NFT: Lebron James - NBA COmmissioner

In comment 15278562 bw in dc said:

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In comment 15278555 MotownGIANTS said: Quote: 3. You do realize Bird walked off the court on Zeke ... McHale stayed and gave props ... no one whines and cries about that ... (I am a Celtic and Bird fan by the way) I think that's a bit misconstrued. There were concerns about player safety and fans running onto the court at the Silverdome. So Boston getting off the court was more about that...

That is horsehit .... no one was going to do anything to them they know that and you know that as well there isnt even a precedent of it .... PURE HORSESHIT! ... The closest you have is the malay when the PLAYERS went into the STANDS not the other way around!

he started off with the Cavs and was likable. Then his big publicity stunt in leaving his hometown team turned a lot of people off. Rather than trying to win a championship and compete against the best in the world, he formed a big three with the best in the world. He flops regularly, despite having the build of an NFL linebacker. He is not a likable player. That's without taking into account some of the other off the field stuff. That's their right. Sure, he has his school and does charity work, but generally people form their opinion of an athlete like that more on on the court stuff.

A lot of people don't like him. That's their right. I don't understand why people are getting so bent out of shape about it.

In comment 15279107 KDavies said:

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he started off with the Cavs and was likable. Then his big publicity stunt in leaving his hometown team turned a lot of people off. Rather than trying to win a championship and compete against the best in the world, he formed a big three with the best in the world. He flops regularly, despite having the build of an NFL linebacker. He is not a likable player. That's without taking into account some of the other off the field stuff. That's their right. Sure, he has his school and does charity work, but generally people form their opinion of an athlete like that more on on the court stuff. A lot of people don't like him. That's their right. I don't understand why people are getting so bent out of shape about it.

Getting bent out of shape by other people getting bent out of shape first? It's a circular yoga class in here at this point. Luckily, I like yoga :-)

Also, leaving the hometown team after dragging a roster with Larry Huges, Drew Gibson, and Zydrunas to the finals isn't a sin. That's bullshit and you know it especially when that hometown team supported him with a roster that included Atwann Jamison and Mo Willians as its next best players the season before he left.

As for the flopping, blame the NBA for outlawing physical defense like there used to be in the 90's. The entire league flops now thanks to the stupid rule changes. Right now we are in the baseball threads figurately beating players over the head for not figuring out how to adjust to the changed landscape in baseball and in the NBA figurately beating players over the head for successfully adjust to the changed landscape.

In comment 15278429 Sec 103 said:

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I was just talking with my son the other day about how many fans really love Lebron? Do most Cavalier fans LOVE him (after he left them twice)? Do Heat fans love him? My guess is for Laker fans, he's just another of many greats, but do they love him? Doubt it.

I couldn't stand MJ bc he and the Bulls always beat the Knicks, but I'm pretty sure all Bulls fans LOVE him! And as much as I didn't like him, I respected him. Lebron? No.

In comment 15279124 Semipro Lineman said:

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In comment 15279107 KDavies said: Quote: he started off with the Cavs and was likable. Then his big publicity stunt in leaving his hometown team turned a lot of people off. Rather than trying to win a championship and compete against the best in the world, he formed a big three with the best in the world. He flops regularly, despite having the build of an NFL linebacker. He is not a likable player. That's without taking into account some of the other off the field stuff. That's their right. Sure, he has his school and does charity work, but generally people form their opinion of an athlete like that more on on the court stuff. A lot of people don't like him. That's their right. I don't understand why people are getting so bent out of shape about it. Getting bent out of shape by other people getting bent out of shape first? It's a circular yoga class in here at this point. Luckily, I like yoga :-) Also, leaving the hometown team after dragging a roster with Larry Huges, Drew Gibson, and Zydrunas to the finals isn't a sin. That's bullshit and you know it especially when that hometown team supported him with a roster that included Atwann Jamison and Mo Willians as its next best players the season before he left. As for the flopping, blame the NBA for outlawing physical defense like there used to be in the 90's. The entire league flops now thanks to the stupid rule changes. Right now we are in the baseball threads figurately beating players over the head for not figuring out how to adjust to the changed landscape in baseball and in the NBA figurately beating players over the head for successfully adjust to the changed landscape.

