I guess we’re not going to hear anybody else comparing LeBron James to Michael Jordan any time soon. Great players make great plays at key times in championship games. They carry their teams and their teammates at times and help them play at a higher level.
At this point, it’s LeBron James who is the one who needs to be carried. If Scottie Pippen said LeBron James is the most talented player ever, he might have been right, but he’s definitely not the best player. Michael Jordan thrived in key situations against the best competition. He looked forward to it, while James seems to shy away from the pressure.
Kobe Bryant of the Lakers has also thrived in situations with the game on the line. Jordan and Bryant attack the situation, while James seems to be questioning himself during the key situations in the game.
Jordan was also brilliant at getting the shot that he wanted. He did not live off of three-pointers with the game on the line, like James has done. He and Bryant have made a habit of getting themselves in position to shoot a short jumper or they drive to the hoop while knowing they are going to get the benefit of the doubt if they’re fouled.
It doesn’t make any sense for a 6’8″ 270 pound forward to be shooting 30-footers with the game on the line.
He should be taking the ball to the hoop. Let’s be honest, James went into a shell again last night with the game on the line as the Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami Heat 112-103.
Right now James has been exposed as a tremendously talented player, who lacks the courage to play well with the game on the line.
I remember Jordan talking about how he loved taking the shot with the game on the line because he wasn’t afraid to fail. James must realize that the world won’t come to an end if he doesn’t play well down the stretch. He should be on the attack with the game on the line. He should be driving to the hoop as compared to hanging out outside the three point line in the fourth quarter.
He doesn’t have any more room for era, it’s either step up or shut up.
Sounds like and is performing a lot like former QB D McNabb did when the lights got brighter… Some athletes have that little extra gear to elevate their games in pressure situations.. Kobe, just like McNabb doesn’t have it..never has, and never will…
For all the bandwagon fans who were comparing LBJ to MJ have gotten their due.. Lebron is a tremendous athlete on the Basketball Court, but he is not a excellent All-around Basketball Player.. there is a huge difference…
MJ- Not the best of athletes but improved his game as he got older and worked his ass off to become a great all-around basketball player as did Larry Bird,Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and even Dwayne Wade have become…
Sorry LBJ, you are a very good NBA player, but you are not in any of these “Champion Players” class or category as far as I am concerned..
Something kinda of Funny…
I pulled up the web-site “Reputation.com” which is presently being advertised here on Gcobb.com and when I typed in “LeBron James” Guess what came up……
Paulman, I think you mean LBJ is just like McNabb — not Kobe.
BRAVO BRAVO……!!!!! That was a great episode from the Kardashians last night…….. Kourtney goes down while Kim BLOWS the BIG ONE once again…… Khole played her part a little better than big sis Kim…….
Did yall see Kim’s face when Kourtney exit the game!!!!!!! Once again Kim left his team on 4th street putting up a dismal 2pts……. Shooting jump shots one on one with Jason Kidd…….. To you guys who dont understand…… 4th steet is 4th quater…….
Erika Spolstra its not his fault…….. When diva’s get together you can expect outcomes like this……..
Dirk put in work……. Terry’s shots buried……. Kidd closed the lid……. Berea became the player!!!!!!
Miami is finished……..
Paging Jon Hart, Paging Jon Hart……your crow is ready to be eaten.
Comparing Lebron to Jordan is like comparing Nikes to Pro-keds……. Scottie Pippen can see himself when he looks at Lebron……. A solid #2……. And we know what #2 is…….. You take care of the plumbing duties while #1’s holding the gun…… Lebron isn’t ready to be a trigger man…… He witness……. Remember his slogan…… You are all Witnesses…… Funny how that slogan lives up to Lebrons Expectations in my eyes…….
LOL@Fran35…… your crow is ready to be eaten…….. Good one…..
Anyone see the video of Wade and James making fun of Dirk being sick? These two guys are getting owned by Dirk, especially in the 4th and should be more concerned with making good on their premature celebration last summer.
http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2011/06/10/wade-james-caught-on-camera-poking-fun-at-dirks-fever/
Not the biggest Dirk fan and is aversion to defense, but I have to respect how clutch he has been in the 4th quarters. The guy is a true superstar who rises to the occasion–something James hasn’t done.
Hey…. G….. Do you think if Lebron played 4 years in college…… Would he have a killer instinct….. Straight out of high school with 8 years of experiece….. Which means he has perhaps 4 years of NBA in him……. He’s still a kid in a Linebackers body…… Maybe his 12th season he’ll really be a 8 year vet. and learn how to take over games….
Did yall see the video of Kim and Kourtney mocking Dirk’s sickness…… Joking and laughing and putting their shirts over their noses…… Thats why I have no sympathy for these runway models……
Kobe has 5 titles… Mcnabb 0… How the hell can anyone say Kobe isnt built for the moment????
