Being the best basketball player on the planet must give LeBron James the ability to get away with comments that make him sound like a ####. When Shaq was traded to Phoenix for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks, both James and Cavaliers coach Mike Brown were pleased to see The Diesel join the Western Conference, but they were remiss that talented players were not coming to the East, especially to Cleveland. The Cavs have had their once promising season turn somewhat grim after injuries to Sasha Pavlovic and Anderson Varejao. The Cavs have been left depleted and lacking in firepower outside of James, especially with the streaky play of Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Larry Hughes. What LeBron needs to realize is that Cleveland isn’t going to get another star player soon, and the East is better and deeper than last year.
For years the Western Conference has been better and deeper than the Easter Conference, almost on par with the difference between the American and National Leagues in baseball. The balance of power is shifting with Toronto and Orlando becoming legitimate threats instead of cellar dwellers. If memory serves me correctly one of the biggest free agent signings this offseason was the Magic signing Rashard Lewis, who played in the Western Conference. Also the team with the best record in basketball, the Boston Celtics, traded for two Western Conference All-Stars (Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett) and only had to give up one player that is even close to being a star (Al Jefferson). Even the trade of Shaq means more to the Suns than the Heat only because they can win a title with him. The Heat have the worst record in basketball and that is with Shaq out hurt and Dwyane Wade battling injuries. Shawn Marion is a 20 point 10 rebound player for 82 games a year while Shaq’s numbers (15 points 8 rebounds) have been on the decline the last three years and is lucky to play in 2/3 of his teams’ games. At this point Shaq’s name is better than his game, and Marion is an All-Star caliber player. This deal is a steal for the East.
It would be tough to argue that the Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t in rough shape, despite being the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. They are in strapped with the salary cap unless another team is willing to take on Larry Hughes’s ridiculous contract (get Isiah Thomas on the phone). The team doesn’t have a true point guard, Hughes plays the point as an out of position shooting guard. LeBron handles and distributes the ball the way Michael Jordan did in his prime, with the offense revolving around him. Zydrunas Ilgauskas is an All-Star center but his play has been sporadic and he is on the down slope of his career due to injuries. Drew Gooden is an average at best power forward and the backup guards are offensive minded without enough offense, defense, or playmaking ability. The Cavs have LeBron and whoever else decides to contribute on a given night. There isn’t another playoff caliber team in the NBA that is so devoid of talent surrounding their top option.
How the Cavaliers are as good as they are remains a mystery. While you can’t fault James for wanting a second fiddle, the Cavs continue to shoot themselves in the foot and end up unable to make a move that would be of any real long-term benefit. The Cavs are one solid player away from a title, but one injury away from being a middle of the road team without playoff hopes. A serious injury to LeBron and the Cavs are lottery bound. King James can complain all he wants, but unless the Cavs can find someone willing to play in Cleveland for pennies on the dollar than they will be a one man show not talented enough to win a title for the next several years.
Here are the quotes from LeBron according to ESPN
"Unbelievable," James said after practice Wednesday. "That's all I got. It's unbelievable."
When James was asked if being paired with Kidd, his teammate last summer on the U.S. national team, could win the Cavs their first championship, "Yeah," James said. "It's that easy."
"It helps," he said with a laugh. "It does help when you have guys on the team that are perennial All-Stars or can go out there and produce every night and you know what you're going to get."
"It can mess up the chemistry a little bit and it could take a little longer for them to fit in, maybe not," he said. "The reward is you get a good player. Like the Lakers, they got a guy [Gasol] who has averaged 20 [points] and 12 [rebounds] for his whole career. Last night, Kobe Bryant gets six points and the Lakers win by 15, that's the reward.
vining great blog!!! ive said this lots, why cant ball players just shutup and play!!!! when kobe just plays hes a hall of famer !!!! ball players in any sport, should just play leave the coaching to the coaches and so on!!!! hey im not saying dont help out with things!!! they are payed to play not tryed to get so over involved!!!!
and that nickname KING JAMES??? what is up with that??? hey lebron ???> when you can shoot, rebound , and not have to have other guys on the court to help you out, then??? maybe KING JAMES!!!
King James is a media nickname, LeBron had nothing to do with it. It's a questionable reference to the (King James) Bible, not one of the best nicknames for sure, but understandable considering his raw talent.
Your comment "when you can shoot, rebound , and not have to have other guys on the court to help you out, then??? " is ridiculous!
James does more with less than any player in the NBA, now the Cavs are missing 3 starters because of injury and people are complaining he isn't doing enough. Cavs have beat the Lakers and Celtics twice, primarily due to LeBron taking over the game in the 4th quarter. Most observers agree that at the moment he is the leading candidate for MVP based on his ability to impose his will on games and bring home victories. Stats don't matter, winning does!