Reading is fundamental. I said the following: "Then his big publicity stunt in leaving his hometown team turned a lot of people off." It is not the leaving his hometown team that is the problem. It is making such a big production out of it, and joining with two other probable HOF players in the process. If you are fine with it, that's your prerogative. Many don't like him for that, and it's understandable.

In comment 15279129 Dr. D said:

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In comment 15278429 Sec 103 said: Quote: ! I was just talking with my son the other day about how many fans really love Lebron? Do most Cavalier fans LOVE him (after he left them twice)? Do Heat fans love him? My guess is for Laker fans, he's just another of many greats, but do they love him? Doubt it. I couldn't stand MJ bc he and the Bulls always beat the Knicks, but I'm pretty sure all Bulls fans LOVE him! And as much as I didn't like him, I respected him. Lebron? No.

I live in Miami Heat country. They did like him and defended him when he signed there and played there. Most Heat fans I know now do not like him one bit.

he gave them everything and they just couldn't get the right talent around him. But yeah the hate stemmed from everything he did the Summer of 2010, complete turnoff. He won't ever admit it I don't think but I bet he highly regrets how he handled that offseason. And from there he kinda just turned into a cartoon character. Fake tough guy in Miami, all the workout videos, the drastic increase in flopping. It shouldn't be surprising why people don't like him even if you are someone who enjoys him.

In comment 15279136 KDavies said:

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In comment 15279129 Dr. D said: I was just talking with my son the other day about how many fans really love Lebron? Do most Cavalier fans LOVE him (after he left them twice)? Do Heat fans love him? My guess is for Laker fans, he's just another of many greats, but do they love him? Doubt it. I couldn't stand MJ bc he and the Bulls always beat the Knicks, but I'm pretty sure all Bulls fans LOVE him! And as much as I didn't like him, I respected him. Lebron? No. I live in Miami Heat country. They did like him and defended him when he signed there and played there. Most Heat fans I know now do not like him one bit.

Yeah, I figured Heat fans liked him at the time. Cav fans prolly LOVED him, at one time.

But in the end, he could end up being the least loved superstar ever. And he did it the old fashioned way. He earned it.

In comment 15279131 KDavies said:

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Reading is fundamental. I said the following: "Then his big publicity stunt in leaving his hometown team turned a lot of people off." It is not the leaving his hometown team that is the problem. It is making such a big production out of it, and joining with two other probable HOF players in the process. If you are fine with it, that's your prerogative. Many don't like him for that, and it's understandable.

Writing is fundamental as well because if you wanted the reader's focus to solely be on "The Decision" stunt then you shouldn't have added "hometown team." Especially since a lot of the blowback against James involves leaving his first team and being the start of the current wave of free agents championship hunting more than ever.

In comment 15279220 Semipro Lineman said:

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In comment 15279131 KDavies said: Quote: Reading is fundamental. I said the following: "Then his big publicity stunt in leaving his hometown team turned a lot of people off." It is not the leaving his hometown team that is the problem. It is making such a big production out of it, and joining with two other probable HOF players in the process. If you are fine with it, that's your prerogative. Many don't like him for that, and it's understandable. Writing is fundamental as well because if you wanted the reader's focus to solely be on "The Decision" stunt then you shouldn't have added "hometown team." Especially since a lot of the blowback against James involves leaving his first team and being the start of the current wave of free agents championship hunting more than ever.

I did not want the reader's focus to solely be on the decision. It is pertinent that it was his hometown team as well, as that made it an even bigger dick move. You only parsed out the hometown team aspect, as the only problem people have with James is that he left his hometown team. You like James, fine. I don't see why you have a problem with other people not liking him. That is their prerogative.

Lebron has given people plenty of reasons not to like him. For a superstar athlete, he is quite unlikable for many.

if he didn't put on a WWE promo announcing his departure, and another one announcing how many rings he'd win.

Why is that so hard to understand?

In comment 15279246 UConn4523 said:

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if he didn't put on a WWE promo announcing his departure, and another one announcing how many rings he'd win. Why is that so hard to understand?

Exactly, it’s the lack of humility combined with all of the flopping and injury faking. Unless he plays for your team most fans don’t really like him from what I have seen/heard/read. If this was WWE he definitely took the “heel” route from a character perspective.

