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Open letter to LeBron James

May 25, 2007 @ 5:48 pm by Eddie Johnson · Filed under Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, LeBron James

The dictionary definition of King is “a male sovereign”, “a chief among competitors”. My definition is “The Man, unstoppable, pure and close to perfection in the art of dominating”.

LeBron, you are not that yet and if you don’t start to work on your deficiencies you will be removed from the title of King that should not have been bestowed upon you at such young age – especially when we still have Kobe Bryant, who is the best player on the planet.

I really love your upside. I think you have the ability to become one of the best players in the history of this league. I also think you have a chance to become one of its biggest failures.

Here’s why…

LeBron, you refuse to work on the most difficult part of the game. I have no clue who your shooting coach might be, but he has not helped you.

I still see the same mistakes in your jumper that I saw when I watched you during those ESPN high school games. The Pistons have studied film and they know your weaknesses. They have exploited you and sadly you and your team are slowly fading away because of it.

The Pistons have decided to pack the paint so deep with defenders that you have no choice but to shoot or pass. You have decided to pass, which has added up to 16 assists in the first two games. The problem is your team needs you to score and the Pistons have thrown the kryptonite at you and it’s working.

LeBron, in order to become a player like Air Jordan or Kobe Bryant you must master the skill that set those two apart from everybody else. MJ and Kobe had and have an unbelievable mid-range game to go with excellent free-throw shooting. With that, you wouldn’t allow any defense to stop you in your quest for excellence on offense.

Let me give you a war analogy – thus using the History degree I received from the University Of Illinois… The airplane and missile were the best inventions ever for war because they allowed you to strike from far distances and achieve great benefits without exhausting your troops and putting them in harms way consistently. The plane and the missile are also the most laborious to perfect because of cost and the time it takes to build them.

This use of weaponry softened up the defensive tactics of the enemies and made them come out in the open. Then the enemies would be taken advantage of.

That’s what the jump shot does in basketball. It forces the defense to extend itself, thus allowing you to penetrate and still achieve success – but in a more devastating and precise manner.

LeBron, you have no consistent ability to achieve that on the basketball court. I have to believe that whoever coaches you on shooting is constantly reminding you of one fatal flaw. Every time you shoot the ball, you are off balance. You are either fading away or leaning sideways. What that does is force you to shoot at a moving target. Your mechanics are not the greatest, but if you would just eliminate those off-balances flaws you would have a better result.

Think about it. All you needed was two more of those jumpers to fall and the Cavaliers would be up 2-0 instead of down 2-0. But it was obvious to me in Game 1 – when you had a layup and passed it to Donyell Marhall – that you were occupied with the thought of maybe having to go to the free-throw line and then having to hit two shots.

At the end of Game 2, you had a 10-foot jumper at your leisure over Richard Hamilton but you executed a half-hook off-balance shot and wanted a foul – which you know officials will not call to decide a game. Just look at the hit Rasheed Wallace put on noted flopper Anderson Varejao. He did not get called. (And he should have).

Bottom line with my war analogy… The planes and missiles are laborious and expensive. It takes hours upon hours to perfect the best weapon. Well, the jump shot is the same way. You need to put more quality time on perfecting that jumper or you will be dethroned.

LeBron, also please tell your coach that he will not win the series unless he rolls the dice and puts shooters on the floor. That means Donyell Marshall, Damon Jones, Daniel Gibson and Sasha Pavlovic. That might allow you to shake loose like you did for a short stint in the first half of Game 2.

LeBron, I did write an article a while ago about Danny Ferry’s big mistake: not supplying you with enough shooters. Larry Hughes was not the answer (6-22 in the series). This is not Hughes’ fault. He is just not a shooter. We saw Hughes’ awkward fade away at the end of Game 2. A real shooter would have used the glass to soften the touch on a shot like that. So because of the lack of long-range snipers, you are shooting 12 for 34 after the first two games and things look very bleak.

Your kingdom is very much exposed and taking a beating. Take my advice and toughen it up by developing that mid-range game like Mike and Kobe did and then you really will be King.

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205 Comments

1. Torrey D. Elcan Said,

   May 25, 2007 @ 6:04 pm

   I really appreciate you telling it like it is, because when I talk basketball with people they say that Lebron is the best player in the league and this is not true. He is the best player in Madison Avenue’s opinion. I have to go 1A-Kobe Bryant, 1-B Tim Duncan, 2-Dwayne Wade, Kevin Garnett and so on. I love his game, but he needs to work on the jump shot like you said, and also free throw he looks like he does not want to take the shot when he has to.

