better guards of the league.
You were right, its not a substantial difference between the two teams. I apologize for my previous hyperbole. I just don’t think the front office would be willing to spend to finish the team and I don’t see you getting a good enough coach to really make a difference in how they gel together, plus Noah HATES Lebron. I don’t see them exactly working well together. I see Miami spending into the luxury tax to finish the team and Pat Riley coming down to coach what he built for his next example of showtime. Thats just how I see things playing out in my head.
LeBron
is without cdoubt a great basketball player. No one can deny that. However, is demeanor and attitude are what he needs to work on. That is the difference between him and kobe. Lebron is up by 20, he is dancing on the sideline with Jamario Moon. Kobe is up by 20, he is yelling at Jordan Farmar for missing a defensive assignment. Lebron nails a 3, he walks back with that ridiculous peacock eye thing with his hand. Kobe hits a 3, he might hold his hand in the air for a little bit, but he gets back and plays defense. Evidence of this is when kobe hit the gamewinner against Toronto this year, while everyone was celebrating, Kobe was playing lock down defense to make sure the raptors didn’t get a good, albeit lucky shot. Lebron gets ousted out of playoffs, he walks away without shaking hands. Kobe gets beat in the finals, he walks over to every celtic and doc rivers and shakes thier hands while they are celebrating. Lebron gets dunked on by a collge kid, he gets that shit erased from all the cameras. Kobe gets schooled by someone, he acknowledges them with a wink or smile bc he appreciates good competition. Lebron just wants to be kobe. Kobe changes his jersey number, here comes lebron with that lame jordan excuse that eve jordan says is ridiculous. Kobe talks about the histoirs MSG and scores 61 there. Lebron comes out of nowhere and is all about the history of MSg and tries to one up kobe by getting 55 10 and 9. I’m sick of all this lebron talk. He is out of the playoffs, yet still the media loves this guy and is all over him. We have a lebron thread on a LAKERS blog for God’s sake.
Kobe: "I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot."
really, all he needs is a post up game and a one-dribble pull-up jumper
and he will be fine. but that takes a lot of hours of work in the gym
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 24, 2010 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions
his one on one defense for scorers his size
could use some work as well. Also, his pull-up jumper in general still needs work. Not just the one-dribble pull-up, but the jumper in general needs work. Like not fading on the shot or putting the elbow out while he’s shooting, although that’ll probably reset him all over again. Either way it needs work in general and would greatly improve if he could hit it consistently, which he never will with his current shot mechanics. Although I could be wrong about his mechanics. Maybe he overcomes and becomes like Shawn Marion, who surprises anytime he makes a shot.
I feel his footwork could use work, he's got the legs to bulldoze people now,
but give him another 5 years and see if that dominance doesn’t turn to clumsiness trying to avoid running into bigger, stronger NBA players who will have been added to rosters just to punish guys like James.
Kobe is like constantly in Kill Mode - Ron Artest
what are the chances lebron goes to the clippers? with kaman, griffing, davis and their shooting guard, that’s not a bad line up to insert lebron into. i know staples is kobe’s house and that alone might be enough to keep him away. but i am intrigued by the possibility.
"the man who created a legend; the legend who resurrected a franchise."
correction:
L.A. is kobe’s home.
"the man who created a legend; the legend who resurrected a franchise."
Just sayin
Lebron for Gasol,and Odom 2 first round draft picks. jus sayin hit up cle be like yooooooooooooo
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
sometimes i wish i was lebron james
i wouldn’t have to worry about FINALS!!!
Kobe: "I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot."
by hrghori on Jun 1, 2010 9:34 PM PDT reply actions 6 recs
and you know what the sad thing is?
he’s prolly never taken a meaningful final exam in his life…
Today's sports media excels at over-reaction to a single event and specializes in hyperboles. But hey, it's that or my biochem textbook...
by Mike1204 on Jun 9, 2010 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I know it can get tiring hearing the same thing but individual players don’t win rings, teams do. A 33 year old Jamison is the best player Lebron has ever played with. The other starters were an even older Shaq, a PG who played well for maybe 3 quarters all up against the Celtics, and Anthony Parker. Anthony Parker was a starter on our team. And this was the best supporting cast of Lebron’s career, by far.
People talk about how we had the best record 2 years running and then choked, and then blame it all on Lebron. It’s his brilliance that artificially inflates our record. He put up MJ numbers to get 65 and 61 wins. But when the playoffs comes and opponents bring their A game we need a whole team to bring it, Lebron has never had that. Yes he was terrible for one game against Boston, but every other superstar who has gone all the way in the last decade or two has had at least 1 other guy who could be counted on. But for us, the moment Lebron’s play dipped below his high standard (which is some of the best numbers of all time) we had noone to take a share of the load.
While Kobe for example has multiple players to count on if he’s below his best on a given night. In fact i’d go as far as saying Kobe has 4 players (Gasol, Bynum, Artest, Odom) at once right now that would be the best player lebron has ever played with if they were on the cavs. I’d trade any Lebron teammate, past or present, for any of those 4.
Don’t forget Lebron has to play for management that wouldn’t give up Hickson (someone who barely played in the playoffs) for Amare (someone who led his team deeper into the playoffs than we went).
And you guys have the greatest coach in history, while Lebron had Mike Brown.
Yet no one had any problem blaming Kobe in 2005-2006 and 2006-2007
when his supporting cast, starters mind you, consisted of Kwame Brown and Smush Parker and Luke Walton. I think Lakers fan know better than anyone that one guy can’t do it all. We have the best and at the time, it wasn’t enough.
