To LeBron James, who coasted through the Skills Challenge on All-Star Saturday and played the All-Star Game with the uplifting, charismatic intensity of a female porn star trying to break one of those "most male partners in one afternoon" records. Could we end up putting him in the "Too Much, Too Soon" Pantheon some day? Will he become the basketball version of Eddie Murphy, Britney Spears, Michael Jackson and every other celeb who became famous too quickly and eventually burned out?
Here's what I know. I had four conversations with connected NBA people over the weekend that centered around the same themes: LeBron isn't playing nearly as hard as he did last season; it looks like his only goal right now is to get his coach fired; he's regressing as a basketball player (especially his passing skills and his shot selection); he made a huge mistake firing his agent and turning his career over to his buddies back home (all of whom are in over their heads); he was a much bigger problem during the Olympics than anyone realized; he doesn't seem to be enjoying himself anymore; he has an overrated sense of his own worth and his own impact in the sports world (as witnessed by the ESPN interview last week when he answered the "What are your goals?" question with two words: "Global icon"); he's been protected by magazine fluff pieces and buddy-buddy TV interviews for far too long; he doesn't have the same relentless drive to keep dominating everyone like Wade and Kobe have; and basically, we're much closer to LeBron re-enacting the career arc of Martina Hingis, Eric Lindros and Junior Griffey than anyone realizes. This will evolve into THE dominant NBA story of the next two months. You watch.
More and more, people are seeing the light. LeBust is a nice player, but he is never going to live up to the hype. Someone that is afraid to take the last shot of the game has no shot of becoming greatness. And of course, I have been saying this since his rookie year. I just want to know why have I not trademarked the name LeBust?
Oct 17 - 46/45 - McCain +01
25 Comments:
So today is the NBA trade deadline. There are some big rumors out there (Bibby,
Kidd, etc), but who knows. The Cavs need a big move. Bibby would be a great fit,
since he does not get scared in the 4th quarter. It will be interesting.
Finally, I wanted to also point out Simmons' funniest part of his NBA in Vegas post.
[Thumbs Down] to the Red Bull and Vodka Drink, which needs to be outlawed for everyone's safety. If you drink more than four of them, smoke a couple of butts and stay out too late, there's a 100 percent chance you'll sleep for about 3½ hours and wake up terrified because your heart is tap-dancing like one of the Hines brothers in your chest....
Oh, I forgot. I was talking to a Cavs fan last night, and they claim it is because LeBust is hurt and resting.
Maybe. Maybe I will be wrong.
Well, I could be wrong about Bush's "surge" being a bad idea, too, but I am not going to lose any sleep over it.
100% accurate on your call of lebust, he will always put up numbers, do some flashy dunk hear the crowd cheer, become content and coast. Also what is wrong with turning over 100 million dollar investment to 3 guys who are excited when they find $.99 in their 87 civic for a frosty form Wendy's? Worst agent move, even topping Ricky Williams/Master P debacle. Actually you and Bil Simmons are on the forefront of the Lebust story, continue informing the world of the overrated overhyped lebust
ps, when in Akron be on DUI alert his mom may be driving around
No wonder players charge into the stands after abusive fans.
Tim Couch, Mike Junkin, Lawyer Tillman....they were busts. That LeBron isn't meeting your expectations probably doesn't keep him up at night either.
The crime here is the Beacon buying ink by the barrel to run over-sized color photos of LeBron everyday, while at the same time completely ignoring the Walter Reed Hospital scandal.
Hmmm....no mention of it here either.
