Let's start off by saying that I absolutely respect LeBron James as a basketball player. He is an absolute beast and he is clearly the best basketball player on this planet. With his 6'8" 250 lb. frame, LeBron can play all positions on the floor. A lot of analysts like to say that he is a small forward in a point guard's body. This also refers that LeBron is more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan just because of his pass-first mentality to find his teammates for a high percentage shot.
Magic and Mike are on a lot of peoples proverbial "Mount Rushmore of Basketball" and despite LeBron still having several years left to play in the NBA before he hangs it up, people are already looking to carve his face on the mountain. Does LeBron James deserve such praise? Let's get to the arguments.
LEBRON = HYPE
Ever since LeBron James was a sophomore in high school, everyone wanted to see him play. By his junior year, LBJ was already considered "the best high school basketball in America". The hype was so huge, Sports Illustrated declared LBJ to be "The Chosen One"...before he even stepped on an NBA court. He graduated high school as one the most hyped basketball players ever and I would assume that the Cleveland Cavaliers had no hesitation selecting him with the No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. On his NBA debut versus the Sacramento Kings, LeBron recorded 25 points and during his Rookie of the Year campaign LeBron became the youngest in NBA history to score at least 40 points. The rest is pretty much history in the making. The hype was real. Sports Illustrated called it right.
The thing about LeBron's career is that whenever he posts outrageous numbers like he is doing during the 2015 NBA Finals, it's what we expect him to do. Oh, LeBron James had a 40pt-11ast-14rb game. That's it? A player of his size and freak athletic ability, LBJ can will himself to score in the paint every single time. If he wanted to, he could score 50 a night, but he knows that's not healthy for his basketball team. It's what we expect out of him because we've set high standards for him ever since he got drafted.
Let me know end this argument with this.
If Michael Jordan dominated the 90's with a 6'6" 195 lb. frame, went 6 for 6 in the NBA Finals, never played a game 7 in the NBA Finals, AND he probably could've gotten more rings if he didn't retire to play baseball in 1994...
THEN, if you're LeBron James with a 6'8" 250 pounds and has the tendency to form super-teams in order to win championships, shouldn't you be UNSTOPPABLE?
Before you say anything about the injuries to Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving would have created a different outcome for this series. I want to point out that Kevin Love's shooting ability would play favor to GSW's tempo. Kevin Love's injury opened up Tristan Thompson's play in the point and created matchup problems for the Warrior's smaller lineups. The impact of Irving's injury was probably a bigger factor than Love's solely because it left LBJ to be the facilitator for the remainder of the series and whenever LeBron tried to pass the ball around, his teammates played hot potato and gave it right back. This of course led to a stagnant offense with more isolations and less ball movement...and this fact.
That's a story for another day though.
BACK TO MY ARGUMENTS.
Before you say anything about the injuries to Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving would have created a different outcome for this series. I want to point out that Kevin Love's shooting ability would play favor to GSW's tempo. Kevin Love's injury opened up Tristan Thompson's play in the point and created matchup problems for the Warrior's smaller lineups. The impact of Irving's injury was probably a bigger factor than Love's solely because it left LBJ to be the facilitator for the remainder of the series and whenever LeBron tried to pass the ball around, his teammates played hot potato and gave it right back. This of course led to a stagnant offense with more isolations and less ball movement...and this fact.
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| Photo Credit: NBA on ESPN |
BACK TO MY ARGUMENTS.
LEBRON TOOK HIS TALENTS TO SOUTH BEACH
In the NBA, you hear the phrase "ball don't lie" a lot, especially when it comes to a shooter who was fouled, but not according to the defender. When the shooter misses the first free throw, saying "ball don't lie" is kind of like saying "heh, karma b***h". In 2010, LBJ made "The Decision" to form a super-team with 2003 draft buddies Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade. The so-called King James reigned supreme in Miami for 4 years and led the team to 4 straight finals appearances....and only walked away with 2 rings. Some would consider it an accomplishment, others would say it's not good enough. When the Heat lost that first finals appearance versus the Dallas Mavericks, I imagine a lot of LeBron haters chanting "ball don't lie" (including myself) because after the tremendous effort of the Miami super-team, it still wasn't good enough against Dirk and company.
After losing game 1 to the Thunder in the 2012 NBA Finals, James led the Heat to the team's 2nd NBA championship with 4 straight wins. With the Spurs up 3-2 in a thrilling 2013 NBA Finals, the Heat came up with a miracle 3-pointer by Ray Allen to force OT in game 6 and won the game to tie the series. In game 7, Mr. Fundamental (Tim Duncan) had the 2 opportunities to tie the game with less a minute to go, but failed. LeBron James capitalized on the following possession with a jump-shot which sealed the victory and secured back-to-back championships for the Heat. In 2014, the Spurs and Heat met for a Finals rematch and the Spurs showed that they were the better overall team winning the championship in 5 games.
