Something Truly Special About What LeBron Has Accomplished...

[advarkas]

I'm not an apologist for LeBron, but I do feel that the majority of criticism aimed at him is unreasonable. A few things struck me about LeBron after the Fourth Quarter Clock hit 00:00...

First, the first person who LeBron hugged after the game was the much maligned Kevin Love. Rather than either taunt the Golden State fans, or have a "look at me moment", or some sort of showboating crap, LeBron simply embraced the moment with his teammates, coaches, and family. Second, LeBron dedicated the victory to the Cleveland community and Cleveland fans in general. It wasn't just about him proving his critics wrong, it was about achieving something which meant much more than just either one individual or one team- LeBron clearly understood that. Third, I thought it was a classy touch for him to have his children next to him during the post game interview. As I have consistently stated, LeBron has been nothing short of a MODEL CITIZEN his entire career. We don't see his name in the news for domestic violence, or rape, or drinking and driving, or drugs, or shooting incidents, etc. like we see with a lot of other high profile athletes. Rather, we see someone who has been a family man his entire career, and who understands the history of the game, public perception, and what it means to be a leader. Society could use a lot more people like LeBron James and a lot less people like Greg Hardy.

LeBron's character is enough to admire him, but what he has done in his basketball career truly makes him one of the top 3 basketball players of all time.

SIX NBA Finals Appearances in a row. LeBron is now a 3-Time NBA Champion and a 3-Time NBA Finals MVP. Only Jordan has more NBA Finals MVPs (4). LeBron's back to back 40+ point games in Game 5 and Game 6 showed that he is more than capable of heeding the call to perform big, in big games. As if that wasn't enough, LeBron became only the THIRD player in NBA History to log a TRIPLE DOUBLE in a Game 7 of the NBA Finals... Throughout the NBA Finals, LeBron averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 2.6 steals and 2.3 blocks on the series- all of that against a team which won 73 games and has the game's most prolific shooter. So, LeBron was merely one assist short on average per game of averaging a TRIPLE DOUBLE for the ENTIRE SEVEN GAME SERIES in the NBA Finals against the team with the greatest regular season record.

LeBron is not perfect. His whining to the officials often draws the ire of critics and some of his bad games in the past has drawn the frustration of fans. But overall, LeBron is the best player in the NBA. His skill sets are second to none, and in light of Kobe retiring, I will be sure to savor these types of moments because LeBron is already over 30 years old...

History will be overwhelmingly kind, thankful, and celebratory of what "The King" brought to the NBA, despite a loud vocal minority of people who simply lack the ability to appreciate greatness in its finest hour.

 

[CANE1983]

Whether you like him or hate him, you can't disrespect what he has done.

I was stung when he left to go back to Cleveland but over the past two weeks I have regained that same admiration I had for him during the South Beach days. His greatness is too much to dismiss. He may not have the resume of Jordan, yet, but there's no one in history of the league I would take over the King.

 

[O-Sea-D]

TOUCHE!!!!

 

[sweatchuck]

Great post wish I could like it twice.

 

[4210]

I absolutely agree.
Other then the way he handled his move to Miami, he really hasn't had a misstep.Who knows what went on when he left Miami - there may be more to the story and in the big picture, it's minor.

 

[e_cushing]

Lebron is a douche

 

[Joetoth]

Well written AJ.
Plus, he isn't done yet.

 

[4210]

The only thing I cant stand about him is the dramatic reaction to any kind of contact.
How in the heck do you go from screaming in pain as if you're arm is broken to shooting free throws a few minutes later?

 

[Hillbillycane]

I'm not an apologist for LeBron, but I do feel that the majority of criticism aimed at him is unreasonable. A few things struck me about LeBron after the Fourth Quarter Clock hit 00:00...