Last edited by nba is the worst on February 8th at 9:52 AM.
ok then if my point is ridiculous?? then next game the cavs play lets see MR basketball play the game by himselve!!! no guards , no forwards!!! just king james!!!!
and if people are saying he isnt doing enough they are stupid!!! lebron james is a great ball player!!! like kobe bryant!!! but what gets me crazy is the lack of team work displayed now!!!!
ok ?? announcer at next game... cavs taken on whom ever??? and now playing for the cleveland cavs LABRON JAMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!echo echo
Get zeke on the phone! Great line. No one else is on the move now. Maybe Kidd to the Mavs, but they are not willing to give up enough. The Raps and Magic could use a move but both are hindered in what they can do with their contract situations/ability to match salaries, and lack of guys on the block.
First off I am surprised #### was sensored. As far as the quotes here goes
LeBron
"Unbelievable," James said after practice Wednesday. "That's all I got. It's unbelievable."
When James was asked if being paired with Kidd, his teammate last summer on the U.S. national team, could win the Cavs their first championship, "Yeah," James said. "It's that easy."
"It helps," he said with a laugh. "It does help when you have guys on the team that are perennial All-Stars or can go out there and produce every night and you know what you're going to get."
"It can mess up the chemistry a little bit and it could take a little longer for them to fit in, maybe not," he said. "The reward is you get a good player. Like the Lakers, they got a guy [Gasol] who has averaged 20 [points] and 12 [rebounds] for his whole career. Last night, Kobe Bryant gets six points and the Lakers win by 15, that's the reward.
No comment never works of course, but James pretty much threw his organization under the bus for leaving him a one man team (and this wasn't the first time he has said this).
The issue is that Lebron decided to stay when he could have been a free agent if he was so unhappy. He wanted Hughes as a free agent, and isn't the best team leader. James may be a star but he has a lot to learn about being a leader. I know he is only 23 but the complaining wouldn't be necessary if he realized his team has almost no chance to make any real moves. If the Cavs had lots of expiring contracts, extra draft picks, and free cap space, but still didn't make a move then James can complain. He needs to realize he helped put his team in their current mess.
Since Cavs management not only hasn't gotten him any fresh help, but wouldn't even step up and sign their restricted free agents until way after the beginning of the season, I would have to disagree that he "pretty much threw his organization under the bus for leaving him a one man team".
The old saying "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" applies here. Certainly Cavs fans are glad he didn't decide to leave, and would like to see Cavs management do SOMETHING to get him some more support!
Last edited by nba is the worst on February 8th at 6:15 PM.
We send LeBrick to Brooklyn for Jason Kidd where Lebron will play point forward and Jay Z will be the shooting guard. We send Jason Kidd to LA for Kobe so that the Lakers can play team ball. Then Kobe goes to the Cavs where he can take them to the Finals every year in the Leastern Conference.
I saw Lebron single handedly beat the Blazers in crunch time. He made an 11 pt lead disappear, in like a minute. He deserves to have a supporting cast, cause he can't be the hero every night, can he?
Cavs Stop Hawks’ Win Streak at Three Games
By PAUL NEWBERRY
Posted Feb 9 2008 12:33AM
Cleveland 100, Atlanta 95
ATLANTA, Feb. 8 (AP) -- The Cleveland Cavaliers had every reason to fold. Four of their top seven scorers were sidelined by injuries. This was the second of back-to-back road games.
But LeBron James stepped up as expected. Damon Jones hit two huge shots down the stretch. And journeyman Ira Newble had his best game of the season.
James scored 26 points despite a sore thumb, and Newble chipped in with a season-best 18 to help the Cavaliers withstand an Atlanta rally in the final quarter for a 100-95 victory Friday night.
"It was a big win,'' James said. "Having four of our top seven guys out, we needed everybody to step up.''
Trying to match their season high with a fourth straight win, Atlanta rallied for the lead on an 11-0 run. But James and the shorthanded Cavaliers showed plenty of heart.
"I'll tell you, it was a tough, gritty win for us,'' coach Mike Brown said.
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stupid cavaliers. i'm really getting sick of them being a "no excuse team".
i won't copy paste all of it. but it is some really funny stuff. this is my favorite though....
Hoffman
May 29, 2007
9:07 AM AK47spiderman
May 29, 2007
9:06 AM
hoff--can you agree that if not for two buckets, cavs would be leading the series 3-0?--if so, how can you say they have done nothing?
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One of the reasons I can say that is because those two buckets that were "missed" weren't out of the norm for LeBron James.
James had an opportunity to get to the basket and tie the first game. He passed.
He allowed tiny Richard Hamilton to alter his shot in game 2.
Drive the ball right through him, don't be scared to get to the FT line.
Everyone is so quick to say that he's somehow turned the corner with his game 3 performance but if there are more close games, I expect him to come up short, especially if he's put on the FT line.
Last edited by Hoffman on May 29th at 9:12 AM.
