Have you guys seen what this kid has been doing during this amazing series? People have been giving Kobe Bryant a lot of credit for his outstanding play and important game winning shot when his team needed it. But how about LeBron James' play thus far? He has recorded a triple double, averaged 36.4 points per game through Game 6, and has hit two amazing game winners in must win games. His play has been outstanding and by the way, this is his first ever trip to the post season. Everything I said in my last column, The Wrap Up, I take back. LeBron is capable of leading a team deep into the playoffs and LeBron has been able to step his game up against greater opponents. He has been outstanding so far and in five years this kid is going to be absolutely insane. Most guys his age would be studying for their college finals right now. Meanwhile, LeBron is proving to people that if anyone is going to be Jordan's heir, it is him. Michael Jordan didn't have much sucess during his first playoff stint so could James become the greatest #23 of all time? The answer won't be clear for awhile and people will always question LeBron because of these extravagant expectations. What LeBron is doing right now is crazy. He has averaged more points per game and assists per game than any other player in this series. Even the biggest LBJ haters should be forced to admit that he has lived up to the hype and that he is playing great basketball right now. Anyone playing this well on a night to night basis is awesome. The fact that James is only 21 makes it even better. LeBron may be the best player in the NBA right now and if the Cavaliers win this series (it would be their first series win since 1993), he would barely be old enough to celebrate by drinking some champagne. To sum up my long rant, LeBron James has been unstoppable and I'm afraid how good he will be in a few years when his game is even more defined and his basketball IQ is even greater.
He doesn't bleed, but seriously its crazy how some people still think he hasn't earned the hype. What more he's gotta do? he's 21 and in his third year come on. does he have to average a triple-double?
Is the Game 6 open lane to the basket considered a GW shot? j/p LeBron has been great in his first playoff series
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Heat4Life:</div><div class="quote_post">Is the Game 6 open lane to the basket considered a GW shot? j/p LeBron has been great in his first playoff series</div> Even though he has been doing this against a below average Wizards' defense, it's still incredible. I know you were just playing but if it were Dwyane Wade doing this, I guarentee you would have his face tatooed across your stomach.
If anyone needs to shave, it's Z. He looks like a lumberjack. LeBron future Jordan? If you could take LeBron as good as he is right now, timewarp back to the 90's, and pop him in Jordans place, the numbers for the Bulls would be no different. Don't get me wrong, Jordan is the man, but you cannot say that LeBron will not equal him.
I love LeBron (and the beard, he needs to grow it out even more) but come on guys, he's going against the Pistons next. He can easily come out of this series looking like a chump. But I'm sure Franchise4Ever will be around shortly to deficate on this thread.
Yes Lebron has been playing well, so if they take a game off the Pistons, feel free to take your little relationship with him to the next level.
LeBron is a great player but he isn't winning these games by himself. It seems as if the "role" players on this team are assuming more of an identity. Donyell Marshall has stepped up from his play in the regular season. Drew Gooden, in limited minutes, has been very effective on the glass. Eric Snow had big moments in that series. And Ron Murray is earning the contract that he should have been offered in Seattle. I'm just tired of reading about the "James Gang" not giving LeBron help when no one else dominates the ball as much as LeBron. LeBron is an unbelievable offensive talent who, as hard as it is to fathom, best years are well ahead of him. But at the same token, the supporting cast should receive more credit than they do, in particular Murray.
^Agreed. Lebron has probably the best supporting cast out of any star in the league today, and the media refers to the as "the James Gang". That's BS right there, give the guys some credit, thats just demeaning.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting virve119:</div><div class="quote_post">^Agreed. Lebron has probably the best supporting cast out of any star in the league today, and the media refers to the as "the James Gang". That's BS right there, give the guys some credit, thats just demeaning.</div> Although LeBron > Wade, I dont see how LeBrons supporting cast is better than Wade's: Mourning O'Neal Payton Posey Antoine Walker Jason Williams I won't even get started on Billups' cast.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting virve119:</div><div class="quote_post">^Agreed. Lebron has probably the best supporting cast out of any star in the league today, and the media refers to the as "the James Gang". That's BS right there, give the guys some credit, thats just demeaning.</div>Yeah, LeBrons supporting cast becomes "great" when it favors your point. The fact is, Larry Hughes wasn't there during the regular season, the two big additions (Donyell and Damon) couldn't shoot their way out of a paper bag in the regular season, and Ilgauskas has practically dissapeared the whole year. Drew Gooden, in limited minutes, is ALWAYS very good. It's the times when he has to play extended minutes where he's trouble. As for Flip, he's probably the best trade deadline aquisition in the NBA, if not for him, the Cavs might have ended up the 6th or 7th seed. So I'll give you Flip as a solid contributor, but this is LeBron's team.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting virve119:</div><div class="quote_post">Lebron has probably the best supporting cast out of any star in the league today</div> Wow, your so blinded with your hate, you come up with ridiculous statements like that.