First, the first person who LeBron hugged after the game was the much maligned Kevin Love. Rather than either taunt the Golden State fans, or have a "look at me moment", or some sort of showboating crap, LeBron simply embraced the moment with his teammates, coaches, and family. Second, LeBron dedicated the victory to the Cleveland community and Cleveland fans in general. It wasn't just about him proving his critics wrong, it was about achieving something which meant much more than just either one individual or one team- LeBron clearly understood that. Third, I thought it was a classy touch for him to have his children next to him during the post game interview. As I have consistently stated, LeBron has been nothing short of a MODEL CITIZEN his entire career. We don't see his name in the news for domestic violence, or rape, or drinking and driving, or drugs, or shooting incidents, etc. like we see with a lot of other high profile athletes. Rather, we see someone who has been a family man his entire career, and who understands the history of the game, public perception, and what it means to be a leader. Society could use a lot more people like LeBron James and a lot less people like Greg Hardy.

LeBron's character is enough to admire him, but what he has done in his basketball career truly makes him one of the top 3 basketball players of all time.

SIX NBA Finals Appearances in a row. LeBron is now a 3-Time NBA Champion and a 3-Time NBA Finals MVP. Only Jordan has more NBA Finals MVPs (4). LeBron's back to back 40+ point games in Game 5 and Game 6 showed that he is more than capable of heeding the call to perform big, in big games. As if that wasn't enough, LeBron became only the THIRD player in NBA History to log a TRIPLE DOUBLE in a Game 7 of the NBA Finals... Throughout the NBA Finals, LeBron averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 2.6 steals and 2.3 blocks on the series- all of that against a team which won 73 games and has the game's most prolific shooter. So, LeBron was merely one assist short on average per game of averaging a TRIPLE DOUBLE for the ENTIRE SEVEN GAME SERIES in the NBA Finals against the team with the greatest regular season record.

LeBron is not perfect. His whining to the officials often draws the ire of critics and some of his bad games in the past has drawn the frustration of fans. But overall, LeBron is the best player in the NBA. His skill sets are second to none, and in light of Kobe retiring, I will be sure to savor these types of moments because LeBron is already over 30 years old...

History will be overwhelmingly kind, thankful, and celebratory of what "The King" brought to the NBA, despite a loud vocal minority of people who simply lack the ability to appreciate greatness in its finest hour.

LeBron was definitely the man for the Cav's and he cemented his reputation as an icon in NBA history. He did have some timely contributions from several members of the team, even Love made an appearance in game 7.

 

[advarkas]

The only thing I cant stand about him is the dramatic reaction to any kind of contact.
How in the heck do you go from screaming in pain as if you're arm is broken to shooting free throws a few minutes later?

Try being a soccer fan...

 

[4210]

Try being a soccer fan...

LOL NO THANKS.

 

[advarkas]

LOL NO THANKS.

Fortunately, soccer officials are now yellow carding more and more and more players who dive, flop, etc. It isn't as bad as it used to be, although the Italians remain the pure masters of this art form. That said, unless you're a real soccer fan (like I am), I completely understand how people are turned off by that aspect of the sport. It is the number one complaint I hear from my friends who are not into soccer.

 

[miamicaneddy]

I'm not an apologist for LeBron, but I do feel that the majority of criticism aimed at him is unreasonable. A few things struck me about LeBron after the Fourth Quarter Clock hit 00:00...

First, the first person who LeBron hugged after the game was the much maligned Kevin Love. Rather than either taunt the Golden State fans, or have a "look at me moment", or some sort of showboating crap, LeBron simply embraced the moment with his teammates, coaches, and family. Second, LeBron dedicated the victory to the Cleveland community and Cleveland fans in general. It wasn't just about him proving his critics wrong, it was about achieving something which meant much more than just either one individual or one team- LeBron clearly understood that. Third, I thought it was a classy touch for him to have his children next to him during the post game interview. As I have consistently stated, LeBron has been nothing short of a MODEL CITIZEN his entire career. We don't see his name in the news for domestic violence, or rape, or drinking and driving, or drugs, or shooting incidents, etc. like we see with a lot of other high profile athletes. Rather, we see someone who has been a family man his entire career, and who understands the history of the game, public perception, and what it means to be a leader. Society could use a lot more people like LeBron James and a lot less people like Greg Hardy.

LeBron's character is enough to admire him, but what he has done in his basketball career truly makes him one of the top 3 basketball players of all time.