2. Oliver Harris Said,

   May 25, 2007 @ 6:40 pm

   Eddie you are correct. Labron is a great talent but he has not earned the right to be called the best basketball player in the league. The problem I have with him is that he tries to distribute too much and seems to run away from the game winning shot. The Cavaliers have done an injustice to him by not having a true point guard on the team thus causing Labron to just be a distributor instead of the man on most occasions. Labron will one day be great but as always everyone is looking for that next Michael Jordan and he has a ways to go.

3. Chris Said,

   May 25, 2007 @ 6:51 pm

   I have been watching Lebron play since his days in Akron, and although I have seen a little improvement, I totally agree with you. There really is no excuse for James’ lack of consistency from the field. His strength will most likely always be attacking the basket, but staying one-dimensional offensively for much longer will nullify that. Tony Parker, Mike Bibby, and Dwyane Wade are guys that have come into the league with sub-par jumpers, and have all evolved into guys who are lights out from between 12 and 20 feet. As a Cavs fan, I hope that day comes soon for Lebron. Maybe Sunday??? Pleeeeaaassse?

4. al davis Said,

   May 25, 2007 @ 6:57 pm

   I feel LJ gets frustated wih his teammates & he’s afraid to screw up so he passes off. He needs to develop some alternative shots for he’s predictable & guardable.

5. james Said,

   May 25, 2007 @ 7:26 pm

   Lebron is so overrated in my opinion. He is not a good closer and not a good shooter he can suck a cock 4 all i care.

6. Luka B, WAterloo Said,

   May 25, 2007 @ 7:27 pm

   yo boyz, lebron is sik yo. SJAM fo life. bre. yes murp!!!

7. Wise Said,

   May 25, 2007 @ 7:37 pm

   Funny how LeBron gets bashed for taking a bunch of scrubs to the Eastern Conference Finals at the age of 22. Michael Jordan didn’t get to the Eastern Conference Finals until he was 26. Michael Jordan turned the ball over and missed free throws in the final 2 minutes of close playoff games early in his career, (if you don’t believe me then go watch those playoff games, and not the playoff games when MJ was 30 years old). MJ had a 1-9 record in the playoffs after his first 3 appearances. LeBron’s 15-10 so far in the middle of his 2nd appearance.

   All you guys hating on LeBron are going to look silly after his career is over much like all you guys looked silly for bashing MJ early in his career.

8. 3sixD Said,

   May 25, 2007 @ 7:48 pm

   You know the best thing about LeBron, he’s gonna read this and take your advice. He isnt gonna get mad and he isnt gonna get offended, he’s gonna take it as a challenge. I continue to look forward to the growth of Lebron James,

9. Matin Said,

   May 25, 2007 @ 7:51 pm

   EJ : wonderful article and fantastic analogy. I would like to one additional thing - posting up. With Lebron’s size and strength you rarely see him leveraging the post : this allows the defense to sag and eventually collapse and counter his stagnant offensive repoitoire. LeBron is a fantastic player but his improvement over the course of 4 years has been stagnant. Then again, he was so impressive coming into the league that to expect even more is unrealistic. He is only 22 years old - will he be the prince or the pauper?

10. jon Said,

    May 25, 2007 @ 7:52 pm

    thank you Eddie. It’s about time someone pointed this out. Can you please help LeBron out? I just don’t want to see someone who could be the greatest of all time end up with nothing just because someone couldn’t teach him a jump shot.

11. Daniel Said,

    May 25, 2007 @ 8:08 pm

    I love LBJ, but it may be true that he might not be king yet, that title belongs to Kobe, duncan or maybe Nash. But all this that he don’t want to screw up and miss freetrows is just pure untrue. Lebron is a pure leader and he has a big trust in his teammates and that’s why he passes on the shot! He believes that that is the right desision and he knows they can hit the longball to win the game.

12. Lucky Luciano Said,

    May 25, 2007 @ 8:43 pm

    Fools…When was Kobe and Duncan drafted? oh right, in the last century. Give Lebron a couple more years Eddie and we’ll see that LeBron will have developed everything u have just talked about, and he will have achieved it through ‘maturity’ just like every great player, would Magic have taken the Lakers to the finals without the rest of the showtimers in his 3rd year? No. Kobe is the best player in the game but he’s matured heaps more than lebron

13. George Said,

    May 25, 2007 @ 8:51 pm

    LeBron is definitely not the best player in the league. He is not a good shooter but he has unbelievable strength for a swingman and that makes him unstoppable when he drives to the basket. It is obvious though, that LeBron, in order to achieve in what he wants(win a title) it’s not enough only driving to the basket. One of his biggest strengths is his passing ability which I think is unbelievable for a player who’s not starting as a point guard. He has to learn how to shoot. His shot mechanics are awful for a player with so huge expectations. At 6-8 1/2 and 250 lbs he has the perfect body for guard-forward. Very strong and quick and athletic. But really, imagine LeBron when he improves his shooting by 25-30 %…. No doubt he will be the best player.

