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Before alot of recent info about Lebron had emerged I was more supportive of him, particularly reasoning that his team failed him not the other way around. His character has taken a big hit, not just for how he handled the Boston series and free agency either. He apparently was considered a team cancer to the USA national team in 2008 and was almost cut from the team. Information like that on top of his recent actions have me questioning the assertion that his team completely failed him.

Great player, incredible skillset, but I'd definitely have to consider other players in the best player/MVP category now.

Last edited by brian at 7/22/2010 1:04:42 PM

I hadnt heard about him being the so called cancer in 2008, though I agree with what Ive seen lately it doesnt shock me.

Great article here:

(http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-heatfreeagency07...)

No one could stand James as a 19-year-old in the 2004 Athens Olympics, nor the 2006 World Championships. Officials feared James could become the instigator of everything they wanted to rid themselves for the ’08 Olympics. For as gifted as James was, Krzyzewski and Colangelo subscribed to a belief that with Kobe Bryant joining the national team in 2007, they could win a gold medal in ’08 with or without LeBron James. Behind the scenes, officials had taken to calling James’ inner circle, “The Enablers.”

For everything the Bulls tried to sell – from owner Jerry Reinsdorf to GM Gar Forman to coach Tom Thibodeau – there had been one thing that troubled James’ about the Bulls pitch: Derrick Rose never called and tried to recruit him.

C'mon, you need Rose to call you and tell you he likes you and how your the King or something? WTF lebron.

Last edited by brian at 7/22/2010 1:26:26 PM

I'm a Celts fan, but I really felt for the Cavs fans and organization who had to learn the fate of Lebron the way they did. I really love basketball but it does get harder and harder to watch the NBA. On ESPN Radio this morning Scott Van Pelt mentioned the attitude of 'self-entitlement' that players in the League have (ala Chris Paul wanting out of NO). Fans get a bad taste in their mouth from the game as their loyalty to the team isn't reciprocated by its players. It's not just the NBA, don't get me wrong, but it sure seems more widespread. I've started to follow college sports more -but then again, especially in football -you see the same attitudes exhibited. Though frustrating, I can't help but wonder if I'd be the same way in that position, thankfully I'll never know for sure.

I guess the conclusion of the matter is that BB basketball is the easiest to watch and enjoy, lol.

This was certainly interesting to read. Thanks.

Last edited by Kukoc at 7/23/2010 6:02:41 AM

I'm not so sure. Lakers still match up with them pretty well.

Fisher/Blake vs. Chalmers/?? - LAL
Kobe vs Wade - even
Artest/Odom vs. LeBron/Miller - Miami
Pau vs Bosh - even
Bynum vs Big Z - LAL

Honestly, I think Kobe is better than Wade and Gasol is pretty better then Bosh -- not necessarily by a lot. LeBron is much better than Artest -- but the real question is how will Bynum play next season...

I think Miller could be the key to that team.

Thats not the only way to be looking at those matchups though...

PG Game goes to the Lakers... Hands down.

SG game.. Kobe is better than Wade.. Goes to Lakers..

As far as SF goes. yeah LeBron is better, but you have to remember that Artest is there for defense.. Artest will guard LeBron good.. so as far as offense goes, James, but when you think defensive strategy, Artest.

PF.. Gasol is way better.

And C.. Bynum over Z..

The Heat are good no doubt, as far as on paper, but you have not seen one game. The Lakers mesh very well because of role playing.. D Fish is the old head, veteran PG that controls the game, Kobe is the Scoring All Star, Artest is defensive player, Gasol secondary scorer, and Bynum for defense inside, blocks, inside game.

The Heat just threw a bunch of self centered all stars together and expect them to play well together. No good PG, so nobody to control the team from that position, SG, SF, PF all "All-Stars" that want their share of the spotlight.. and big Z... Not as good as it sounds.