your're right Mencken, you do soooo much for the world that we should be shamed we have interests and hobbies, you wanna talk sports in these posts fine, but get of your high horse asshole, CHuck does alot both profesionally and on this site to better this world. I don't know who you are, how you found htis site, but you really don't have alot to offer, you always offer critiscisms and critiques, but never new ideas, only your own sob stories. You are arrogant and severely overestimate your own worth. scroll up and down this site, how many non national interest stories 1 maybe two. So if yoou ever are out enjoying yourself, bangng your wife, watching tv, discussing American Idol I hope someone comes up to you and says some snide remark like "how can you possibly ejjoy any life when 7 choppers have been shot down since Jan 20"
Yeah I am convinced the story you told about someone wanting to kick your ass had more to do with who you than what you think. You are a waste
Yeah lebron is scared to take the last shot...funny i remember him winning two playoff games last year by taking the last shot...Lebron does what is best for the team, and is the best thing to happen to Cleveland in years. You seem to be a cheerleader against anything positive all your posts are negative. how can you cheer against Lebron he's the one thing we got going for us in a city run by idiots like Dennis Krucinich. The guys a whack job and does nothing for us. Lebron has done nothing but positive things for this team and city so please get a clue when it comes to lebron.
Your wrong Chuck...sorry but your wrong on this.
I think it's funny that if Lebron does not have the absolute best year you go after him by pulling out all of the little details like not taking a shot in 1-2 games, while totally missing the fact that he has hit a few game winners over his career and the other things he has done.
Like many other issues you are one sided on this and need to talk to Kyle about looking at the other side and trying to be fair.
Maybe your jealous..I don't know...but I know Lebron James is good for the city of Cleveland and is one of the top 5 players in the NBA right now...while "not playing hard" as you and your "insiders" say.
Chuck-
He really has been nothing short of disappointing this year. I keep trying to convince myself it is because he is "tired" or "worn out" from playing all last summer for team USA, but I know that isn't the case. Even if it were, Jordan never coasted thru a season and tried to turn it on come playoff time so there is no excuse for James to try and do it. He is an extremely talented disappointment at best. Hopefully Jordan or some other great like Magic takes him aside and slaps him and tells him to actually care, otherwise all he is ever going to be is a more talented Vince Carter.
Also, Simmons was dead on with the RBV comment. Red Bull should pretty much be banned at bars, or all together. At minimum should not sell it after midnight.
Uh Tucker, my criticism was mainly of the Beacon which does function as a broad news source and should be getting it's priorities in order. Considering LeBron is getting excessive coverage,
I thought my comment was relevant. Maybe not.
I basically thought Chuck was being unfair to LeBron. Get over it. Chuck has done the lion's share of the name-calling around here. It's his blog, so be it. If you want to make this blog members only, then start your own.
Look Tucker, I just counted 9 national or related news stories as I scrolled down. One or two?????
Here is a counter view to you LeBron "Haters" from CBS sportline..
Chuck, did you forget about the game winning shots against the Wizards? Scared?? VERY funny..
-DMiles
---------------------------
One of the popular topics of conversation over All-Star weekend was the ridiculous notion that LeBron James has reached his ceiling.
Imagine that. At 22 years old, the Cleveland star is leveling off. He's still supposed to be somewhat of a kid, but he has nowhere to go but down. These words were uttered, and you'll find your share of people that agree.
Watch LeBron James elevate: Who says the Cavs star has nowhere to go but down? (AP)
They'll cite the numbers as proof: a five-point decrease in scoring average from a year ago (26.4 from 31.4). He already says he's tired. He's more interested in becoming a global icon than he is in becoming a champion.
Even Gilbert Arenas got in on the act last week, blogging that "the guy LeBron needs is Sam Cassell. He needs someone who wants to take the big shots at the end of the game. LeBron would much rather have Cassell take the final shot. People don't realize that LeBron doesn't want it."
Poor LeBron.
There's one simple reason he has to deal with this type of doubt, and it has everything to do with the trendy term "hating." Because James came up as a prodigy and received props from the moment he stepped on the floor, people will try and knock him down. It's human nature.
Crowned before winning anything, it really burned the haters up to watch LeBron stroll into his media availability session flanked by an entourage that would send most pro wrestlers running. Who does this guy think he is?
The only hope I'd have for LeBron has nothing to do with not leveling off -- natural improvement will come with increased experience given his age. His jumper will improve. He'll have more game-winning shots under his belt. He'll know how to better pace himself.
For now, he's stuck holding a pretty large shield, deflecting criticism that packs more venom than it should, rolling in from way more directions than he probably ever would've imagined.