14. Thamand1 Said,

    May 25, 2007 @ 8:52 pm

    The problem with Lebron is that he is only 22 and learning the game, but he has been deemed the next mj since he was a junior in high school. He is paid as the next mj, gets endorsements as the next mj, get critized too much for not being the next mj. He is 22 and still learning the game, but he gets the perks of the next mj.At this point in his career he is over hyped and the system that he plays in changes from night to night. Is he a power forward, a point forward, small forward??? Is he suppose to drive and dominate the paint or be an accomidator. His role needs to be defined and a system built around it. His handlers should back off hyping him. He needs to find his role in basketball and life. At 22, he has all the $ he needs for 10 lifetimes and he will earn plenty more.It is hard to realize how good he is at 22. It is harder to realize at only 22 he is not mj because people have been saying he is the next mj for 6 years. He needs to just play and have fun. It is hard to have the weight of a franchise on your shoulders at 22.

15. jay Said,

    May 25, 2007 @ 8:55 pm

    Your letter was very well written but Kobe is at home.Yes there are things that THE KING has to do to better his game.But becoming one of the leagues biggest failures?Look at what he has accomplished in a short time

16. longback Said,

    May 25, 2007 @ 9:24 pm

    last i know, kobe never put the lakers in the conference finals himself. is that what you call best player on the planet? that’s the most selfish i guess. look at lebron, he may have his weaknesses but all he thinks of is team wins. go figure, cavs in the conference finals all because of lebron’s team-first attitude.

17. jhay jhay Said,

    May 25, 2007 @ 9:52 pm

    LeBron James is so Overrated…he called himself a King….but he’s suck….he must reach the level of Kobe Bryant…or atleast the second best wing player of the league Paul Pierce….

18. niwdle Said,

    May 25, 2007 @ 10:25 pm

    dude we ain’t fools! you must have known mr. wade used to have a very terrible perimeter game but every year he but effort in adding the jump shot into his game… this what made him hard to guard because even he gets fouled he still have a chance at the line which is also one of the deficiencies of king james… what mr. johnson told us that this is what made king james human… his jump shot and free throw woes… james is a really great team player but james is the franchise player so he have to lift up their team to new heights by elevating his game to the next level. look at the box score every game buddies! you’ll see the idea of mr. johnson is pointing out…

19. Eric Said,

    May 25, 2007 @ 10:39 pm

    Kobe best player on earth???no….Tim Duncan and steve nash r both better than him. When kobe actuallry starts raising the level of the play of his teammates, then u can make the argument. Btw contary to popular belief or hype, the lakers do have players other than kobe, lamar bynum, walton, vladmir turiaf, cook,etc r all solid to good players. Stop making excuses fo kobe.As for lebron…well eddie, wats wrong with passing to a guy with a wide open shot attempt??? why r u crticizing him for making the right play instead of forcing it up in front of two defenders? even u said urself that at end of games, refs tend to not call fouls…….so i dont see wats wrong with giving it to a SHOOTER to shoot the three.

20. Carnell Said,

    May 25, 2007 @ 11:10 pm

    Eric,

    Kobe is the best player in the NBA PERIOD!!!!! I’ve watched quite a few Lakers games this year. No excuses, Kobe has no help. Odom is inconsistant. Odom lacks aggressiveness. He knows he’s thier second scoring option but doesn’t look to do it. He has no jumper and can only go left. Walton is a smart player but he is turn over prone & has offensive deficencies. Cook doesn’t play a lick of defense and refuses to hustle. The only real player that brings a competitive attitude is Turiaf. Look at the Lakers roster. Bynum is really the only one that has something to become a special player, but it’s going to be a project. Kobe has no one to help him now, in his prime.

    You also said Kobe don’t elevate his players. How can he???? He does pass, if you watch the Phoenix series this year and last year. Every time he passed out of a double or triple team, they failed to make wide open shots. Unlike LeBron, when Kobe sees his teammates aren’t getting the job done, he will put his team on his back. I do believe he got them to the playoffs two years in a row. I promise you Nash and Duncan couldn’t get these guys there. How could they, when no one can make an open shot and it takes a player like Kobe to have to hit 50 just to give his team a chance to win. You need to watch a little closer. Kobe by far is the best player in the NBA!!!! He’s solid offensively & defensively. He does pass also, so don’t come at me with that one. He was just as much responsible for the 3peat as Shaq.