Additionally, while I agree that a good coach makes a huge difference, the bottom line is that the players are the ones on the floor. Mike Brown didn’t miss FTs, LeBron did. Phil Jackson didn’t make game-winning 3-pointers, Kobe did.
And I think Steve Nash did more to lead the Suns deep into the the playoffs than Amar’e.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
It's a well known NBA argument rule
That you cannot say a guy had crappy teammates if his team won 60 plus games in the regular season.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on Jun 2, 2010 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Shhh, Cavs fans don't know about that rule.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
I can, and i actually believe exactly that.
by CavsLebronFan on Jun 2, 2010 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions
The greatest coach in history
would’ve made your team work yes, but he also would’ve made Lebron the go-to guy and if Lebron disappeared as he did in the series with Boston they still would’ve lost. Teammates or not, Lebron didn’t give his highest effort and it showed. You dump on Mo Williams but even he was looking at Lebron like I can’t believe you’re playing this poorly. Either way, Kobe had no teammates and put up all time numbers and lost as well. And yet, people were still saying that Lebron was a better player because statistically he’s better. Yet Kobe was breaking as many scoring records as possible at the request of his coach and everyone called him selfish, ballhog, and lacking the ability to lead. So welcome to the world. They praise you when you win and criticize you when you fall. Everyone including yourself will continue to push aside Lebron’s lack of various aspects of basketball IQ on offense and defense and they’ll be back in love with him again. I don’t even argue rings as you know already. Its about skill and fundamentals. Lebron still lacks some. It doesn’t make him a bad player, but it surely doesn’t make him better than Kobe either because Kobe has done what Lebron has done without the body to do so and now he’s doing it again at the age most can’t do it anymore. He just equaled Lebron’s statistical average against Orlando and actually won even with his teammates struggling to hit even an inkling of an outside shot. So stop with the teammates argument. Stop talking about winning or lack there of and start talking basketball. Kobe’s playing the best basketball of his career and he’s doing everything Lebron does. he’s picking apart defenses, he’s hitting the 3-pters, he’s hitting ridiculous from mid-range, he’s defending well, and he’s carrying the team. He would’ve averaged a double double if it hadn’t been for all of the missed shots he created throughout the series. So just stop it. stop it.
Firstly, about those Kwame/Smush years, I’ve said in the past Kobe that was the best player in the world then and the 08 mvp should have been the third in a 3peat for him. And anyone who blamed Kobe for the Lakers lack of success between 04 and 07 is a moron.
I’m a lot of things but i’m not a hypocrite. What i said about Lebron i also say about Kobe, he had terrible teammates but still played like the best player on the planet and he shouldn’t be blamed for noone around him showing up, just like Lebron.
And about these playoffs. Yes Kobe has dragged the team to wins on occasions, but he’s also had one of the best perimeter defenders in the game shutting down the opposing teams best player. He’s had Gasol averaging 20 and 11 on 57% shooting. Even Odom had great games when he was needed.
Lebron had noone, as soon as his game dipped below mvp level for even a moment his team lost. He didn’t have a great defender next to him to help take some of the load. He didn’t have a great big man to average double doubles on efficient scoring.
Kobe played great, he deserves to lead his team to another ring like i think he will. Two weeks from now he’ll have another finals mvp and a 5th ring on his hand, and he’ll deserve both. But that’s just it, he led the team, he is the team’s best player but he was not even close to being the only player to perform when needed and to say he was is looking at him through rose colored glasses.
He has the best PF in basketball, he has an elite defender (who should have been on the first defensive team). He has a guy on his bench who is better than anyone Lebron has ever had.
by CavsLebronFan on Jun 2, 2010 7:04 PM PDT up reply actions
But it sounds like you're saying that for the past 2 years,
LeBron won 66 and 61 games all by himself. That just can’t be true. Those are stellar numbers for a team. Hell, the Lakers have made it to the Finals twice in the last 3 years with identical records of 57-25. 66 and 61 is superb. Obviously we know that the best record does not guarantee a trip to the Finals (witness Dallas), but someone on that team had to be working.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Lebron’s brilliance artificially inflated our record. His PER numbers were Jordanesque. This is the same guy who carried probably the worst supporting cast to ever make a Finals, and he was better in 08-09 and 09-10 than he was that year so i don’t think it’s exaggerating to say he was the reason for 66 and 61 wins. He led the team in points, assists, rebounds and steals per game. His starting center made the team statistically worse. His starting PG is a streak shooter.
We went 11-0 when our 2nd best player was injured. So
yeah I give credit to the 60 win seasons to Lebron. But in the regular season Lebron can beat teams by himself, when you count all the mediocre and terrible teams we play, and the fact that the best team in the east wasn’t trying for most of the regular season.
But when the playoffs come, where there is only good teams and every team is trying 100% you need a team, not a freak of nature superstar. And the moment his production slipped below MJ standards, we were exposed as a one man team. If we were a real 60 win team there would have been somebody to take the load on Lebron’s bad day, there was noone. That’s what made me realize it was only Lebron artificially inflating our record that make us a 66 and 61 win team.
Kobe doesn’t have to score 30 points every single game, he knows that on the rare occasion he has an off night either Pau or Odom or Artest or Bynum (when healthy) will step up on one end of the floor or the other or both. Lebron doesn’t have that and has never had that.
The 09-10 supporting cast (that was the best he’s ever had by far) folded the moment he played anything less than superhuman.