LeBron James' career will always be tainted with the fact that he left the team that drafted him in order to form a super-team to win a couple of championships before coming back home. If you look at the all-time greats, most of them were able to play for one team and still win championships: Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, Bill Russell, and Jerry West. I wanted to add Michael Jordan to this list, but MJ had a 2-year stint with the Washington Wizards (with no playoff appearances) before he retired from the game for a 3rd time.
The Miami Heat pretty much had LeBron James on a 4-year rental period. Appeared in 4 straight Finals and got 2 championships. LBJ left South Beach along with a bandwagon of his followers and came back home to Cleveland to form another super-team with Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving. The 2015 Cavaliers have been plagued with injuries (Kevin Love - shoulder and Kyrie Irving - knee) and now it closely mirrors the Cavs teams LeBron has led prior to his departure to Miami. LBJ being the core of the offense distributing the ball as a point-forward.
LEBRON JAMES IS THE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Before LBJ went to Miami
2009-2010 Cavaliers Record - 61-21 (best in the Eastern Conference)
2009-2010 Heat Record - 47-35 (5th in the Eastern Conference)
After LBJ went to Miami
2010-2011 Cavaliers Record - 19-63 (worst in the Eastern Conference)
2010-2011 Heat Record - 58-24 (2nd in the Eastern Conference)
Is it coincidence that the Cleveland Cavaliers went from best to worst in one year AFTER LeBron James left? I don't think so. Let's look at this year.
Before LBJ went back to Cleveland
2013-2014 Cavaliers Record - 33-49 (10th in the East)
2013-2014 Heat Record - 54-28 (2nd in the East)
After LBJ went back to Cleveland
2014-2015 Cavaliers Record - 53-29 (2nd in the East)
2014-2015 Heat Record - 37-45 (10th in the East)
It's like they switched places huh?
How valuable in LeBron James? I would bet $100 that if LeBron left Cleveland after this season and played for the Minnesota Timberwolves (who had a 16-66 record this 2014-2015 season), they would automatically win 50-games and be in playoff contention. That just shows how good he is to make everyone around him better.
LeBron is so good that he is almost expected to come out with a triple-double every night. His stats don't lie. LeBron James in the only player in NBA history to average at least 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists for his career. WOW... if that doesn't blow your mind and convince you that he is the best player in the world right now... I don't think you enjoy the game of basketball.
With the NBA Finals over, I would like to add this amazing stat as well
Wait what...? Points...assists...AND rebounds for BOTH TEAMS?! Jimmy Crickets...
LEBRON HAS STAYED IN THE EASTERN CONFERENCE
Since 1998 (the last year Michael Jordan played for the Bulls) the Western Conference has dominated the NBA with multiple championship appearances by the LA Lakers, San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks (11 championships out of 16 years for the West). This is the first time since 1999 that the NBA finals hasn't featured either Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan or Dwayne Wade.
In past several years, the Western Conference has featured teams with more than 42 wins at the 8th seed. On the other hand, the Eastern Conference has featured playoff teams under 0.500 multiple times while the 9th and 10th seeds for the Western Conference had a better record.
For a little refresher, the NBA schedule is formatted in the following way:
After losing game 1 to the Thunder in the 2012 NBA Finals, James led the Heat to the team's 2nd NBA championship with 4 straight wins. With the Spurs up 3-2 in a thrilling 2013 NBA Finals, the Heat came up with a miracle 3-pointer by Ray Allen to force OT in game 6 and won the game to tie the series. In game 7, Mr. Fundamental (Tim Duncan) had the 2 opportunities to tie the game with less a minute to go, but failed. LeBron James capitalized on the following possession with a jump-shot which sealed the victory and secured back-to-back championships for the Heat. In 2014, the Spurs and Heat met for a Finals rematch and the Spurs showed that they were the better overall team winning the championship in 5 games.
LeBron James' career will always be tainted with the fact that he left the team that drafted him in order to form a super-team to win a couple of championships before coming back home. If you look at the all-time greats, most of them were able to play for one team and still win championships: Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, Bill Russell, and Jerry West. I wanted to add Michael Jordan to this list, but MJ had a 2-year stint with the Washington Wizards (with no playoff appearances) before he retired from the game for a 3rd time.
The Miami Heat pretty much had LeBron James on a 4-year rental period. Appeared in 4 straight Finals and got 2 championships. LBJ left South Beach along with a bandwagon of his followers and came back home to Cleveland to form another super-team with Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving. The 2015 Cavaliers have been plagued with injuries (Kevin Love - shoulder and Kyrie Irving - knee) and now it closely mirrors the Cavs teams LeBron has led prior to his departure to Miami. LBJ being the core of the offense distributing the ball as a point-forward.