21. Steven K Said,

    May 25, 2007 @ 11:12 pm

    Gimme a break dude… LeBron James is by far the most refined / game time ready player to come straight out of high school. Think of what he’s accomplished thus far in his short NBA career. Look at how many times he’s made the playoffs and how many playoff series’ he’s won. It’s truly incredible considering the Cavs were absolute garbage when they drafted him. Compare him to Kobe but keep in mind the rocky learning curve and the excellent, veteran cast he played along side with during his successful tenure. And keep in mind where Lebron is Right now and Kobe Isn’t (always deep in the playoffs).
    If he’s not the King than he’s the prince
    and it’s only a matter of time before he’s crowned!

22. Damien Said,

    May 25, 2007 @ 11:26 pm

    Mr. Johnson I respect you and your knowledge as a basketball player. But you and everyone else need to stop mentioning Kobe’s name as the best player on the planet. Just like James need to earn the king title. So does Kobe. He has yet to win a playoff series since The Big Aristotle left town. Like the saying goes names are made in the postseason. Tell kobe to give you those streak of great games he did in the regular season in the posteason and they will win also. At least James can win a series. James has defeciencies true but so does Kobe. Kobe dosent demonstrate the ability to make players better. They were up 3 to 1 against the suns and could’nt close the series out. The best in the league can finish a series out. Thats my argument. Niether is MJ and no ones close. So stop with the comparisons.

23. Nick Said,

    May 25, 2007 @ 11:43 pm

    LeBron is overrated, at this stage of his career, although he is still one of my favorite players (I stick by what I believe). Clearly, he is still very young, not even at his peak, but he’s already putting up amazing numbers. Remember that he is still 22 years old and in time, a year or two, he will mature and grow to be an amazing player. He messed up these last two games but I think this series is a good experience for a budding superstar like him and it will help him learn and mature from mistakes like this.

24. Rashidi Said,

    May 25, 2007 @ 11:44 pm

    LeBron has barely improved in the last two years. If anything, he regressed from last season.

    It is very fair to criticize LeBron because he has made no effort to correct the obvious flaws in his jumper. As EJ said, he has had these same flaws since entering the league. Most players with kinks in their jumper in HS or college get them worked out as soon as they enter the pros. While LeBron ended up being a better shooter than was anticipated given his HS track record (as well as all those airballs in his rookie preseason), but he has not improved on it since his second season.

    I would fire Cleveland’s shooting coach effective immediately because I noticed that Cleveland players have worse FT years than they did before becoming Cavs.

    Lebron shot a career worst .698 and has regressed every year since hitting .754 as a rookie (and .750 as a sophmore, so clearly something is off).

    Hughes shot .676, easily his career worst, and also stands out since his final two years in Washington he shot .797 and .777

    Eric Snow, a career .767 shooter who has shot over 80% in the past, has been at .688 and .633 the past two years.

    Damon Jones, while not the greatest FT shooter (.727 career), was at .764 and .791 two years before joining the Cavs. Since joining? .640 and .681.

    Donyell Marshall? Shot .663 this year. He shot .791 before joining Cleveland and is .730 for his career.

    Gooden shot .714 compared to .684 last year, however he also shot 81% in 2005 and is .715 for his career.

    The only players to actually improve on their FT shooting with Cleveland are Ilgauskas, Pavlovic, and Varejao (any coincidence that they’re the teams’ three Euros?)

    Clearly something is literally “amiss” in Cleveland. Players over the last two years have been underperforming at the line.

    In 2003 and 2004 Cleveland was 75% from the line, then after adding more shooters they regress to .695? What gives?

25. Eddie Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 12:15 am

    great responses guys. lets help king james out! i hope he reads this article. the truth hurts. And yes i know Jordan, Karl Malone, Magic struggled early with the J. Thats why i hope he understands criticism and turns it into a positive

26. niwdle Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 1:04 am

    lebron is a responsible player… i know he can elevate his game to greater its just that its to late to practice shooting and experimenting since their opponent is the pistons… kobe is the best one-on-one player! he’s got all the tools… how many player who achieved what kobe did? well both lakers and cavs are not balanced as far as the roster is concern but cleveland is a lot deeper and more of a defensive team since their coach is a defense minded coach… i believe the coach focused more on the defensive end since they want to add the defensive toughness since it said to make teams win championships… maybe later on if their defense is like 2nd nature to then they might revert back to making the plays work… another fact is defending makes you work twice as hard because basically your kinda guessing what the offensive player is going to do in possession of the ball…

27. Hudson River Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 1:09 am

    “would Magic have taken the Lakers to the finals without the rest of the showtimers in his 3rd year?”