Honestly, I have no problem with James not playing well as long as he is out there giving it his all. That means driving to the court and shooting more when the game is on the line. But when you disappear that when I criticize him because then it looks like he gave up.
jroc, you don’t get that killer instinct by going to college. That’s something intangible that most athletes that have it are born with it. To me, James is too laid back or at least tries to be too laid back especially after games like this. Tries to act like everything is ok. But if you talk to Wade, he’s a little more on edge and intense. Don’t go tweeting “this is the biggest game of my life” and then play like it was a scrimmage in the 4th qtr. Saying stuff like it’s “now or never”. Well play like “it’s now or never”.
And Paulman, give the McNabb bashing a rest.
@Scorp…… I understand where your coming from and yes it has to be in you…… But this is the guy who is oversized and with the speed of a damn Tiger…… U would think he’ll use that to his advantage but NO…… He’s a number 2 with the likes of Joe Johnson and Andre Igudala…….etc….. But maybe him attending college a few years would help him a bit later on in his career……. He’s the same little big kid from high school who thinks he’s better than everyone…… but I think if he had a college career…… He would play the game with more aggressiveness…….. Not so much of Killer instinct….
I got a joke…….. If you give Lebron James a dollar…… He’ll give you three quaters……… LOL……
Lebron should just back his man down and dunk or get fouled if the shot aren’t dropping. He can’t be covered if he refuses to be stopped, it’s just he hasn’t been challenged most of his life. It’s hard to develop the killer instinct once you are 20+ years old.
Jordan played with a chip on his shoulder from being cut from the team in high school. Brady still names the 6 qb’s drafted before him as motivation. it just drives them all the time.
Lebron is a regular season player!!!!! (Period)……. 82 games he’s great……. But the playoff games its a where’s waldo book on him….. Doing his best Bin Laden impression hiding behind D-Wade……
Bosh had problems in the regular season and is stepping up to his duties in the playoffs…… With him being on a team like Toronto who weren’t a winning organization……. Bosh is living up to his bargain….. Lebron has no excuse……. He should be ashame of himself….
I hope Dirk and the Mavs win game 6 and dirk says…… I TOOK MY TALENTS TO SOUTH BEACH!!!!!! That would be a great ending for this seasons Kardashian Finale!!!!!!
I think Lebron’s legacy is already set. It’s too late now to even say “it’s time to step up or shut up” even if he plays well in the last two games and the heat end up winning. A legacy is made at the end of big games and I think too much damage has already been done to him. The heat won 2 games in this series in spite of Lebron not because of him. Now, I think he is a really good player and will finish his career with great stats and 2 rings if he is lucky. But what the “witnesses” and the LBJ peasants seem to not understand that that is a major disappointment for his career. He was built up by himself, his posse, and the NBA as being the greatest to ever play when its all said and done since his first game against sacramento. 50 years from now his career will be looked at in the same caliber as an Oscar Robertson, Barkley, Stockton etc. type of player which isn’t exactly terrible but to Lebron and his personal posse of people he has that is embarrassing. Definitely won’t be in the same breath as a top 5 player to ever play and mentioned with the elite like MJ and Magic.
The man looks scared to death at the end of games that are tight. If the Heat are up by 15 with 3 min to go you can tell how relaxed he is by his showing off on every type of play from a dunk to an inbound pass.
If Games 6 or 7 end up being close though, like the previous.. the Mavs will win this.
I know Brady was 21 when drafted, but he was snubbed by the Pac 10 as a high school qb. He was always fighting for the starting spot at Michigan, he needed to play sharp all week in practice or he wouldn’t play in the games. He just learned to practice hard and smart while putting the required pressure on himself that prevents him from folding in games.
Do you think Pat Riley AKA Mr. Mafioso….. Will wack the coach Spolstra if the Kardashians fail……. It would be all his fault when it’s all said and done…… U seen how they did Mike Brown in Cleveland….. Lebron likes to jump ships…… Hes that guy that if his friend punches another guy Lebron would say something like “And thats for messing with us”!!!!!!……… LMAO!!!
jroc, I don’t see how college would give him killer instinct. I think college could have helped him have a polished game but that’s about. Spending a couple years playing against guys you are clearly better doesn’t make to tough when it’s time to play against guys on your level. Just my thoughts.
I don’t think there’s a correlation with aggressiveness and college. College might help fine tune your game but that’s it. The greats had the aggressiveness and killer instinct since they were born. Don’t think it would have been different for him. Either you have it or you don’t. It’s not something easily acquired.
To Birdo,
You are correct and a Typo on my part — LBJ To Mcnabb is what I meant.