LEBRON JAMES IS THE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Before LBJ went to Miami
2009-2010 Cavaliers Record - 61-21 (best in the Eastern Conference)
2009-2010 Heat Record - 47-35 (5th in the Eastern Conference)
After LBJ went to Miami
2010-2011 Cavaliers Record - 19-63 (worst in the Eastern Conference)
2010-2011 Heat Record - 58-24 (2nd in the Eastern Conference)
Is it coincidence that the Cleveland Cavaliers went from best to worst in one year AFTER LeBron James left? I don't think so. Let's look at this year.
Before LBJ went back to Cleveland
2013-2014 Cavaliers Record - 33-49 (10th in the East)
2013-2014 Heat Record - 54-28 (2nd in the East)
After LBJ went back to Cleveland
2014-2015 Cavaliers Record - 53-29 (2nd in the East)
2014-2015 Heat Record - 37-45 (10th in the East)
It's like they switched places huh?
How valuable in LeBron James? I would bet $100 that if LeBron left Cleveland after this season and played for the Minnesota Timberwolves (who had a 16-66 record this 2014-2015 season), they would automatically win 50-games and be in playoff contention. That just shows how good he is to make everyone around him better.
LeBron is so good that he is almost expected to come out with a triple-double every night. His stats don't lie. LeBron James in the only player in NBA history to average at least 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists for his career. WOW... if that doesn't blow your mind and convince you that he is the best player in the world right now... I don't think you enjoy the game of basketball.
With the NBA Finals over, I would like to add this amazing stat as well
Wait what...? Points...assists...AND rebounds for BOTH TEAMS?! Jimmy Crickets...
LEBRON HAS STAYED IN THE EASTERN CONFERENCE
Since 1998 (the last year Michael Jordan played for the Bulls) the Western Conference has dominated the NBA with multiple championship appearances by the LA Lakers, San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks (11 championships out of 16 years for the West). This is the first time since 1999 that the NBA finals hasn't featured either Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan or Dwayne Wade.
In past several years, the Western Conference has featured teams with more than 42 wins at the 8th seed. On the other hand, the Eastern Conference has featured playoff teams under 0.500 multiple times while the 9th and 10th seeds for the Western Conference had a better record.
For a little refresher, the NBA schedule is formatted in the following way:
- 4 games against the other 4 division opponents (16 games)
- 4 games against 6 (out-of-division) conference opponents (24 games)
- 3 games against remaining 4 conference teams (12)
- 2 games against teams in the opposing conference (30)
This means that majority of the games LeBron James has played have been against a weaker Eastern Conference (52 out of 82 games). Easier games equals a better conference record which equals an easier road to the NBA finals. Hence, LeBron James' 5 straight appearances. What if LBJ played in the Western Conference for his career? How decorated would his career be then if he played 63% of his games against more quality opponents?
CLOSING STATEMENTS
If you're familiar with football, LeBron James can closely be compared to Peyton Manning in the NFL when it comes to regular season numbers and playoff success. Both players have posted records in both their sports during the regular season, but their playoff success can be considered mediocre with the high expectations set for them.
LeBron: 10 straight playoff appearances since 2006. 5 straight finals appearances since 2011 (4 with Miami and 1 with Cleveland) 2-4 and so far in the Finals.
Peyton: 14 playoff appearances since 1999. 11 with Indy and 3 with Denver. 9 appearances eliminated in the 1st game. 3 Superbowl appearances and only 1 championship. Just like LeBron playing in the Eastern Conference, Peyton has had the benefit to play in mediocre divisions. The AFC South when he played in Indianapolis and the AFC West where he is currently playing for the Broncos.
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| Photo Credit: NBA on ESPN |
It's a shame that the media puts so much pressure not just on LeBron James, but on professional players to produce in their sport. In the end, they are still human. It was the media (specifically Sports Illustrated) that claimed LeBron James to be "The Chosen One" before he even started an NBA game. Now, all the pressure is on King James to dethrone the great Michael Jordan and his 6 rings.
Let's face it. LeBron is starting to reach the back-end of his career. In the past 8 years, he has participated in 6 NBA Finals and 2 gold-medal Olympic runs. That's a lot of basketball miles put onto a person's body over time. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if LBJ doesn't win another title before he retires. If he walks away from the game with only 2 rings, will that still make him the best of all-time? Only time will tell. Maybe this is the end of the super-team era. What the Golden State Warriors showed us for this year's NBA Finals is that even if you have the best basketball player on the planet...the best team will always be greater than the best player.
Let's face it. LeBron is starting to reach the back-end of his career. In the past 8 years, he has participated in 6 NBA Finals and 2 gold-medal Olympic runs. That's a lot of basketball miles put onto a person's body over time. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if LBJ doesn't win another title before he retires. If he walks away from the game with only 2 rings, will that still make him the best of all-time? Only time will tell. Maybe this is the end of the super-team era. What the Golden State Warriors showed us for this year's NBA Finals is that even if you have the best basketball player on the planet...the best team will always be greater than the best player.
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