    Uhmm I hope you remember he played center and recorded a triple double in his rookie season. Sorry to burst your bubble, although he did struggle with his jumpshot.

28. Hudson River Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 1:10 am

    “would Magic have taken the Lakers to the finals without the rest of the showtimers in his 3rd year?”

    Uhmm I hope you remember he played center and recorded a triple double in his rookie season in the finals because Kareem was out, I think it was game 7… Sorry to burst your bubble, although its true he did struggle with his jump shot and wasn’t the same player he was later in his career.

29. Omar Aberilla Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 2:21 am

    First of all, the annointing of James as “King” was a marketing ploy and more importantly, such royal treatment albeit premature, can be attributed to the media (which sadly includes you Eddie). It’s always inappropriate to attach such titles on anyone until they have proven their worth even if they were perceived or hyped, if you will, to be that good. Unless ofcourse, the price is right. That’s the burden of being so young yet so talented i guess. And besides, if Lebron’s last name was different there wouldn’t even be a discussion on his monicker.:) King Kobe sounds a bit off but fits perfectly well. But all’s not too late for Lebron “The Chosen One” James.

30. LéGuy Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 2:37 am

    First I wanna thank u for great - I mean really GREAT post! I am so happy someone can see what is obvious and writes about it… I thought many times about LeBron and his jumper but who would listen to me:))
    And for all those LeBron fans… u gotta be happy someone opened this topic, maybe lebron will open in during the summer. So save the “king” nickname for at least couple of seaseons…

31. Emre Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 3:03 am

    when you look at lebron, you see the greatest talent in the world and it’s sad that he’s not using that to be the best player in the world.

    eddie wrote about shooting, but i believe he has other weaknesses. do you remember last summer when greece destroyed usa? all they did was play pick-n-roll and zone-defence and usa team had no solution for that. like all his teammates, lebron CONSTANTLY tried to get pass his defenders, isolate, play one-on-one and failed to get the result, because that’s not the way you play against teams like that. he should master a great jumpshot and read the game better, like when mj was playing, he was some kind of a bug in a computer game, his mind was so in the game and he knew every little detail he had to do. he did the right thing all the time on the court.

    with all these said, i believe lebron will win a championship in three years even if doesn’t master his weaknesses. i just wish he becomes the master of the game like mj and then win it all.

32. Omar Aberilla Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 3:15 am

    Now that we have that King stuff out of the way, I know the article was directed at pointing out areas of improvement for LeBron, which I must admit is right on point. People seem to expect a lot from the kid. It’s probably because when you get to the pros nobody really cares or they to tend to forget how old you are, you still have got to show up. And rightly so. James’ skill set is absolutely impressive, defying his age. He’s a star as it is, but still far from being anywhere near the ranks of an MJ or a Kobe Bryant in terms of clutch performances and accomplishments. Fortunately, he’s young and still has a lot of upside although it’s really up to how much he’s willing to put in some work. But even if he does improve and has every weakness addressed, he’s better off being his own person and having his own style of play than living up to comparisons.

33. LeBron James Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 4:31 am

    I am LeBron James, thank you Eddie! Don’t worry, I will improve my jumpshot next season… And we will go to the championship.. Thanks Fans!

34. North Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 5:34 am

    Nice analogy!!!
    Iam a fan of LBJ because of the talent and charisma that can be compared to MJ. MJ is the greatest and LBJ is what he is, heir apparent. I grew watching MJ and he was also denied and committed many mistakes that make him great. I hope LBJ will be on that direction.
    A point guard with the likes of Bibby or Williams will add to the missing link and remove the obligation to LBJ.
    Danny Ferry should make thinks work if he wants LBJ to be the King.