A new source of mine up down on Pattison Ave gave me a new Trade Alert
to Pass on… Sixers trade Iggy, Kapono and M Speights & and a 1st Round pick in 2012 Draft to the Miami Heat for LeBron James..
(Apparently Doug Collins is still deciding on this)
***********************************************************************************
“It’s hard to develop the killer instinct once you are 20+ years old.”
I disagree. He’s been in the league for what 8 years. Playing against the likes of DWade and Kobe Bryant doesn’t make you have that drive? Even playing with them on the Olympic team? Come on man. Kobe had the killer instinct since he came into the league at 17. Even when he was on the bench in his early years, he was driven to set a legacy for himself. Being the best in high school and the best player in the country didn’t stop him from having that instinct. So don’t give me that 20+ year old. It has nothing to do with age.
Anouther source down on Samson Street stated they saw Jon Hart hocking his Family’s Jewelry and all Miami Heat Merchandise for a large “Noose” that he was going to use when jumping off the William Penn Building .. Details at 11pm
jroc….. I hope he doesn’t fire Spoelstra. Because if the Heat win, they will give all the credit to James and Wade and say “well Spoelstra should have won with that talent”. Can’t put the blame on him. Not saying they won’t, I just don’t think they should. Not his fault Lebron is shooting 20 footers all game.
If/when the Heat blow this thing, count on Dapper Don Riley pulling a St. Valentine’s Day Massacre on the Heat coaching staff. I think his admiration for Bob McAdoo will save him from the Don’s wrath,
@Scorp…… This kid Lebron was DOMINATE against kids who were in High School…….. He left High School to play in the NBA……. He won rookie of the year and has had a solid 8 year career thus far…….. Rajon Rondo got in to Lebron’s head by guarding him and was successful…… J. Kidd played him a few times and we seen jump shots from a 270lbs. Monster…….. Guys who play in College tend to be a bit more aggressive……. Thats how I see it…… Kobe is a Philly cat who isn’t afraid to take the big moment…… Guys who attend College win championships and know what it takes to step in to the big bright lights……. Lebron isnt ready to be that dude….. And I think in my hypothesis……. That with no college experience playing on live T.V. in a early age with guys who are hungry to make it to the pros……. He missed out on that experience….. And thats his downfall within these past 8 years……
Let me just say LeBron is great. It’s just when the media proclaims him the best player ever and he had that stupid press conference with the smoke and fire he will be ripped on until he has 7 rings. Not going to happen! The expectations have been set way too high for him to be considered a success. Ask Eric Lindros about expectations ruining a good career.
Guys in pro bodies as teenagers often haven’t faced enough adversity on the field growing up .
@Scorp…Yes I know Kobe was 17……. He sat and learn the system and learned the game and learned how to be Jordan by tucking his shirt in his warm-ups and chewing gum just like him……. But how many fresh out of highschool guys won a championship…….. Kobe and Garnett perhaps…… Garnett had to win it with future hall of famers…… Kobe had the Zen Master as a head coach…. Lebron had Mike Brown and Spolstra…… So if they fire Spostra and get Riley he’ll finally win a championship……???? Bright lights exposes roaches……. And they scatter……. The same thing with Lebron’s career thus far with no experience of playing tough guys when the BIG GAMES mean most…….
Lebron wouldn’t have lasted in the Early Jordan days……. Guys like L. Johnson and Rodman and Charles Oakley would get in his head like no tomorrow….. D. Stevenson is doing a good job at that…… He’s getting in his head…… Thats the name of the game…..
Jordan told J. Starks while playing that your kids would be wearing my sneakers…….. Which is true……. But it took Starks out his game……. Mental toughness brings out aggression/killer in you….. lebron still has a high school state of mind…….
The word of the Series…. is TRASH TALK……… The 3 divas aren’t ready for that……. I wonder wheres Delonta West now Lebron!!!!! LOL….. Thats what I’ll use to get the best of Lebron……. Mental toughness prepares you for the Major league sports……
I compare Lebron to Wilt. 2 of the greatest of all time, but they were so physically dominant from a young age they didn’t need to dig deep to overcome adversity on the court. They will both have rings, but Russell overshadows Wilt, although Wilt have the best number of all time in my book. Jordan and Kobe didn’t build up their bodies until they were 26 and had learned to play with a mean streak because they couldn’t push guys around. Hell, Shaq gained 70+ pounds (40 of muscle) after LSU to where he was a beast in his prime that liked to punish guys (ask Dikembi).
If Lebron ever learns to play with a mean streak like Jordan, Bird, Kobe, Russell, Wade and KG watch out NBA.
I think Wade is going to piss in Lebron’s wheaties before rest of the games to piss him off.
**** INTERESTING READ******
It seems mind-boggling to the average fan as to how the games biggest stars could be so prone to choking on the biggest stages, but let’s look at what goes into it.