SIX NBA Finals Appearances in a row. LeBron is now a 3-Time NBA Champion and a 3-Time NBA Finals MVP. Only Jordan has more NBA Finals MVPs (4). LeBron's back to back 40+ point games in Game 5 and Game 6 showed that he is more than capable of heeding the call to perform big, in big games. As if that wasn't enough, LeBron became only the THIRD player in NBA History to log a TRIPLE DOUBLE in a Game 7 of the NBA Finals... Throughout the NBA Finals, LeBron averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 2.6 steals and 2.3 blocks on the series- all of that against a team which won 73 games and has the game's most prolific shooter. So, LeBron was merely one assist short on average per game of averaging a TRIPLE DOUBLE for the ENTIRE SEVEN GAME SERIES in the NBA Finals against the team with the greatest regular season record.

LeBron is not perfect. His whining to the officials often draws the ire of critics and some of his bad games in the past has drawn the frustration of fans. But overall, LeBron is the best player in the NBA. His skill sets are second to none, and in light of Kobe retiring, I will be sure to savor these types of moments because LeBron is already over 30 years old...

History will be overwhelmingly kind, thankful, and celebratory of what "The King" brought to the NBA, despite a loud vocal minority of people who simply lack the ability to appreciate greatness in its finest hour.

Call me whatever you want hater blah blah. I would have been more impressed if he would have stayed in Cleveland instead of running to Miami knowing he was going to win multiple titles , or if he would have stayed in Miami instead of running away because he knew Miami was going to need to re-tool again. Le Big Easy took the easy way out as he did when he left Cleveland. I would have been impressed if he would have done it running the gauntlet of the western conference playoffs and not the cake walk east. Yes I am bitter and angry that he left Miami , maybe that is why I feel the way I do. Oh well congrats to Lebrin but he will always be the big Easy to me ( taking the path of less resistance ). Ok go ahead and bash me .

 

[Quise19]

What people don't understand about Lebron and his so called whining is the guy is a Freight Train so the fouls that steph curry gets and smaller players get when they drive to the hole he's not getting and he gets hit harder a lot of times. It's not his fault he's a freak athlete with his size call the foul the same. Much like Shaq he didn't get a lot of fouls because of his size and it's not right call the fouls the same way. With this being the NBA though that'll never happen.

 

[Brooks B]

How in the heck do you go from screaming in pain as if you're arm is broken to shooting free throws a few minutes later?

When you're a champion, you find a way...

 

[Brooks B]

What people don't understand about Lebron and his so called whining is the guy is a Freight Train so the fouls that steph curry gets and smaller players get when they drive to the hole he's not getting and he gets hit harder a lot of times. It's not his fault he's a freak athlete with his size call the foul the same. Much like Shaq he didn't get a lot of fouls because of his size and it's not right call the fouls the same way. With this being the NBA though that'll never happen.

Excellent post! Apparently everyone has forgotten about the Jordan Rule?

 

[sfranklin]

What's more, is that he did this coming from poverty and an unstable family environment. It's very difficult to come from where he came from and to be the man and role model that he is. The NBA and everyone here for that matter is lucky to have a role model like him as a NBA champ. Whether you like it or not, kids look up to him, and I'd rather have my kids look up to him than rappers. By all accounts, he lives his life the right way. Good for him.

 

[KLCane]

I am a Knicks fan, so I have multiple reasons to not be a fan of James. However, the guy has lived up to his hype. People forget that both times he took over Cleveland, they were total bottom feeders of the NBA. This was not a situation where he came into a good team and made them great. He twice took cruddy teams and made them great. That is the sign of a superstar.

His time in Miami is interesting. I think he took the easy way out by going there in some respects. Playing with a then-healthy Wade and Bosh was almost too easy. When he left there to go back to Cleveland, I think he was ready to take on the challenge for real. I don't think he gets the credit for the titles in Miami the way most stars get credit for titles. Now, that all changes. Beating Golden State while a member of the Cleveland Cavs is simply remarkable.