35. humenflash Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 5:46 am

    ok ok lebron isn’t the king it would be but sorry

    1/ is young and he is in play off one more time a lot of players like pierce, redd ect… aren’t

    2/ he can improve and i think he can do that

    3/ he have a “weak team” gooden and zydrunas aren’t productive as they would, eric snow is not the same “prolific snow” from the past

    and please mj is still the best player in nba ok but he’s gone, and lebron is lebron not mj, where jordan was at 20 years old? not in play off !
    lebron yes!

    mj had pippen, kerr, kukoc, rodman ect… a lot of efficient and good players for the offense and others for defense, give james the same team mates and he will have a champion’s ring quickly

36. S Dot Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 6:51 am

    This post makes very little sense to me. Lebron needs to continue working on his jump shot. To sit here and say that his shot is the same as it was in high school is ludicris. His shot has gotten better and better every year. Then we’ve got Kobe bryant listed as the best “Player” on the planet. HARDLY!!! Best “Scorer”. Without a doubt. 4 Playoff wins since Shaq left. Best “Player”, give me a break. The best player on the planet would in my opinion make the players around him a little better too. Lebron made the right decision to kick that ball to Donyell and he was not just fouled by Rip. He was hacked. That is poor officiating anyway you look at it. The blew two calls at the end of that game. I can remember being at game seven last year when the Cav’s beat my Wizards. (With a Lebron kickout to Damon Jones for three) Where was the media at that night complaining. That’s right they were all on King Jame’s jock strap. You media types are funny. I would think Eddie Johnson would have a better look on things since he played basketball. WRONG!!!

37. Milo Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 7:27 am

    I def agree that lebron needs to work on his mid range jumper and aswell as his shot defects but you have to rememebr lebron thinks pass first. I feel that pass to marshall was a good pass and great decision rather than forcing the issue as he did in game 2. if yuou noticed that last play in game 2 lebron had MARSHALL again in the corner he could have passed it up then becaue marshall by that t ime had hit 2-3 3ptrs and I bet it would have been cash but both the leage the coaches kno that andy, and lebron were both hacked on the deciding plays. But dewling on that play or that series of events can cost them the series..Isay lebron needs to work on his mid range jumper and cleveland needs to tweak there rotation they have way to many pt guards, wesley,damon jones,gobson,hughs(playoff pt guard.
    why not put lebron at point hed be more effective when the switches come of screens Im a cavs fan for life I was happy to see hughs come but I wouldnt be mad to see him part ith the cavs. great player dont get me wrong but HIS GAME DOESNT COMPLAMENT LEBRONS…great defensive player but as we all kno we NEED another player that complaments LBJ’s Game as pippin did MJ, and stocton did malone ect I think you get the idea
    cmon cavs if miami can come back on the MAV’s to win the ship..you can come back vs the D-TROIT-BADDD BOYYYS…!

38. Kris Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 7:36 am

    In the 1986-87 NBA season Michael Jordan was 23 years old. A year older than LeBron James is this season. His “airness” and the Chicago Bulls were 40-42, and a lowly 17 games behind the Central Division winning Atlanta Hawks. Somehow that was good enough for the eighth seed in the 1987 playoffs? They faced the number one seeded Boston Celtics in the opening round and were quickly sent to the golf course in just 3 games, having been swept in the 5 game series. Jordan averaged 35.7 ppg that short series; they were also swept the year before when Mike was 22 by those same Celtics. In all fairness that was the season Jordan was hurt and returned for the post-season.

    Anyhow, we are now “witnessing” LeBron James in the Eastern Conference “finals” against the number one seeded Detroit Pistons. A year removed from taking these same Pistons to seven games in the Semis, also a year in which “The King” was still 21.

    So just how is it that LeBron is overrated or might end up a “bust”? By my calculations he has already accomplished more playoff wins, and been through more NBA playoff “wars” than the anointed best player ever Jordan. It seems that he is rather on a pace to annihilate Mike’s records and feats having started so early and received his growing pains in a much tougher pro sports environment in this day and age.

    Let’s all slow down and give some credit for a change to someone who is in fact living up to the hype placed on him while still a 16 year old in High School. Oh and by the way, the Cavs travel back to Cleveland for game three where perhaps they will be the beneficiaries of some calls from the referees for a change.

    The 24 hour constant coverage that is our sports world today should take time to recognize a child who is living up to the pressure for a change, rather than being quick to bash him after only a few seasons of NBA playing time. The fact that we compare him to Michael and Kobe already should say it all for someone who was only able to enter a “Bar” last year with an ID.

    Gods speed LeBron, thank you. For in time your name will be added to Larry, Michael, and Magic.