In comment 15279243 KDavies said:

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I did not want the reader's focus to solely be on the decision. It is pertinent that it was his hometown team as well, as that made it an even bigger dick move. You only parsed out the hometown team aspect, as the only problem people have with James is that he left his hometown team. You like James, fine. I don't see why you have a problem with other people not liking him. That is their prerogative. Lebron has given people plenty of reasons not to like him. For a superstar athlete, he is quite unlikable for many.

The term "home town discount" is often used for players (in all sports) who aren't even originally from the particular city, i.e., they were simply drafted by the team from that city or have played there X# of years (making fans hope the player gives the team the HT discount).

In Lebron's case, it really was his hometown or at least home city (I grew up 80 miles from NYC, but considered it my home city).

No home town discount (or loyalty) for you Cleveland! Lebron's taking his talents to South Beach... and then LA.. and who knows, maybe another super team before he's 40!

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I did not want the reader's focus to solely be on the decision. It is pertinent that it was his hometown team as well, as that made it an even bigger dick move. You only parsed out the hometown team aspect, as the only problem people have with James is that he left his hometown team.

You decided to expand upon the fact that "The Decision" didn't just show him leaving his first team but included the fact that his first team was located in his hometown. When that aspect of the your writing was responded too, you cited a lack of reading comprehension on the responder but a few minutes later called that information pertinent to the overall picture. Got it...

In comment 15279389 Semipro Lineman said:

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Quote: I did not want the reader's focus to solely be on the decision. It is pertinent that it was his hometown team as well, as that made it an even bigger dick move. You only parsed out the hometown team aspect, as the only problem people have with James is that he left his hometown team. You decided to expand upon the fact that "The Decision" didn't just show him leaving his first team but included the fact that his first team was located in his hometown. When that aspect of the your writing was responded too, you cited a lack of reading comprehension on the responder but a few minutes later called that information pertinent to the overall picture. Got it...

Is it seriously that hard to comprehend? Players leave teams all the time. The issue people have with Lebron is not that he left the team that drafted him. It is not even that he left his hometown team. It is that he made a big, giant narcissistic spectacle of it, and teamed up with a couple other HOFers in doing so. (Bosh may be borderline because of the premature end to his career)

Why is this so difficult to understand? Do I need to type slowly for you?

not hard to understand that his staring in The Decision would stick in people's claw after all these year but you did flip flop a bit on the importance of the leaving his home town team part of the statement. You may (or may not) have noticed that I'm spending more time debating that part of the argument than I am defending or insisting that LeBron shouldn't be criticized.

I mean let's face, every few weeks BBI discusses someone's real life employment opportunities and never is the advice to stay to in a situation (even if it is your first job near your hometown) where you report to a GM of Danny Ferry's caliber.

In comment 15279405 Semipro Lineman said:

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not hard to understand that his staring in The Decision would stick in people's claw after all these year but you did flip flop a bit on the importance of the leaving his home town team part of the statement. You may (or may not) have noticed that I'm spending more time debating that part of the argument than I am defending or insisting that LeBron shouldn't be criticized. I mean let's face, every few weeks BBI discusses someone's real life employment opportunities and never is the advice to stay to in a situation (even if it is your first job near your hometown) where you report to a GM of Danny Ferry's caliber.

I didn't flip-flop on anything. Again, I have no issues with LeBron leaving the Cavs. They are and were a poorly run organization. I do have a problem with the spectacle he made of it. LeBron is spoken of in the same breath as MJ. I do have a problem of a player of that caliber teaming up with two HOFers to form a superteam. The mention that it was his hometown team just makes it a bit more egregious IMO. Not that he doesn't have a right to leave a poorly organization. Just that there are people in that area that idolized him and it seems like pouring salt on a wound, that's all.

“ why is it that confusing that a lot of people don't like Lebron
KDavies : 9:02 am : link : reply
he started off with the Cavs and was likable. Then his big publicity stunt in leaving his hometown team turned a lot of people off. ”

Seems like you don’t want to admit your wrong which I don’t understand. Could have said you misread it and moved on. He clearly said “the decision” was a publicity stunt hence the start of people being turned off by him, myself included.