 

[me_a_smu]

Call me whatever you want hater blah blah. I would have been more impressed if he would have stayed in Cleveland instead of running to Miami knowing he was going to win multiple titles , or if he would have stayed in Miami instead of running away because he knew Miami was going to need to re-tool again. Le Big Easy took the easy way out as he did when he left Cleveland. I would have been impressed if he would have done it running the gauntlet of the western conference playoffs and not the cake walk east. Yes I am bitter and angry that he left Miami , maybe that is why I feel the way I do. Oh well congrats to Lebrin but he will always be the big Easy to me ( taking the path of less resistance ). Ok go ahead and bash me .

Not bashing but LeBron had turned Cleveland into the East's top team in his final two years before going to Miami. Finals one year, best record (unfortunate early exit) the next. It was easier to team with Wade and Bosh in Miami, but nothing to say that he could not have made the finals in a couple of those three years away from Cleveland.

If LeBron leaves Cleveland again this year, they will fall to a middle of the pack team and his new one will immediately challenge to make finals, east or west. He is simply that good.

 

[4210]

When you're a champion, you find a way...

Lol no not buying that. Just think he has a flare for the dramatic, to say the least.

 

[KLCane]

Lebron is not leaving Cleveland again. This guy knows about legacy and knows that leaving Cleveland would absolutely destroy his image and everything he just did. No reason to leave anyhow. He will get paid. He has a great young point guard. He has great talent around him. He has zero pressure any more after getting them over the hump. He retires a Cav.

 

[Tiv]

First of all I'm really happy for the fans in Cleveland. They are great fans. And that city hasn't won any championship since 1964. That's 52 years! They deserve a 'ship.
As for Lebron he showed his true greatness in the last 3 games of the series, when he put that team on his back and carried them to the championship.
He's without question one of the all time greats.
And as advarkas pointed out, he stays out of trouble. He's been a great role model for younger players and for youngsters all over the country.

 

[tcane58]

First of all I'm really happy for the fans in Cleveland. They are great fans. And that city hasn't won any championship since 1964. That's 52 years! They deserve a 'ship.
As for Lebron he showed his true greatness in the last 3 games of the series, when he put that team on his back and carried them to the championship.
He's without question one of the all time greats.
And as advarkas pointed out, he stays out of trouble. He's been a great role model for younger players and for youngsters all over the country.

Your last sentence is an understatement considering what we see with other athletes...lol. From the moment he became a star in high school and it was known he was going to be worth 100 mill the day he graduated he surrounded himself with the right people which is not easy when everyone is coming out of the woodwork. People can say what they want about Lebron's mother and some of her incidents.....but she obviously did a great job making sure he wouldnt get off track which is not easy when your son is a megastar at 16. Not all mothers are the same.....just ask Phillip Buchanon.

 

[miamicaneddy]

What people don't understand about Lebron and his so called whining is the guy is a Freight Train so the fouls that steph curry gets and smaller players get when they drive to the hole he's not getting and he gets hit harder a lot of times. It's not his fault he's a freak athlete with his size call the foul the same. Much like Shaq he didn't get a lot of fouls because of his size and it's not right call the fouls the same way. With this being the NBA though that'll never happen.

Not bashing but LeBron had turned Cleveland into the East's top team in his final two years before going to Miami. Finals one year, best record (unfortunate early exit) the next. It was easier to team with Wade and Bosh in Miami, but nothing to say that he could not have made the finals in a couple of those three years away from Cleveland.

If LeBron leaves Cleveland again this year, they will fall to a middle of the pack team and his new one will immediately challenge to make finals, east or west. He is simply that good.

I agree but he still took the easy way out both times.

 

[miamicaneddy]

Your last sentence is an understatement considering what we see with other athletes...lol. From the moment he became a star in high school and it was known he was going to be worth 100 mill the day he graduated he surrounded himself with the right people which is not easy when everyone is coming out of the woodwork. People can say what they want about Lebron's mother and some of her incidents.....but she obviously did a great job making sure he wouldnt get off track which is not easy when your son is a megastar at 16. Not all mothers are the same.....just ask Phillip Buchanon.

I do not think it had anyt

I agree but he still took the easy way out both times.