Kobe deserves praise for his great performances during these playoffs, like i said earlier, he will be a deserving 5 time champ, he will be a deserving finals mvp again but it’s not fair to make direct comparisons because of their vastly different situations. In my books Kobe is an all time top 10 player without a doubt, possibly even all time top 5. But at the same time I think Lebron is better, and if they swapped teams i think Lebron would have achieved everything Kobe has the last 3 seasons.
by CavsLebronFan on Jun 2, 2010 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions
if they swapped teams i think Lebron would have achieved everything Kobe has the last 3 seasons.
That would be true … if not for the fact that then the Cavs would have beaten the Lakers two times in a row in the Finals, with the Lakers and Lebron trying (again) to beat Kobe and the Cavs this year.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Not necssarily if they swapped teams
Kobe’s skill set FITS the Lakers (or rather the Lakers were built around Kobe, but Kobe’s skills are versatile enough to play the role the Lakers need). Assuming Lebron can do Kobe’s playmaking for the triangle, he doesn’t provide the shooting and spacing that kobe allows the Lakers to have.
I have 2 serious questions for you then
and I’m just curious cuz we obviously view the merits of some of Lebron’s and Kobe’s teammates differently and what makes these teams go.
1. Does it matter the ascension rate of your skills or does it just make you the best when you master them better than anyone else around you?
2. What has changed in Kobe’s game in the past two years, including this year’s playoffs because they are a testament to what Kobe is capable of, that has downgraded him from best player in the world to number 2 because to me the only thing thats changed is his responsibilities on the floor because of the various new teammates around him? If a team’s success is indeed unindicative of a player’s talent and leadership level, what separates Lebron James from Kobe Bryant?
It’s like in boxing, i believe Floyd Mayweather is the best p4p fighter in the world, and that Pacquiao has lost that crown, even though he hasn’t lost a fight recently or done anything particularly wrong or declined. I just think Floyd has shown he’s the best in the world at what he does.
Same deal with how i see the Lebron-Kobe debate. The way i see it Kobe was the best player in the world from about 2005 to 2008, he was then surpassed by Lebron in the 08-09 season, Kobe didn’t decline, he didn’t do anything wrong, he was just surpassed by someone who i see now as the best player.
I still think Kobe is at his peak, he’s as good as he ever was. His numbers, especially ppg aren’t at quite the same level but that’s because his teammates have taken a bigger share of the load, not because of any decline in his game.
And even though i believe that today Lebron is the best player in the world i still wouldn’t put him ahead of Kobe in my all time ranks, earlier i said i see Kobe as all time top 10, possibly even top 5. Lebron isn’t in my all time top 10. When it comes to my all time top 10 i consider everything, from talent to individual achievement to team achievements. When (if) Lebron wins multiple rings i’ll put him in my top 5, perhaps even right at number 1.
So basically, nothing has changed in Kobe’s game, he hasn’t gone downhill, i just think that Lebron’s upward trajectory passed Kobe sometime during the 08-09 season. And when i consider who’s today’s best player i don’t think about rings, i think about who in my opinion is the best at what they do, who can do the most on a basketball court on June 3 2010. And imho that’s Lebron.
So yeah, in my head i separate all time ranks (which considers entire careers) and todays ranks (which considers who is the best right now). And i think sometimes when i say i think lebron is the best people think i’m saying he’s better than kobe all time, which i’m not.
by CavsLebronFan on Jun 3, 2010 3:51 AM PDT up reply actions
ok
I can respect that. See where we differ is where we judge what players can do on the floor. I know because I’ve seen it that Kobe is still capable of doing what Lebron does. Its just not necessary. This year due to some circumstance injury he wasn’t nearly the player he could be. I just think that I can’t ignore Kobe and put him at no. 2 when his skills on the floor are the top of the league, in my opinion. I think his ability to fluidly do every basketball movement is better than being able to power and slide his way through the middle and risking his body at his age and increases his longevity and is actually the smarter play, even though statistically everyone hates mid-range shots because of their lack of efficiency and therefore downgrades him for it as being a lack of intelligence. So while Lebron is more efficient statistically, I don’t consider him more efficient because shooting the least efficient shots on the court, Kobe is still one of the most efficient players in the league, even with one of his career low 3-pt%, and I think that should count for something considering over 1/3 of his shots come from one of the least efficient zones on the floor, which of course goes against him in various stats that are all-encompassing like PER. I believe this is where we principally differ.
I respect what you’re saying, I agree with large parts of it and i can agree to disagree with the bits i don’t.
by CavsLebronFan on Jun 3, 2010 8:21 AM PDT up reply actions
This thread was such a great idea
As it compartmentalizes this issue, and keeps it quarantined! Brilliant, Dex.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/02/sports/baseball/02nba.html?ref=sports
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Huh
West still sticks with his pick. I don’t mind it, I just think that he should continue to clarify that at this point Bryant hadn’t shouldered the load he had. But now Kobe is shouldering the load and has been for the past couple years so what is he comparing young Kobe to young Lebron or Kobe now to Lebron now. I also think he has a little bit of selective memory as does everyone else about Kobe’s involvement on those championship teams.
Anyone else wonder why it says baseball in that link?
It's a 2 point Sacramento lead. We're down to 7 seconds. Bryant putting a move on Christie. Rebound O'Neal. Came up short. Horry for the win. Pretty sure we all know how it ends.
In the first of many
“what team has the edge to sign LeBron” articles, the Cavs have the early lead.
"I want to win now, not 3 years from now. That's my stance." - Kevin Burkhardt
lol the FA summit is actually pretty scary thought.
Dwayne and Lebron on the same team would be pretty devastating
In Kobe we trust!
It would have been even scarier had Kobe opted out to be involved
He signed the extension and is focusing on the finals, while the King & his court get to watch and learn.