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YOU'LL NEVER GUESS WHAT HAPPENED THAT NIGHT IN GAME 4.
James was fouled, and Cleveland's superstar - whose poor free-throw shooting has been one of his only flaws - calmly knocked down both foul shots to make it 91-87 with four seconds remaining.
As James was preparing to shoot, Hamilton walked up and tried to rattle him with a few words - just as James had done to Washington's Gilbert Arenas in the playoffs last season.
"I invented that,'' James joked. "No, Scottie Pippen invented that with Karl Malone. He (Hamilton) tried to mess with me and I had
YOU'LL NEVER GUESS WHAT HAPPENED THAT NIGHT IN GAME 4.
James was fouled, and Cleveland's superstar - whose poor free-throw shooting has been one of his only flaws - calmly knocked down both foul shots to make it 91-87 with four seconds remaining.
As James was preparing to shoot, Hamilton walked up and tried to rattle him with a few words - just as James had done to Washington's Gilbert Arenas in the playoffs last season.
"I invented that,'' James joked. "No, Scottie Pippen invented that with Karl Malone. He (Hamilton) tried to mess with me and I had to stay focused.''
Vinny, you and the AP conveniently missed the other quotes Lebron had the same day. You can cherry pick all you want, but don't say he's throwing his teammates under the bus.
''It doesn't matter who you have on your team, it is who can go out there and back it up,'' James said Wednesday. ''The team with the best players doesn't always win. You need to have guys that can make plays. It helps when you have guys who are All-Stars who produce every night. As far as having a few super superstars on the same team, we don't know we'll have to wait and see.''
here's his last quote of the shootaround that day.
''Right now, if I can stay healthy and our key guys can stay healthy, we'll be fine.'' Man, by key guys he couldn't possibly mean the players ALREADY ON THE TEAM could he?
This is such a load of ####. LeBron is asked what he thinks of a few blockbuster trades, he says he thinks they are "unbelievable" which is exactly what 3/4 of America said when they saw the Lakers get the steal of the century and someone actually trade for Shaq. And then he goes on to say, it might work it might not work. And then he says the best players don't always win, and then he says as long as the Cavs are healthy they will be fine.
Hoffman, interestingly enough, The Lakeshow was unable to beat that weak Eastern Conference team earlier this week. *This comment was made in jest.
Last edited by Tsunami on February 9th at 11:18 AM.
interesting here is another comment i found that has an * disclaimer....
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Tsunami
May 29, 2007
10:53 AM Ok Good - I am impressed by your ability to follow directions. So if the Cavs beat Detroit in this series, I'd like to know what YOU are going to say. In other words, you can avoid any violent verbal exchanges with me if you prepare an apology speech before hand. So, you can either write your own apology, or simply fill in the blanks in this template I have created: I, ____________ , clearly underestimated the City of Cleveland, more precisely, their professional basketball team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. As an avid watcher of professional basketball, I am ashamed at my lack of good insight and my excessive ridiculous comments as they apply to this wonderful team. I applaud my good friend and comrade, Tsunami aka TSU, who was able to see THROUGH all the negativity and subjectivity propagated by the national media and the vast majority of recognizably unintelligent Detroit Pistons fans (their entire base). In the future, I not only will root for the Cavaliers (as I have joined the Witness Protection Program - member id# 8439400) but I will combat the unintelligent slanders of those who oppose Tsunami aka TSU in all matters related to the NBA and the MLB.
Rise Up,
_____________ (Your Signature Here)
*Signing this form waives the signee from being #### on his/her face by Tsunami aka TSU
As I stated this was far from the first time LeBron complained about his supporting cast. He seems to be happy when they are playing well, but when any player is traded he starts to complain again.
If we can stay healthy we will be fine is interesting sinec the key players on the team have not or are not healthy. LeBron talks out of both sides of his mouth, he won't tear his teammates, but makes no secret that he wants at least one more All-Star player. That is like telling your wife you love her, but then saying it would be great if she looked like Jessica Biel.
Ok,kellyscott you need to back up your statments with facts. The things you say are totally thoughtless. You said Lebron james can't shoot or rebound. Let me check that for you. He is shooting 48% to 50% from the field. He is averaging 8 rebounds a game. He is the only player in the league averaging 30 ppg, 8 rpg and 7 apg. So I would think he can shoot and rebound plus he is the best passing foward in the league since Magic Johnson. And the other thing you said that he has to have other players on the court help him out. Last time I checked I think basketball is played with 5 players not 1. This is not golf. Kobe, Shaq, Jordan, Duncan, Magic, and other players would not have won an NBA Championship with out their teammates. You need to know about basketball before you can talk about it.
Umm kelly scott. Lebron is averaging 30 points per game. 7 rebounds. and is making the people around him better with 7 assists per game. If your going to talk bad about a player, at least know the stats so you dont look like a complete ####.
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