Yes I am butt hurt , I will never give him credit , lol ! I will agree he was one

First of all I'm really happy for the fans in Cleveland. They are great fans. And that city hasn't won any championship since 1964. That's 52 years! They deserve a 'ship.
As for Lebron he showed his true greatness in the last 3 games of the series, when he put that team on his back and carried them to the championship.
He's without question one of the all time greats.
And as advarkas pointed out, he stays out of trouble. He's been a great role model for younger players and for youngsters all over the country.

I am being the devils advocate here, I know he is a great role model yada yada yada, but the same could be said that showing youngsters loyalty means nothing and even if you work hard the easy way out is the way to go , loyalty be damned in Cleveland and here. Does it not show character to stick it out ? Be consistent in what you do? . Ok Ok I am out and yes I am butt hurt !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[miamicaneddy]

In the end Lebron did the right thing for himself which is what most people will do. He came back to Cleveland as a hero while getting all the power and perks he and his boys wanted that they could not get in Miami. I would have done the same, lol .......

 

[Umazing561]

I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU PEOPLE FALL HIS ACT - its all a façade, he reminds a lot of Urban Meyer, plays the media, the fans, and everyone else perfectly to make him something that he is most certainly not.

 

[PHILCANE]

The only thing I cant stand about him is the dramatic reaction to any kind of contact.
How in the heck do you go from screaming in pain as if you're arm is broken to shooting free throws a few minutes later?

Pain goes away after a couple of minutes if it is not serious.Wow

 

[KLCane]

I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU PEOPLE FALL HIS ACT - its all a façade, he reminds a lot of Urban Meyer, plays the media, the fans, and everyone else perfectly to make him something that he is most certainly not.

Which is what?? What is he??? A gangster? A thief? Murderer? Wife beater? What is he that he is fooling everybody about? I have never, and I mean never, heard of any controversy off the court with this guy whatsoever. None. No guns. No domestic disturbance. He left Miami to come back to freaking Cleveland, Ohio. Why? Because he felt the obligation to bring them a title. You want to take shots at that? He could have went to L.A. He could have went to the Knicks. He probably could have went to San Antonio. Anywhere he wanted. He was driven to do exactly what he did -- win one for his home town.

 

[PHILCANE]

I do not think it had anyt

Yes I am butt hurt , I will never give him credit , lol ! I will agree he was one

I am being the devils advocate here, I know he is a great role model yada yada yada, but the same could be said that showing youngsters loyalty means nothing and even if you work hard the easy way out is the way to go , loyalty be damned in Cleveland and here. Does it not show character to stick it out ? Be consistent in what you do? . Ok Ok I am out and yes I am butt hurt !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is no loyalty in business. Trams are not loyal so why so players be

 

[caneluv20]

I'm not an apologist for LeBron, but I do feel that the majority of criticism aimed at him is unreasonable. A few things struck me about LeBron after the Fourth Quarter Clock hit 00:00...

First, the first person who LeBron hugged after the game was the much maligned Kevin Love. Rather than either taunt the Golden State fans, or have a "look at me moment", or some sort of showboating crap, LeBron simply embraced the moment with his teammates, coaches, and family. Second, LeBron dedicated the victory to the Cleveland community and Cleveland fans in general. It wasn't just about him proving his critics wrong, it was about achieving something which meant much more than just either one individual or one team- LeBron clearly understood that. Third, I thought it was a classy touch for him to have his children next to him during the post game interview. As I have consistently stated, LeBron has been nothing short of a MODEL CITIZEN his entire career. We don't see his name in the news for domestic violence, or rape, or drinking and driving, or drugs, or shooting incidents, etc. like we see with a lot of other high profile athletes. Rather, we see someone who has been a family man his entire career, and who understands the history of the game, public perception, and what it means to be a leader. Society could use a lot more people like LeBron James and a lot less people like Greg Hardy.

LeBron's character is enough to admire him, but what he has done in his basketball career truly makes him one of the top 3 basketball players of all time.