In comment 15279426 UConn4523 said:

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“ why is it that confusing that a lot of people don't like Lebron KDavies : 9:02 am : link : reply he started off with the Cavs and was likable. Then his big publicity stunt in leaving his hometown team turned a lot of people off. ” Seems like you don’t want to admit your wrong which I don’t understand. Could have said you misread it and moved on. He clearly said “the decision” was a publicity stunt hence the start of people being turned off by him, myself included.

+1, the “decision” seems like a calculated move to me. Almost like he wanted to be the villain with a lot of fans. Him and his business partners always seem to have something up their sleeve to draw attention.

In comment 15278438 Jints in Carolina said:

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In comment 15278423 Italianju said: Quote: gets special treatment. GASP..... he's a douchebag

Said with the same mouth that defended Coach K on another thread.

Bias or hypocrisy?

It was a bad look but he was 25 or 26 when he was in a position to single-handedly alter a high-visibility, multi-billion dollar industry all while being a kid from the projects, not someone heir who was groomed for something like that from birth. Can any of you say you would have "handled" that opportunity any better?

He’s been at an absolutely historic level since ‘09, but has been amazing since like ‘06. The level he’s reached is only matched by a handful of players if even that much. And he’s maintained it for longer than all of them. He absolutely has a GOAT argument, even if I lean MJ due to dominant peak. He’s the closest thing to Kareem in the modern era. Kareem was the most hyped HS prospect before LeBron came along and had an insane career. For LeBron to deliver on those expectations and become better than the hype is amazing.

“Chosen One”. “King”. These were nicknames this kid was given since he was 16. His ego is absolutely out of control big, but that’s what happens when you’re called a Basketball King as a child and end up a Basketball God. Freddy Adu. Michelle Wie. Brady Quinn. Let’s not forget how easy it is for that hype machine aided by ESPN to end up being completely wrong.

He’s a corny dude. Simple as that. But considering all the possibilities, corny and legendary is still legendary. Dirk was better in ‘11 when his mid-range game was insane and LeBron had the one real choke on his resume. Curry revolutionized the game in ‘15/‘16. Durant is a more pure all-around scorer since ‘17. Kobe led title teams and had a more complete scoring game in ‘09-‘10. But honestly, LeBron has been the best player in basketball since ‘09 in my opinion. It’s 2021 and it looks like his reign is going to be ended by his buddy CP3 tonight.

I’m so excited for this game. It could be the end of an era. But LeBron is also arguably the best elimination game player of all-time based on the results. He’s hurt and he’s old, I’m so interested in seeing what he can do tonight as he might possibly be defending the “best player” crown for the last night of his career. It’s been a pleasure watching him despite the questionable personality stuff (which is honestly mild for a hyped up teenage phenomenon).

In comment 15279495 Blue92 said:

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It was a bad look but he was 25 or 26 when he was in a position to single-handedly alter a high-visibility, multi-billion dollar industry all while being a kid from the projects, not someone heir who was groomed for something like that from birth. Can any of you say you would have "handled" that opportunity any better?

Yes. Plenty of all time greats moved to other teams, never seen anything quite like the Decision before. I would 100% handle it differently.

Kudos, OP.

I think-and fear-we see Game 6 of the '12 ECF Finals LBJ tonight. That's the game up in Boston where he just went insane for something like 45 points & 18 boards.

In comment 15279501 UConn4523 said:

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Yes. Plenty of all time greats moved to other teams, never seen anything quite like the Decision before. I would 100% handle it differently.

Did any of those all time greats make their moves during the media saturation era James was in? Let's face it, if it wasn't for the blowback he received from frustrated fans who were mad because they got their hopes up that he was coming to their team, "The Decision" type reveal would have occurred when Tom Bradley left New England, Mike Trout was a free agent, and when Ohtani came to the states.

'The Decision' was-IMO-weak, but not as weak as Durant joining a Dubs team coming off a 73 win regular season/4-3 Finals loss to Cleveland. That was so pathetic on KD's part.

I was a huge KD fan going back to Austin days. I was 100% convinced in the spring of '07 he should have been the first pick over Oden. But he completely lost me going to Oakland. It was such a copout. And the Thunder had just blown a 3-1 WCF lead to the Warriors!

