I think people are giving a TON of hate to LeBron and they are doing it out of spite mostly. Sure, he had a bad 4th.. but he played 47 minutes. He has to play too much to compensate for his team's weaknesses, has to contribute to every score either by fast break, assist, or driving to the basket. That's gotta be ridiculously exhausting.
Scottie Pippen, 5/27/11:
""Michael Jordan is probably the greatest scorer to play the game," Pippen said Friday on "Mike & Mike In The Morning" on ESPN Radio. "But I may go as far as to say LeBron James may be the greatest player to ever play the game because he is so potent offensively that not only can he score at will but he keeps everybody involved... No guy on the basketball court is a threat to score with LeBron James out there. Not only will LeBron dominate from the offensive end as well, but he's also doing it on the defensive end, which really makes him the complete package. He's able to get in those passing lanes, shoot those gaps and create transition opportunities where he is pretty much unstoppable."
First, ^Lol.
Secondly, MJ's average minutes in
only the years he won the Finals MVP
1991-44 minutes
92-42.3
93-45.7
96-42
97-42.7
98-41.7
So, gimme a break. The greats are supposed to rise up in crunch time and deliver.
Kobe was swept this year and he had a better supporting cast. Did people say the same things about him? Nope.
I would like to reiterate my initial thoughts on Kobe: THAT WHINY RAPEY DOUCHE CAN GET FUCKED. I literally would spit on him if I saw him.
They gave Mavs credit because lets face it - the Mavs are better coached, more skilled, and have a deeper roster.
Better coached- Mr. 11-Ring Phil Jackson we are talking about right?
The fact that there is still a chance for the Heat at all goes to show you how hard LeBron and DWade are playing to carry this group this far against a lot of damn good competition.
Carry this group? You say it like the rest of the team are bums. So much hype about the Big 3, and (re)signing Haslem, Miller, Illgauskas, Anthony, Arroyo, House. This was supposed to be an epic team.
I know it's fun and all to hate on LeBron and all but you have to be able to separate reality from spite.
Agreed, also must separate reality from imagination.
He played his heart out throughout the middle of the game last night. He has weaknesses and those are becoming more and more obvious and the Mavs are taking advantage of them. LeBron can't play post and doesn't play without the ball.
"Only player in NBA history to post at least 2000 points, 500 rebounds, 500 assists and 100 steals in four straight seasons."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_career_achievements_by_LeBron_James
3 straight years of being All-Defensive First Team.
Most of the written blowjobs Lebron gets are complementary about how complete he is as a player.
He has got to be doing something without the ball...
And as for comparing players.. why must this go on and on and on.. each player exists within a specific basketball era which means they face different competition, have different support, and in many cases, played with different rules.. not to mention their skill sets, body type, and team role are often totally different.. so why bother with the constant comparisons and just appreciate them for what they've given to the sport?
How long have you been a sports fan? In EVERY sport, the greats of today are compared to the greats of yesterday along with their achievements being compared.
MJ and Lebron are compared all the time. Similar skill sets, body types, and team role.