39. Leo Shepard Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 7:52 am

    Great Article Eddie. I love the fact that you compared him to two other players who are great permieter players. Lebron has a great skill set and huge upside but he has to learn the finer points of the game. Alot of hype has been given to him and the expectation as well but when it’s all said and done what has he really accomplished. Yes his career has been great considering he only played highschool ball but I believe that is his problem. College would have prepared him to be a better player at the NBA level. That’s why college is so important it gives you the opportunity to play against best players from around the country. Lebron has a long way to go as a NBA player to reach the level of a Kobe Bryant. Kobe is great because he was a student of the game at a young age and his father was an NBA player. Kobe is the best highschool to NBA player. He had his ups and downs early but he quickly became better in a better conference. Lebron plays in the Eastern conference where the teams really don’t stack up to the West. Lebron has to not only learn and refine the “little” aspects of both offense and defense but he must develop the killer instinct the put Kobe, Jordan,Bird,and the great ones had. He will become a better player but he must want to. He can not settle. Very little has changed from the rookie Lebron to the year four Lebron. He must do the offseanson training that the great ones did and improve in the little things to achieve the higher level of play that will win a championship.

40. Milo Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 8:41 am

    WHoah…Leo im gonan throw you back for a minute…KOBE and LEBRON are 2 different players…KOBE is great why because hew ca score 81 pts lebron is great because he can drop 25,10,10 Id rather haev the trip dub then 81 selfish points I WILL AGREE that hes th ebest player on the planet but kobe was drafter in what 96-97 there for he been in the league for what 10 yrs hes no spring chicken the only advantage kobe got on lebron is his mid range jumper and experence i mean if you think about it kobe got about 400+ games on lebron. that goes a long way in the NBA. I mean Kobe done alot for the NBA but lebron is the new generation I dont think there is gogin to be a next michael jordan, and there wil never be but were gogin to see whaich of the 2 players (lebron,Kobe) are gogin to make there own legacy. I mean kobe was a ghost out of high school where lebron had a H2 when he was 18 and had more air time than OJ in 98. so I mean there two different players so if lebron had a player that complaments his game in cleveland as kobe got lemar odom in LA there would be no comparison Ive seen defences shut kobe down plenty of times hes A SCORER. can a plater not score 81 and lose…I mean I dont liek comparing the two because realisticly there the next generation MAGIC AND JORDAN but who is who is the question…And college can ruin some higschool players games to be honest I mean jumpin into a mans game is better sometimes than playin with peers it elevates your play and you awareness i mean its hard to get use to your not gogin to score 35 a game in highschool then come to the league and drop 20 a nigth rarley happens(lebron did it) kobe couldnt because del harris didnt have that much faith in a 18 yr old. My point is stop comparing becuase it tarnishes a players game when you say kobe is like MJ and he does somethgin mj wouldnt/couldnt do we criticize. and as for that play in game one where lebron passed the ball./..MJ would have took the shot “YES” magic would have dissed it to byron scoot or james worthy. so because hes the NEXT MJ and done somethign MAGIC would have done we criticize. STOP IT…

    Lebron will surpass kobe as a player before his carrer is done..!
    lebron will get that MVP trophy beefore KOBE…lol
    IM OUT LIKE THE JAZZ..peace

41. Daniel Bedford Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 9:16 am

    “I think you have a chance to become one of it’s biggest failures.”!!!

    Are you kidding. Eddie? Just because you were a better than average scorer and had a decent shot, you translate one of LeBron’s weaker area’s to mean he may become a failure!!! With all the other positives he has and overall impact he’s had on this team. For example, defensively this season, WAY improved - The greatly hyped Prince match-up (Tayshaun is 1 for 19!!!!) Look at LeBron’s match-up’s on 82games for the season. Lebron’s man scores 13 a game. Lower than EVERY other guard/forward superstar in the league, except McGrady.

    I think this article smacks of the jealousy that permeates a lot of ex-NBA players who comment on LeBron. Yes, he is overhyped by the corporate machine, but the guy is remarkably humble. Yet, most of the press focus on the negatives, a lot of innuendo… You come across like you WANT to see him fail.

    As a Cavs fan, yes, I hope he does take an off-season to work on that area. That’s one reason I hate these USA basketball commitments. He’ll struggle to get the individual work he needs. And I do think he needs a coach who isn’t a ‘yes’ man to take him aside and force him to work on those areas to elevate his game.

    But your overall attitude and hype on Kobe is transparent.

    You were a good player and were always classy, I thought, but now you’re a sportswriter that just needs controversy to get readers. You can do better, Eddie.

    Here’s a suggestion, why don’t you contact him in the off-season and tell him you’d be glad to do some individual work with him to help him in that area? You are qualified. Be a bigger man and do something constructive and really impress us, Eddie. Instead of blasting the man and just becoming yet another sportswriter looking to garner up some controversy to get attention.