In comment 15279545 Semipro Lineman said:

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In comment 15279501 UConn4523 said: Quote: Yes. Plenty of all time greats moved to other teams, never seen anything quite like the Decision before. I would 100% handle it differently. Did any of those all time greats make their moves during the media saturation era James was in? Let's face it, if it wasn't for the blowback he received from frustrated fans who were mad because they got their hopes up that he was coming to their team, "The Decision" type reveal would have occurred when Tom Bradley left New England, Mike Trout was a free agent, and when Ohtani came to the states.

Some have, yes. What's the goal here, to force me to see it in your POV? The dude is an all time great, top 5 player all time (already said that above) - that isn't enough for you?

I think he's corny. I don't like watching him flop, I don't like him as a mercenary, and I don't find his teams all that fun to watch anymore. Is that ok with you?

was a huge fan of his in OKC - lost interest when he went to GS.

Lotta chumps in today's NBA so its not just piling on LeBron. Add Irving to the list. Add Draymond Green to it. Take your pick.

In comment 15279561 UConn4523 said:

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was a huge fan of his in OKC - lost interest when he went to GS. Lotta chumps in today's NBA so its not just piling on LeBron. Add Irving to the list. Add Draymond Green to it. Take your pick.

I consider KD's going to Warriors lamer than LBJ taking 'his talents' down to Miami. And I love how KD is probably still confused to this day why people gave him hell for it.

have turned me from someone who didn’t care about him one way or another to being a fan of his.

And let’s see, the face of a sport and a huge revenue generator gets treated differently than an average player. Never happened before. A shame what the world has come to! /s

Oh, and the celts team that preceded the Heat set the model. Want to blame any gang for super teams, blame Garnett, PP! Allen . After that title, players saw that to be what they needed to get in on to deal with that level of concentrated talent.

The thing is...the '07-'08 Cs...it's not a good comparison to the Heatles. McHale threw his old friend Ainge a bone & giftwrapped KD to the Celts. Ainge also traded for Allen. It's not like KG, Pierce, & Allen were all free agents & decided to team up in Boston.

In comment 15279553 SFGFNCGiantsFan said:

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'The Decision' was-IMO-weak, but not as weak as Durant joining a Dubs team coming off a 73 win regular season/4-3 Finals loss to Cleveland. That was so pathetic on KD's part. I was a huge KD fan going back to Austin days. I was 100% convinced in the spring of '07 he should have been the first pick over Oden. But he completely lost me going to Oakland. It was such a copout. And the Thunder had just blown a 3-1 WCF lead to the Warriors!

I agree. I hated when that happened because prior to that the Warriors were a mostly homegrown team outside of Iguadola and they ruined it bringing in KD. It was ugly for the Warriors and KD.

In the same vein that movie stars turn people off with the sacrimonious tone Lebron definitely has a good bit of that in him. His net positive as a human I am sure is higher than mine, but if you are going to preach equality it’s fair for those to question when you put down someone who is doing the same because it impacts your financial bottom line.

now which mercenary is headed to LA to get them over the hump?

In comment 15279704 UConn4523 said:

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now which mercenary is headed to LA to get them over the hump?

Ha, exactly. Who will come in and play at a league minimum deal instead of what they are actually worth to help LeBron complete another one of his super teams?

In comment 15279704 UConn4523 said:

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now which mercenary is headed to LA to get them over the hump?

Last night was refreshing for sure. I may actually watch some of the playoffs now that LBJ is out.

Now I just need the Bucks to take out the Brooklyn Mercenaries and I may even watch full games... ; )

I'm rooting for the Nuggets or Jazz. Only team in the East that i'd root for is the Bucks.

It’s too bad they couldn’t have kept thwart big 3 in tact. It’s clear that Durant doesn’t have the mental make up to be the villain. Burner accounts on Twitter, over sensitive & very defensive behavior confirm that. That was a fun OKC team which was well liked.

In comment 15279733 Sean said:

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It’s too bad they couldn’t have kept thwart big 3 in tact. It’s clear that Durant doesn’t have the mental make up to be the villain. Burner accounts on Twitter, over sensitive & very defensive behavior confirm that. That was a fun OKC team which was well liked.