"I made two game winners in the playoffs against him and knocked him out of the playoffs," James responded to Arenas' comments. "I don't understand where he gets that from, that doesn't make sense to me."
Arenas can and will say what he wants, and considering the history between those two, there's an element of digging back at James. However, it just speaks to where LeBron is at with many who aren't fans. Until he gets to a conference finals, or puts the Cavs on his back and wins the division, his reputation shouldn't be what it is.
They're gathering to tear down LeBron James. The crowd is small right now, but it has definitely grown by a few members over the years. Barely four seasons in, he's already being accused of trying to run Mike Brown out of town, of screwing up personnel decisions regarding Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Larry Hughes, and of shirking his commitment to Cleveland by re-upping for three seasons instead of five prior.
There will be no reprieve until he wins big, and as a result, the pressure will mount. It's because the utterance of his name alone has become synonymous with precocious. It's because he's not exactly cuddly. Too polished, in fact. He knows too much, so he doesn't seem like a kid. There's nothing unassuming about him.
I'd love to see us get Bibby.
Lebron James doesn't seem to be enjoying himself anymore? Absurd. Lebron James gets scared in the 4th Quarter? More absurd.
Red Bull doesnt do anything for me...whether with Vodka or just drinking it. My body doesnt process caffine I dont think.
1st anon, right on.
Mencken, like you said, it is my site and i can talk about what i want. i want to get to the walter reed story, but i have not had time.
tucker, i appreciate your support, but don't get too mad at mencken.
anonymous #2, glad you still read the site. I know who you are, and i had a good time seeing you back at christmas. that said, you are the most delusional sports fan in NE ohio. I am not going to lose sleep over your LeBust support. You are a loyal fan.
and like i have said, i might end up being wrong.
More importantly #2: What a gaming winning playoff shots are you talking about? we can all just make up stats, i suppose.
but i just deal in facts.
anonymous #3, maybe lebron is Top 5. so what. that makes you a good player. that doesn't make you a champion or "global icon".
mike d, i agree.
anonymous #4, don't cut and paste articles....especially dumb ones.
Kyle, who is this "lebron" you speak of? I know a LeBust James, but no LeBron.
Tucker,
There is no purpose in disagreeing much less attacking a bitter cog in the wheel. For some life has been so unjust that they assert their importance by engaging in pompous indignation and belittling
others.
Micheal Jackson was famous and popular for 30 years. This guy doesn't know his MJ from his MJ.
LeBust was 2 of 8 shooting in the 4th quarter. and the Cavs lost at home to a mediocre Bulls team.
Way to go King Layup.
and that name reminds me. LeBust did hit a late layup in a playoff game (maybe twice, i forget) to edge the mediocre Wizards. So he did surpass his fears with some big layups. Way to go, King!
yeah I don't know whats more comical his fourth quarter shooting % or his defense
good point Kobe. his D was remarkably bad, even by his standards
Chuck you do make me laugh.. I found the ESPN take stupid at best and a jump on the hater bandwagon.
I know no other bigger idiot that attempts to talk sports then you. Are you channeling some of your sports knowledge from George Thomas at the Beacon?
chuck has been driving that wagon for a long time.
-John Wayne
Really Fred, I'm the least bitter person you'll ever
meet. I just like busting your balls like Chuck does to LeBron. Stop whining and play some D.
chuck, when did you become such a hater. didn't you have season tickets to the cavs. lebron is fine. if you want to talk about busts talk about larry hughes or damon jones. those two and their big contracts and terrible play are screwing up the cavs. stop the hate chuck.
D
i did have season tickets. then i had to deal with all those loser fans, that blindly followed leBust like Republicans follow Bush.
and sure Damon Jones and Hughes aren't playing good. But isnt that Bust's big thing, how he makes people play better?
Bill Simmons on the Trade Deadline Grades:
CLEVELAND: Z-infinity-minus
That's the lowest grade we can give a team, right? The Cavs haven't made a good move in two years and it's legitimately inconceivable that Danny Ferry watched the first 50 games of this Cavs season, then decided, "You know what? We're good." Part of me doesn't blame the Global Icon for putting a 39-cent stamp on the season.
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