His cast isn't as great as the Pistons, but look at it rationally. Compare the Cavs rotation (without Lebron) Z,Gooden,Marshall,Varejao,Newble,Snow,Hughes,Murray and Jones to the Heat's rotation (without Wade) Shaq,Posey,Williams,Walker,Payton,Mourning,Anderson,Haslem and Doleac The Cavs lineup has depth and talent at every position. You say Ilgauskas has dissapeared all season, but when he gets touches he has flourished, and is basically unstoppable in the post. The problem is he goes through stretches where he doesn't get touches. Gooden has been equally impressive through stretches this year, but he too goes through long stretches without getting touches. Snow doesn't get many touches, but he adds leadership, toughness and defense. Murray has been great for the Cavs, and is probably the best sixth man this playoffs. Varejao was a steal for them and has been playing phenomenal, bringing rebounding, toughness and hustle. Newble brings defense, but he hardly even plays, the dude would be a sixth or seventh man on most teams. That leaves us with Marshall, Hughes and Jones, who as you guys have said have all struggled this year. But wait, didn't all three of them have career years last year? Is it a coincidence that they're all struggling in their new home? Maybe not. Don't be so blinded by your love for Lebron to not realize that he does have the tools, but he just doesn't know how to use them.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting virve119:</div><div class="quote_post">His cast isn't as great as the Pistons, but look at it rationally. Compare the Cavs rotation (without Lebron) Z,Gooden,Marshall,Varejao,Newble,Snow,Hughes,Murray and Jones to the Heat's rotation (without Wade) Shaq,Posey,Williams,Walker,Payton,Mourning,Anderson,Haslem and Doleac The Cavs lineup has depth and talent at every position. You say Ilgauskas has dissapeared all season, but when he gets touches he has flourished, and is basically unstoppable in the post. The problem is he goes through stretches where he doesn't get touches. Gooden has been equally impressive through stretches this year, but he too goes through long stretches without getting touches. Snow doesn't get many touches, but he adds leadership, toughness and defense. Murray has been great for the Cavs, and is probably the best sixth man this playoffs. Varejao was a steal for them and has been playing phenomenal, bringing rebounding, toughness and hustle. Newble brings defense, but he hardly even plays, the dude would be a sixth or seventh man on most teams. That leaves us with Marshall, Hughes and Jones, who as you guys have said have all struggled this year. But wait, didn't all three of them have career years last year? Is it a coincidence that they're all struggling in their new home? Maybe not. Don't be so blinded by your love for Lebron to not realize that he does have the tools, but he just doesn't know how to use them.</div> Doesn't know how to use them? 50 wins with a rookie coach. It doesn't matter though your obviously jealous of him its the only way to explain how you come here everyday to bash him. its ok im sure you did great things at 21 too.
I dont hate, but you really cant compare Lebron to Jordan or Kobe. LBJ came into this league bigger, stronger, and more athletic than anyone else to date. Kobe and Jordan looked like lanky teenagers when they entered the NBA. Lebron looked like a 25 year old man!!! His beard doesnt help him either LMAO! Im also waiting to see Lebron lock down a opponent one on one on defense throughout a series. When will he earn a defensive 1st team? There are two sides to basketball. So far I've really only seen Lebron great on the offensive side of the ball. As far as I can tell he is human!! He got stomped today against Detroit.
The kid is 21 years old!!! Can't expect him to do everything so early in his career. To do what he has done at 21 years is not human. Don't try to negate it, just accept that he is that good and there is nothing that anyone can do or say that will change what he has done thus far. I think that people are just getting upset because they know this kid will someday surpass Jordan.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">He got stomped today against Detroit. </div> This coming from a Kobe fan, who's team got blown out the other night and is no longer playing....and who cares if he's more physically developed than kobe or michael.......is that his fault????.....King James does need to improve on the defensive side of the ball....if he does that then I think he might possibly become the GPOAT.