Agreed Sean. Like the Warriors pre-KD, OKC was another throwback team in terms of being built through the draft and not composed of some trio of FA superstars. It’s crazy to think they had Harden, Westbrook, and KD on the same team. It reminds me a little bit of the potential Orlando had in the mid 90’s and how they didn’t live up to expectations.

In comment 15279733 Sean said:

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It’s too bad they couldn’t have kept thwart big 3 in tact. It’s clear that Durant doesn’t have the mental make up to be the villain. Burner accounts on Twitter, over sensitive & very defensive behavior confirm that. That was a fun OKC team which was well liked.

Westbrook might be my favorite NBA player, wish he got a title by now but I love his overall approach. Same with Lillard.

In comment 15279750 UConn4523 said:

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In comment 15279733 Sean said: Quote: It’s too bad they couldn’t have kept thwart big 3 in tact. It’s clear that Durant doesn’t have the mental make up to be the villain. Burner accounts on Twitter, over sensitive & very defensive behavior confirm that. That was a fun OKC team which was well liked. Westbrook might be my favorite NBA player, wish he got a title by now but I love his overall approach. Same with Lillard.

One of my colleagues was a tennis player at Weber State and knows Lillard really well. Said he’s a great guy and they still chat from time to time.

In comment 15279725 UConn4523 said:

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I'm rooting for the Nuggets or Jazz. Only team in the East that i'd root for is the Bucks.

Something new and different works for me.

I like Chris Paul a lot. He's a leader and has demonstrated the last few years he can lift teams to higher levels. So I am on the Phoenix bandwagon.

I do think Quin Snyder is a helluva coach and doesn't get enough credit for the work he's done in Utah. So I wouldn't mind the Jazz finally getting a title...

I don't think they have the front court to win a title but i'd be good with it. He's had horrific luck in the playoffs, would be fun to see him get a title.

but one of my favorite players to watch-- just a brilliant point guard and one of the best players every for someone at his size.

I want him to get a ring for his "legacy" and all-time standing because his ability as a floor general is tremendous.

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Separately, just saw this tweet about the Lakers

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StatMuse @statmuse Lakers shooters this playoffs Schroder: 14 PPG 40 FG% 31 3P% Kuzma: 6 PPG 29 FG% 17 3P% KCP: 6 PPG 38 FG% 21 3P% Caruso: 6 PPG 37 FG% 29 3P% Matthews: 6 PPG 30 FG% 28 3P% Morris: 2 PPG 22 FG% 25 3P% McLemore: 2 PPG 22 FG% 33 3P% Literally no one even shot 35% from three.

How is that even possible

but inside they are kinda soft. The key was Davis so that injury hurt them a lot. :(

In comment 15279564 jpkmets said:

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have turned me from someone who didn’t care about him one way or another to being a fan of his. And let’s see, the face of a sport and a huge revenue generator gets treated differently than an average player. Never happened before. A shame what the world has come to! /s Oh, and the celts team that preceded the Heat set the model. Want to blame any gang for super teams, blame Garnett, PP! Allen . After that title, players saw that to be what they needed to get in on to deal with that level of concentrated talent.

Do you realize the KG and Ray Allen were traded to the Celtics ... they did not come via Free Agency?

In comment 15279103 MotownGIANTS said:

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In comment 15278562 bw in dc said: Quote: In comment 15278555 MotownGIANTS said: Quote: 3. You do realize Bird walked off the court on Zeke ... McHale stayed and gave props ... no one whines and cries about that ... (I am a Celtic and Bird fan by the way) I think that's a bit misconstrued. There were concerns about player safety and fans running onto the court at the Silverdome. So Boston getting off the court was more about that... That is horsehit .... no one was going to do anything to them they know that and you know that as well there isnt even a precedent of it .... PURE HORSESHIT! ... The closet you have is the malay when the PLAYERS went into the STANDS not the other way around!

BS ... fake news ... There was never a concern for that or even any precedent or evidence to even think so BS like that. Trying to fake the funk on some BS ... and again I am a Celtics fan ... in case you missed that. Bird and Co was whack for walking off plain and simple.

But if he chose the Knicks I’d be a decision supporter.

I'm rooting for winner of Suns-Nuggets to win it all.