You all occupy a world dominated by Kobe Bryant, consider yourself fortunate.
has anybody seen lebron?
i cant seem to find what channel the cavs game is on
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
hey-o!
They want power. We want respect...
by SenorChuckles on Jun 2, 2010 6:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Is it just me or does the meeting of the five big free agents sound like a meeting of the heads of a mafia family? Or the five families from that one episode of “The Office”?
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" club.
Fear the Fin: Where Sharks Fans Aren't Like Other Sharks Fans.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Jun 3, 2010 5:24 PM PDT reply actions
I bet he was pushed out the door.
I find it unfair though. Its not like Ferry didn’t do his job. The team’s roster improved each year, especially this off-season with the addition of Shaq and deadline addition Jamison, though latter couldn’t defend if his life depended on it.
The cavs roster kinda sucked tbh
They needed to get Stoudemire, not Jamison. That would have required them to give up JJ HIckson and they should have been willing to do that. In the end, Ferry did fail.
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
Hickson was worth keeping
Leon Powe and Hickson never materialized in the playoffs cuz of Mike Brown. He refused to play Hickson any meaningful minutes and I think Powe was still injured. I don’t even know, cavs fans sorta just stopped talking about him
Besides
if Stoudemire couldn’t rebound or play well against us, I don’t see him doing so against the Celtics either cuz he had better shooters and an equal pick and roll in Phx and that didn’t exactly work for him.
agreed.
while lebron is a great player, he doesn’t orchestrate the pick & roll the same way steve nash does that allows amare to do his devastating drives to the basket. the cav’s pick and roll relies more on the big man shooting. in that aspect, jamison may actually have been the better shooter. plus, it wasn’t jamison’s offense that dragged the cavs down but his defense—and amare isn’t that much better in that aspect.
no
stoudemire was worth hickson
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
I agree
but I don’t see the results changing is more of what I meant. Garnett wasn’t playing as poorly then so Amare still would’ve had his hands full especially since there would be even less subs for him. Without the pick and roll, Amare uses up way more possessions to get his shots and if everyone’s shot disappears like it did, we’re looking at the same thing. PLus, Jamison could’ve worked out well had they even attempted to integrate him into the offense they run, but Brown and James didn’t take the time to do so. I think we’d be here discussing the same thing even if they had gotten Amare except with more emphasis on Lebron not getting it done with a legitimate second fiddle
While getting Amare would've been nice, I don't think they had the pieces to get it done.
When Danny Ferry inherited that team, that roster was worthless with the exception of Big Z and Lebron. He hired Mike Brown and they became playoff team year in and year out with a Finals appearance in 06-07. I’m sure he has made some terrible transactions, but that roster improved throughout his tenure.
I don't know about sucked, but it certainly wasn't built for the postseason.
I have to wonder if certain teams know this and are more about getting their fans hopes up, putting butts in the seats and eyes on the TVs.
The criticism and hating by the media on Lebron for doing interviews (and now they’re hating on him for having the nerve to visit cities he could be playing for in July, someone even going as far as calling it “disgusting”) has been over the top and pathetic, starting with Skip and Woj as well as a lot of others.
And two people who know more than all those morons in the media will ever know agree with me. source
“I don’t think it’s fair,” Magic said of the criticism directed at James.
Do those who accuse LeBron of trying to upstage the Finals have a point? Is this national TV interview, along with a report Friday of discussions about a different pair of Nikes for each city on his free agency tour, crossing the line?
“No,” Bryant said. “I don’t deal with that, and I don’t think about it. I know him personally, and he’s a great person; a great person and a hell of a player. My deal with him is, I wish people would just leave him the hell alone and let him do his thing and that’s all I’ll say about that. I really don’t think about anything other than just him doing well.”
If Magic, and Kobe especially, don’t have a problem with it than maybe that proves all those idiots jumping up and down about Lebron “overshadowing” the finals, are completely wrong. I think the world is big enough for the NBA finals to happen and Lebron to do an interview at the same time without the world coming to an end.
After that piece on him during halftime of game 1 and these nice things he’s had to say here, I gotta say this Kobe guy is growing on me.
ah...innocent cavs fans finally realizing the bitter-ness and cut throat mentality of the media?
welcome to the world of journalism?
trust me…they’re going easy on lebron.
if it were kobe instead of lebron…you’d think kobe murdered their family or something.
Kobe always said that the truth about him would be realized over time
And it’s slowly coming about
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
I remember that not long ago writing “kobe is a ball hog” in the media was the big fad (who was he supposed to pass it to?kwame?) which was just as ridiculous as saying Lebron is trying to overshadow the finals. Then the media eventually got over being biased about Kobe and now they are relatively fair (all it took was 4 championships). Maybe some day they’ll treat Lebron like that…when they move on to hating Durant.
by CavsLebronFan on Jun 5, 2010 1:00 AM PDT up reply actions
It’s just that Durant hasn’t had the hype or media coverage as Kobe or LeNomg had.
A Lakers fan, but primarily a fan of the game.
by Follows the Game on Jun 5, 2010 1:21 AM PDT up reply actions
he may soon.
didn’t kenny smith declare that he’ll be the best player in 3 years? lol
but durant doesn’t annoy me as much as lebron does. well, lebron didn’t annoy me until recently with his antics, either. but durant doesn’t seem to be as flaunty as lebron. he’s a lot of quiet and keeps to himself. we’ll see what happens in a few years, though.
Lebron*
A Lakers fan, but primarily a fan of the game.
by Follows the Game on Jun 5, 2010 1:22 AM PDT up reply actions
hehe
It wasn’t too long ago that people were hating on Kobe for putting the Lakers through the ringer in 2004 before he signed his previous contract by “pretending” to go to of all places the Clippers.