SIX NBA Finals Appearances in a row. LeBron is now a 3-Time NBA Champion and a 3-Time NBA Finals MVP. Only Jordan has more NBA Finals MVPs (4). LeBron's back to back 40+ point games in Game 5 and Game 6 showed that he is more than capable of heeding the call to perform big, in big games. As if that wasn't enough, LeBron became only the THIRD player in NBA History to log a TRIPLE DOUBLE in a Game 7 of the NBA Finals... Throughout the NBA Finals, LeBron averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 2.6 steals and 2.3 blocks on the series- all of that against a team which won 73 games and has the game's most prolific shooter. So, LeBron was merely one assist short on average per game of averaging a TRIPLE DOUBLE for the ENTIRE SEVEN GAME SERIES in the NBA Finals against the team with the greatest regular season record.

LeBron is not perfect. His whining to the officials often draws the ire of critics and some of his bad games in the past has drawn the frustration of fans. But overall, LeBron is the best player in the NBA. His skill sets are second to none, and in light of Kobe retiring, I will be sure to savor these types of moments because LeBron is already over 30 years old...

History will be overwhelmingly kind, thankful, and celebratory of what "The King" brought to the NBA, despite a loud vocal minority of people who simply lack the ability to appreciate greatness in its finest hour.

Lebron lost my respect when he said on national television, that he is the best player in the world. To me that was uncalled for, Irvin has done more in this series than he has. Like Michael Jordan said, I have the best teams.

 

[KLCane]

The only thing I cant stand about him is the dramatic reaction to any kind of contact.
How in the heck do you go from screaming in pain as if you're arm is broken to shooting free throws a few minutes later?

Nobody in the NBA does that at all. Soccer either. Football either. That is totally a Lebron James thing.

Come on 4210, you can't stand Lebron, but don't go to the "he's too dramatic" thing.

 

[KLCane]

Lebron lost my respect when he said on national television, that he is the best player in the world. To me that was uncalled for, Irvin has done more in this series than he has. Like Michael Jordan said, I have the best teams.

People who claim they are the best should certainly not be celebrated at all.

Signed,

Mohammed Ali

 

[Hurricanes1957]

People who claim they are the best should certainly not be celebrated at all.

Signed,

Mohammed Ali

I agree with what you said about LeBron... but I still don't like him. Never liked him that much while he was here, call me a racist or something b/c I don't like a singular man.

Congrats to him, but I was pulling for Golden St.

 

[Hurricanes1957]

I agree with what you said about LeBron... but I still don't like him. Never liked him that much while he was here, call me a racist or something b/c I don't like a singular man.

Congrats to him, but I was pulling for Golden St.

Not you KL, I was addressing the general public. You've turned out okay. Good dude.

 

[KLCane]

Not you KL, I was addressing the general public. You've turned out okay. Good dude.

I know. We are good 1957! I am a Knicks fan, so I have absolutely no room to criticize anything or anybody regarding the NBA. The Knicks, despite having every financial and intangible advantage, have been one of the worst- if not the worst - run franchises in all of sports. I was one of those idiot Knicks fans who actually thought Lebron would come to New York to play for the Knicks instead of going to Miami when he did.

 

[m.dan]

Lebron is a douche

haha Get the hate out of your blood dawg...You're a better poster than this!! Even if you don't like him, you should be able to put your personal feelings aside and respect greatness!!

 

[4210]

Nobody in the NBA does that at all. Soccer either. Football either. That is totally a Lebron James thing.

Come on 4210, you can't stand Lebron, but don't go to the "he's too dramatic" thing.

LOL I actually like LBJ if you read my initial post. The only players I see doing this are soccer players. If a football player did what he does he would come off the field after every single snap.

 

[e_cushing]

haha Get the hate out of your blood dawg...You're a better poster than this!! Even if you don't like him, you should be able to put your personal feelings aside and respect greatness!!

Someone can be great while at the same time being a douche.

 

[papii]

Lebron lost my respect when he said on national television, that he is the best player in the world. To me that was uncalled for, Irvin has done more in this series than he has. Like Michael Jordan said, I have the best teams.

LeBron was atop every single category in da finals...first time dat has eva been done...he deserved MVP an every good thing dat has been said about him....& by da way, he is da best player in da world by far