When you are an athlete like a LeBron or Rose or even Garnett, the hype that has followed you most of your life is that you were the best player as soon as you walked on the court. Your size, skills and athleticism allowed you to make everything easy on yourself. Add in a little bit of work ethic and you will have the consistency you need to be successful in the NBA.
When this is the case its very easy for players like these three to have great success in the regular season.
But when more than money is on the line,( i.e legacies, last chances and man’s eternal struggle to do something of significance) the psyche needed to thrive when the pressure is on is needed. When guys are willing to lose the long-term use of different parts of their body to win, it takes a lot more than being the most talented player physically on the court.
It takes the character trait of resilience that has been developed over a life of being short-changed or second guessed and having to prove yourself. It takes that clutch component. It’s the missing piece that Rose (missed free throws and uncharacteristic play toward the end of close games even going back to his time at Memphis) and LeBron (many short-comings on the biggest stage, including a 17-point showing in the biggest game of his life) have to this point failed to develop and perhaps sadly never will.
Many will point to Lebron’s current all around game and his ability to facilitate in the playoffs finding teammates for key baskets. I am sorry but clutch players just go ahead and make clutch baskets. I mean let’s be serious how many people whip out highlight tapes of Jordan kicking it out to Kerr or Paxson in his greatest moments collection? Game winning shots are not the only measure of clutch, one should also include the entire key sequences of the game, the closing minutes basically where blood, sweat and tears are pushed out and one player decides win or lose its on him. Too often throughout James career its been a delegated responsibility. One could also defend James by saying well he’s really focusing on being a defensive stopper well since when did great players only focus on one side of the ball to become irrelevant on the other? It’s very hard to hear so many excuses for a player who makes enough on his own. Why is someone who is unguardable only putting up 17 points in a huge game. Lebron might win this series but he will continue to shield himself from any true accountability almost as well as he delegates closing responsibilities to his teammates when the pressure is on.
Lebron is a decent athlete. Everyone overhyped him and it went to his head.
He will never live in Jordans shoes after leaving Cleveland to join Dwayne Wades Team.
Honestly he needs to lose a few times to get he is not elite.
I am pulling for Dallas.
You are wrong G, LeBron does have somewhere to hide…….. The 4th quarter. He has been doing it all series long.
Hey, I got a joke for you all…….
Who is harder to find?
Waldo?
Carmen Sandiego?
Or LeBron in the 4th qtr?
From a Political point of View,
Sources from Alaska told me that even Sarah Palin from her great Big Porch can’t seem to locate LeBron in the 4th Quarter of these NBA Finals….
Where is LIL BRON BRON at? Must be in witness protection with LeFRAUD James & Sammy the Bull 😀
Been a while since I posted on this site due to a lack of Eagles and NFL news.
FOR THE RECORD:
When Ron Glover compared Donovan Mcnabb to Andre Iguodala, I said the better comparison would be LBJ and Mcnabb and Glover shot me down. In your face Gloverrrrrrrr.
Lebron has no heart whatsoever. Mcnabb has a little more heart, but not enough.
Lots of insults towards Lebron that are unfair, comparing him to Joe Johnson and such. But to be honest, LeBron has asked for it with the way he has behaved.
MUI, your right. He gets what he deserves. In the beginning of the year with that disgraceful sham of a press conference, & the way he’s whined, pissed & moaned for calls all year, he deserves no respect or fandom. Hey Pippen, he can’t wear Jordan’s dirty Hane’s. LeFRAUD needs to grow a beanbag or they are done Sunday.
Told you that coward, Jon Hart, is 12. He has been hiding ever since. That is what children do, not grown @ss men.
on JH, Anyone check the William Penn Tower ???
Sources said Jon Hart was taking the plunge at midnight last night and that it was taking him a little longer to hock his family’s jewelry than he originally anticipated …
PAUL, BWAHAHAHA!!! CLASSIC FUNNY S#!T
Is Jon Hart still missing? LMFAO
Lebron and Wade are immature punks.
Lets just hope that Dallas finishes Miami off tonight. I don’t feel like seeing Hart’s dumb @ss around here anymore. That should send him away for good.
I think Heat win tonight by 7pts and force a Game 7 in which the Mavs win on a last second 3 point shot by the wide open Peja Stojacovic winning the deciding Championship game 98-97 in one of the best all-time Finals Series in a long time.. Afterwards, LeBron does shed real tears at Center Court after the shot is made and refuses to acknowledge the Champion Mavericks..
I guess it is too bad we won’t see Jon Hart anymore to harass him like crazy.
LOL at LeChoke James. 3 Superstars, 0 Rings (together).
LeBron is gonna go on ESPN to announce “The Excuse”. LMAO at that choker. That is what he gets for celebrating after every win like they won the series.