I’m not too ecstatic to hear about Lebron or Wade or Bosh or Amare because it just alludes to the offseason and I’m trying to enjoy the right now. I feel like you can compare the 4 of them though and see the glaring difference between Lebron and the rest. Wade is calling a free agent summit and answering questions about various teams. Lebron is booking interviews to talk about it on National television without answering many questions at all, except to say Cleveland has an edge. Amare only showed up to say he’s going to the summit thing or whatever and Bosh has barely been in the news as usual. Lebron is the most public face out of them and the fact that he saying more while saying less about his destination makes it look more like grabs at attention than it is responding to attention already given. Personally, I don’t want to hear about anything else until at least the Finals are over, but whatever if he wants to put himself out there for crucifixion which is bound to happen then its on him. The latest thing is comparing Kobe watching film while Lebron does interviews. You can’t lie, if Lebron had been doing something along those lines they would have been groveling over that versus blasting him for this. Welcome to the world of polarizing figures.
By the way
I’m not saying the treatment is fair, but when you’re the polarizing figure, personality-wise, that Lebron is, you gotta figure he’s going to rub some people the wrong way. Either way, even Lebron fans and Cavs fans are writing about this being ridiculously much, so I’m just going to sit back and laugh and watch history repeat itself. I mean Kobe did it with the Clippers. Jordan did it with the Knicks. Shaq did it with the Lakers over Orlando. Kareem did it with Milwaukee after Big O retired, well he forced for a trade but it was headline news at the time. No one’s ever made it as big a deal, but the trend of players switching teams is seen throughout history and the slander reporting has always been there for each one.
My problem with that article is like all the others is it’s self fulfilling prophecy. These people are asking how dare he overshadow the finals, when it’s them spending so much damn time talking about him overshadowing the finals that overshadows the finals.
If they’d just let it go and spend their time talking about the finals Lebron wouldn’t be overshadowing the finals. Instead they’ve spent a week talking about the larry king interview that had no bombshell revelations, so if they didn’t cover it so much we all would have forgotten about the interview hours after it happened.
And about this tour, it’s more myth and exaggeration than reality. The shoes = isn’t and never was happening. And as for the tour itself, this tour is happening after the finals, it has nothing to do with the finals, so people talking about it now takes away from the finals and that is not Lebron’s fault. Besides, since when does Lebron meeting with the teams that are in the running mean he’s some kind of narcissistic manic? I think he has every right to meet them before he makes a decision, and if he didn’t meet them and just chose a team those same critics would be saying that he just strung along the other teams for 2 years and wasted everyone’s time just to stoke his ego.
No matter how July plays out he can’t win with the media, if he takes too long they’ll say he’s being egotistical, and if he makes the decision too quickly they’ll say he knew all along what he was going to do and all this was just him enjoying the attention.
by CavsLebronFan on Jun 5, 2010 6:43 AM PDT up reply actions
See I think of it as
more of a problem with the way he handled it in general. Announcing 2 years before it happens jus after you get an extension is like you’re looking forward to your free agency and for most thats a matter of loyalty because you’re openly saying you look forward to not being with the team you play with anymore even though you guys are currently winning. Which you have to admit is kinda ridiculous? Even Wade whose been talking about it has only been saying he needs help if he’s going to stay in Miami, no one has been talking about it like they’re looking forward to not being with the team anymore.
Nike said they were never making the shoes, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t requested. I hope it wasn’t requested.
As for the tour, I THINK its less about the tour and more about when he announced it. The news is there to report the news. So if Lebron as a sports player does something, it is their job to report it, especially if it relates to something upcoming. Reporters hear about it and they report their opinions on it. If you don’t want people to talk about something until a later date, you mention it at a later date. I do agree that they overdo anything related free agency right now. Like, honestly it should be a sportscenter topic for two seconds and moved on and maybe a first and ten debate topic because anytime they talk anything but basketball or football idk who anyone is. lol. But yes he’ll never win with the opinions of people or the media, especially if this drags into August and I hope to God that it doesn’t.
I only posted the article because it is coming from a Lebron fan who just doesn’t like what is happening. Whether the news reported it for a week or reported it for a day, I think he would’ve wrote that article because he was upset by the news he heard.
As for the specifics of the tour, there’s nothing wrong with that. Every player is flew in to individual cities to talk with prospective teams. I think some people are thrown off by the fact that he’s visiting them all. You know he doesn’t want to go play with the Clippers. But thats neither here nor there because us talking about it now is continuing the talk about it which leads to more talk about it. So lets just leave it alone.
Who knows, maybe the Clippers are a bigger chance than people think. Kobe v Lebron 4 times a year + WCF will give the media something more to write about.
by CavsLebronFan on Jun 5, 2010 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions
True
but the way that organization has been mismanaged would be extremly hard to ignore or at least for me. They have a good core with a possible question mark in Blake Griffin’s abilities after sitting out an entire season, but having Baron Davis and Lebron try to share the ball screams trouble and mid-season trades.
I think if Griffin played this season and had a rookie mvp type of year the Clippers might have been the favorites, but with the injury it’s a huge gamble. It might been a one off and he could still turn into a superstar or he could turn into the next Oden.
And I’ve heard Sterling is virtually offering the keys to the franchise, which could help if Lebron is worried about their mismanagement.
by CavsLebronFan on Jun 5, 2010 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions
Im not really worried about him
as much as I’m worried about their bench and their backcourt . Davis has never played second fiddle and succeeded and he and Lebron shoot too many 3s at an unjustified % to maintain a 3-pt attack. Gordon is an up and comer, but I’m not too sold on him either. It isn’t exactly the ideal situation.
Yes, essentially, the media is being hypocritical in that they are criticizing lebron for hogging attention while they are the ones who pay him the attention
however, I wouldn’t vindicate Lebron as being entirely innocent either.
You don’t think LeBron KNOWS that the media will be playing attention to his free agency? You think he is surprised by all the attention he is getting? He knows very well how much attention he will be getting…and he still went out and did it anyways because he’s playing on the media paying him attention.
Is what Lebron is doing “wrong”? Of course not. He has all the right to do what he wants to go one interviews or whatnot. It’s his freedom of speech. And yes, the media is being hypocritical by placing the blame on lebron when it is really in their power whether or not to pay attention to the finals or lebron’s free agency. So their criticism is unfair. But Lebron is no innocent victim himself. He KNOWS what he is doing with his timing. Did he plan for all the criticism? Probably not. Does he want the attention to himself? I wouldn’t be surprised.
That’s why i pointed out the Kobe quote. I don’t think Lebron has some ulterior motive and that he wants to take attention from the finals. And Kobe said that the criticism (that Lebron is trying to overshadow the finals) is not accurate and that he knows Lebron and knows he’s a good person. Or in other words a person that wouldn’t try to overshadow the biggest moment of the basketball season.
And of all people i think Kobe wouldn’t go out of his way to say nice things about another player if he didn’t mean them. If anything the guy who asked him the questions was hoping he’d answer differently.
by CavsLebronFan on Jun 5, 2010 6:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Then perhaps Lebron needs to go fire his publicist and find a new one
because there is no way he (or his publicist) is not aware of the attention that they would get.
seriously...Woj wrote an article right after the cavs got eliminated.
even if Lebron doesn’t read the articles…it’s his publicist’s job to know what the opinions are.
But it shouldn’t be up to Lebron to change the way he acts to make the media happy. The media should use a little perspective. They’ve made such a big deal out of the king interview, when if they left it alone we would have a bland interview that by now would be long forgotten.
If people like Woj actually gave a damn about not overshadowing the finals they’d stop talking about a boring interview. That’s my point, the media has created a problem where there wasn’t one before they got involved. They don’t care about overshadowing the finals because they are the ones doing it all by themselves by focusing on something so petty.
by CavsLebronFan on Jun 5, 2010 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions
For the media, it’s not creating ‘problems’. It’s creating revenue.
A Lakers fan, but primarily a fan of the game.
by Follows the Game on Jun 5, 2010 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Telling the media to use a little perspective is like telling the fat kid he shouldn't eat cake
It’s the media’s job to sprew something (like that stupid pau gasol interview quote).
But if Lebron actually cares what the media thinks…then he needs to conform to them.
Let’s analyze the senarios:
1. Lebron’s publicist should know very well that Lebron’s free agency will catch a lot of media attention. Hell, Lebron’s the one that set it up to be a big media attraction. It’s impossible for them to be unaware of the massive attention that would be paid by the media. If his publicist isn’t aware…then he should be fired anyway because that’s a massive FAIL. Lebron may not go out and check what the media is harping…but his publicist should. If the publicist can’t even do a simple task as that…then he should be fired.
2. If the publicist is fully aware of the attention & consequences and still goes out and schedules Lebron for interviews, then again, it’s a massive FAIL on his part and should still be immediately be fired.
3. If the publicist was fully aware of the attention and consequences and warns Lebron about it but Lebron continues on with his plan anyways…then Lebron is the attention hogging jerk (as criticized by the media).
So whichever way it goes…either Lebron’s publicist is an incompetent idiot or Lebron is the attention hogging jerk. Either way, it’s a FAIL.
The media is capable of making mountains out of molehills…but they cannot ignite fire without wood. The media will be what it is and won’t change its ways for anyone. So in a way, it’s Lebron’s camp’s failure to make a bad PR move.
Seriously, what Kobe and Magic think about this doesn't mean shit.
Don’t get me wrong, I love both Kobe and Magic, but in this matter, their opinions are irrelevant and not likely to change how anyone feels about LeBron’s Magical Mystery Tour.
And being a good person has no bearing on whether or not he would try to overshadow the Finals.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Their opinions are more relevant than idiots in the media who are basically paid to create controversy. And if the biggest star that’s actually involved in this series and who knows Lebron personally thinks Lebron isn’t trying to overshadow the finals, than maybe just maybe he isn’t.
And being a good person is relevant, because a good person wouldn’t plan to overshadow the biggest part of his sport’s season.
by CavsLebronFan on Jun 5, 2010 11:39 PM PDT up reply actions
It’s called being politically correct.
A Lakers fan, but primarily a fan of the game.
by Follows the Game on Jun 5, 2010 11:51 PM PDT up reply actions
"good" person doesn't mean you must be angelic in every single way
you can be a “good person” and still be an attention whore :p.
“good person” is an arbiturary enough term.
Yes “good person” doesn’t mean you are angelic in every single way but in the context Kobe used it in, he was referring to Lebron not trying to overshadow the finals.
by CavsLebronFan on Jun 6, 2010 1:44 AM PDT up reply actions
regardless of whether or not Lebron is trying to hog the attention
do you honestly think Kobe & Magic would say that Lebron is an “attention whore” in public even if they thought so? Even Kobe knows better than that.
He went out of his way to compliment him, he wouldn’t do that just to be PC. Have you seen his press conferences the last few days. He wouldn’t attack Lebron but he could have just said “no comment” which would have been easier for him.
by CavsLebronFan on Jun 6, 2010 7:00 AM PDT up reply actions
Their opinions are more relevant than idiots in the media who are basically paid to create controversy.
I seriously doubt anyone who has a negative view of LeBron’s Magical Mystery Tour is going to change their minds and say, “Hey, you know Kobe and Magic don’t see anything wrong with this spectacle so it must be okay. That means I shouldn’t think it’s ridiculous either.”
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Whether he stays or goes doesn’t change how i think the media is being unfair to him.
by CavsLebronFan on Jun 5, 2010 8:55 AM PDT up reply actions
from twitter:
“You are asking me if LeBron is going to New York?” Bryant told The Post. "I’m trying to tell you in a polite way, I don’t give a [bleep].
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
by shaqfor3 on Jun 5, 2010 12:31 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
LOL
Kobe treats the media the way they are supposed to be treated, especially after how they used to attack him….Plus he’s being honest lol
Magic...The mere mention of his name still makes Boston Fans wake up in a cold sweat...
he's learned that you can't ever win against the media the hard way
so the best thing to do is stay outta their way.
This is awesome. Certainly the best read of the week.
Is it Sunday yet?
also, why is it so damn hot >.<
Queensbridge.
hahahahahahaha
You sure it’s just the heat? lol
Magic...The mere mention of his name still makes Boston Fans wake up in a cold sweat...
Sacramento makes a pitch for lebron:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-AE50-Mvps
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
by shaqfor3 on Jun 6, 2010 12:56 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
but I thought Lebron would want to come see their trailer parks??
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Bitch, don't you diss my hometown!
It's a 2 point Sacramento lead. We're down to 7 seconds. Bryant putting a move on Christie. Rebound O'Neal. Came up short. Horry for the win. Pretty sure we all know how it ends.
rec'd
Lol @ “none of us will do your mom”.
by CavsLebronFan on Jun 6, 2010 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions
one of the best (sports) articles i've ever read
http://www.gq.com/sports/profiles/200706/william-wesley-worldwide-wes-nba-basketball?currentPage=1
"the man who created a legend; the legend who resurrected a franchise."
If Wojnarowski is to be believed it’s Thibodeau’s relationship with this guy that got him the Bulls job.
And the man has an eye for talent, look at the last page describing two players Wes built a relationship with that would go on to become the best rookies of the last 2 years after the article was written.
by CavsLebronFan on Jun 6, 2010 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions
pretty awesome
to have made your way up from shoe salesman, to controlling coaches and superstar players
whooops
Not only can water float a boat, it can sink it also.
by Zanarkand on Jun 10, 2010 8:02 AM PDT reply actions 5 recs
OMG that is hilarious!
Rec’d
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
lawl beat me to it, it's still
very hahaha
"Love me or hate me; it's one or the other. Always has been. Hate my game, my swagger. Hate my fade-away, my hunger. Hate that I'm a veteran. A champion. Hate that. Hate it with all your heart. And hate that I'm loved for the exact same reasons." - Kobe Bryant
Well, the emperor had no clothes either, so...
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
by SoCalGal on Jun 12, 2010 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Scoop Jackson
on the most recent TBJ overdose episode was quoted as saying he doesn’t think the Bulls should participate in this market of players and go after Carmelo next year. Obviously, this point is mute if Melo gets an extension, but what do you guys think? Is Melo a better fit for the Bulls than Lebron, given the similar skillset of Rose and Lebron and they’d have diminishing return on their skills playing with each other? Just a thought, not saying that Denver would be foolish enough to let Melo go or anything, or at least I hope not for the sake of Denver fans
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on Jun 16, 2010 7:59 AM PDT reply actions 5 recs
ahahahahaha.
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
by bluexfalcon on Jun 16, 2010 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions
That is so wrong!
LOL, rec’d!
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
it's joyful seeing it.
WE ARE CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don't ever underestimate the heart of a champion." -- Rudy Tomjanovich
by rs850_Lakers on Jun 27, 2010 7:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Ammo has 2 more rings than lebron...
just a reminder
When will people learn.. the greatest of all time wore number 32 and wore purple and gold....
A real champion.
“http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AjTE1Klh7S8YfJtIWCiFG0O8vLYF?slug=ap-lebronday”
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Oops.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AjTE1Klh7S8YfJtIWCiFG0O8vLYF?slug=ap-lebronday
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Bron on Battling Kobe
http://stacktv.stack.com/video.aspx?videoID=38091184001_105
“If I had my way, we’d play the Lakers 82 games..”
What y’all think of that!? cavs beat lakers twice in reg season… not that that matters now but hey
by Thisgirlsballin on Jun 22, 2010 12:51 PM PDT reply actions
He said he wants to play them every game because he wants to play against the best.
And the best is the Lakers.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on Jun 27, 2010 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions
raymone??
hmm never heard that before.
by Thisgirlsballin on Jun 22, 2010 12:51 PM PDT reply actions
Report: LeBron to the Bulls "a done deal"
well, we did avenge our losses to PHX and Boston, so I suppose it is only fair that we dig deeper for teams that we hate
Today's sports media excels at over-reaction to a single event and specializes in hyperboles. But hey, it's that or my biochem textbook...
we still need detroit from '04
and philly from ’83
and the knicks from ’73…
just call us the los angeles revengers
I think we've got our revenge on all of those teams
We beat Philly in ‘01, the Knicks have been ran through more than a hoe on prom night, and Detroit sign Charlie Villanueva to a star’s contract while playing alongside our own Kwame Brown, I think we sabotaged them enough. lol
Unfortunately the legend of MJ has long surpassed the reality of MJ. -Jevon O
These videos just get me every time.
Breaking Lebron Free Agency News See Signiture
<———————-
Czheck Productions
My Instrumentals
Lebrons waiting to see where Adam Morrison goes first before he signs
signature*
Czheck Productions
My Instrumentals
Lebrons waiting to see where Adam Morrison goes first before he signs
Random thoughts:
Kobe Bryant as a youngster sought to emulate Michael Jordan. LeBron James as a youngster sought to emulate Jay Z (and he still does). That should tell you all you need to know about the two – what drives them.
Kobe Bryant’s favourite player growing up was Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson. LeBron James’ favourite player growing up? Kobe Bean Bryant.
’Nuff said.
If Kobe doesn't make his teammates better, how on Earth does Adam Morrison have two rings!?
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/ - Visit, and be loved. Troll, and die a painful death. =]]
Questions? Queries? Comments? Concerns? Expletive-filled inflammatory trolling? Contact me at saurav.a.das.1994@gmail.com
LOL, took me a second to see the fraction.
+1/3
"There are no "Kobe Lovers", just people who are right." - Gil Meriken
lol...
funny… cuz thats one of the few times 1 =/= 1
1/3 = .33
.33 × 3 = .99 =/= 1
/nerd
When will people learn.. the greatest of all time wore number 32 and wore purple and gold....
maybe i shoulda looked at the post date... oops?
When will people learn.. the greatest of all time wore number 32 and wore purple and gold....
Check out my new sig losers
"Hate me or love me. Its one or the other; always has been. Hate my game, my swagger. Hate my fadeaway, my hunger. Hate that I'm a veteran. A champion. Hate that. Hate it with all your heart. And hate that I'm loved for the exact same reasons." - Kobe Jelly Bean Bryant
by Jelly Bean on Dec 11, 2010 7:20 PM PST reply actions 5 recs
Love that quote
Knew what it was after reading just the first 2 lines
"I don't mind being the goat. I don't mind being the villain, hated. I've been that my whole career, so it's not like that's anything new. I don't mind people jumping on the bandwagon or jumping off. I just focus on playing the game." -Ron Artest
woah woah woah how did this thread reappear magically?
i was so confused because i was looking through the first few comments and saw P&GFL and CavsLeBronFan posting… then i saw the dates.
how come I never saw this before?
and what resurrected it?
"Barnes, Brown & Blake sounds like a law firm or something." -Kobe
The Bird-esque behind-the-board shot L.E.B.R.O.N. hit in the Heat's last game was purdy
However, the writing in the current PiM Cave-Heat pre-game thread is not:
Tonight from the AAA its round 2 of the Heat-Cavaliers, though I doubt this one will be quite the skeptical that we saw earlier this month in Cleveland.
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
LOL, I think the fans are actually skeptical after last week's spectacle.
quite the skeptical that we saw earlier this month in Cleveland.
"There are no "Kobe Lovers", just people who are right." - Gil Meriken
"ANY ONE WNAT SOME OF THIS MONEY, IN IF YOU WANT SOME COME ON IN GET SOME" - the Legendary LEWIS MONROE
Follow me on Twitter: @SoCalGal64
The editor needs spectacles, hehe
Speaking of which, FTS needs a child-proof cap!
Can mods of one blog e-mail mods of another SCG?
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
Why, what's going on over there?
"There are no "Kobe Lovers", just people who are right." - Gil Meriken
"ANY ONE WNAT SOME OF THIS MONEY, IN IF YOU WANT SOME COME ON IN GET SOME" - the Legendary LEWIS MONROE
Follow me on Twitter: @SoCalGal64
Unmitigated trolling
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
Let's just say Kashberry would feel quite at home
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
Oh, that's what they were talking about the other day.
No, I don’t think there’s anything we can do. Apparently there’s only one guy running their blog and he’s a bit overwhelmed, which is interesting. I would think the last two seasons would have him jumping, but now that they have no traffic, things are busy. Weird.
"There are no "Kobe Lovers", just people who are right." - Gil Meriken
"ANY ONE WNAT SOME OF THIS MONEY, IN IF YOU WANT SOME COME ON IN GET SOME" - the Legendary LEWIS MONROE
Follow me on Twitter: @SoCalGal64
Oh well.
Given the Cavs are playing the Heat again, hopefully Bena will be back at the wheel and see what’s going on.
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
Yeah, we'll see what happens tomorrow night.
"There are no "Kobe Lovers", just people who are right." - Gil Meriken
"ANY ONE WNAT SOME OF THIS MONEY, IN IF YOU WANT SOME COME ON IN GET SOME" - the Legendary LEWIS MONROE
Follow me on Twitter: @SoCalGal64
Spell check is a useful tool.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"-Wayne Gretzky"-Michael Scott.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Dec 15, 2010 2:59 PM PST up reply actions
Wouldn't've helped in this case since the wrong word is correctly spelled
Writers always need editors.
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
Eye yam avalabul fore higher.
"There are no "Kobe Lovers", just people who are right." - Gil Meriken
"ANY ONE WNAT SOME OF THIS MONEY, IN IF YOU WANT SOME COME ON IN GET SOME" - the Legendary LEWIS MONROE
Follow me on Twitter: @SoCalGal64
Ah, nice. Then you could get paid for contributing to both blogs!
Philanthropic and business-minded you are.
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
Truth.
I thought spell check picks up on incorrect uses of words, I guess not.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"-Wayne Gretzky"-Michael Scott.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Dec 16, 2010 8:41 PM PST up reply actions
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