42. kgod Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 9:18 am

    I am personally sick of all the complaints of Lebron. The fact that he has put up incredible numbers and have broken records at the age of 22 is being over looked I guess. Kobe is the best player in the NBA no doubt. But Kobe is in his prime, he is 6 years older then Lebron…6 years!!!! This is his first Eastern Conference Finals for heaven sakes and all the weight is on a 22 year old kid. Even if Lebron does not improve his jump shot, in my mind, he will be in the Hall of Fame if he continues to put up his current stats…but to think Lebron will not improve is rIdiculous. People try to compare him to the “greats” but its obvious he is not Jordan or a Magic, he is Lebron. For Lebron to really flourish he needs a point gaurd. If they had a legit point guard, he would average over 30 points a game…would that make people happy? The bottom line, there is not one team in the NBA who would not want Lebron on their team- ENOUGH SAID.

43. DAWA Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 9:28 am

    Everyone is so quick to come down on Lebron because he has one deficiency or another…they seem to forget that despite these deficiencies, despite management surrounding him with decent help, specifically a power forward that can bang, defend, block, and score off the offensive boards, like Boozer, who they let get away because they tried to squeeze one more year out of him at minimum salary, to complement a soft center; despite management providing him with a decent point guard that has some sort of jump shot and the ability to penetrate and dish off or make a layup, like Andre Miller, who they traded away, he has taken them to the playoffs the past two years and has progressed each year.

    They don’t want to accept the fact that Lebron is more in the mold of a Magic Johnson, than a Kobe or Michael and that he is going to have grow into that mold, which he is doing.

    Typically, the media and the fans, build these players up, put them on top of the mountain before they should be there and then drag them down because they don’t live up to what they expect them to be.

    I thought Eddie Johnson had more class and common sense than to say the things that he said in the open letter to Lebron…not that I have any doubts that Lebron really cares what Eddie Johnso, who himself was a great jump shooter, but little more, thinks about his game.

    The point is, to say what Lebron will never be and talk in a manner that more degrading than advisory.

    That might sound or read nice to his blog or column readers but, to someone who has watched the pro game since the fifties, has played and coached grown men…that was a sorry letter…

    Dawa

44. Chris Yeh Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 9:31 am

    EJ,

    Great article. It’s good to see someone call out LeBron for the flaws in his game, though I have to agree, his upside is tremendous.

    Incredible restraint as well to avoid mentioning the obvious–you made a living in the NBA with your incredible shooting.

    I still hope that LeBron will tap into his incredible potential…my fear is that he simply doesn’t have the maniacal will to win that made guys like Jordan and Kobe such a pain in the ass for teammates as well as opponents. Every year, LeBron should be working on another aspect of his game. A similar player, Magic Johnson, always kept working, adding a 3-pointer, a junior skyhook, and incredible FT shooting to his all-around game. LeBron needs to step it up, and claim the mantle of King James.

    –Chris Yeh

45. Eddie Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 9:39 am

    listen guys this is not a comparison contest. i did not write this article to compare the three players. i wrote this article to allow you to see the growth Lebron still has to make. i am not surprised that he is not there yet. what i am saying if you guys will listen to me is that if he does not put in the hard work necessary. He will not reach their level. Right now looking at his mid range game he has not elevated at the rate he should have by now. Bottom line i love his game. Some of you guys who want to attack and complain have no clue where im coming from. Stop taking things personal. Every great player took his Lumps. thats hpw they become great. im hoping Lebron understands that. If he does not he will fail to reach where you guys expect him too.

46. Frank Davis Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 9:57 am

    I agree with everything you have to say about Lebron. I’m a Lebron fan, so I hope he reads it and takes it to heart.

    My only disagreement is the statement that Kobe is the best player in the game. Eddie, do you really believe that Kobe is a better player than Tim Duncan? If there were a draft of NBA players, would you draft Kobe over Tim? Kobe is an unstoppable ofensive force, but until a Kobe led team gets out of the first round, I’ll also refrain from making him king

    Peace,

    FBD

47. Arthur Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 11:15 am

    Yeah, I agree Eddie. I don’t see this article as an attack on LeBron at all. I see this as constructive criticism. Part of the issue is that he, for all intents and purposes, owns the Cavs. I am not sure anyone on that team tells him anything about his jumper. LeBron needs a strong willed coach who is willing to tell LeBron how it is. Mike Brown, in my opinion, is a lackey of LBJ. Jordan needed Phil Jackson to get him to move to the next level as a player and LBJ needs the same.

48. Nico NT Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 11:24 am

    Ok, but don’t forget the boy has only 22 years-old, and it’s only this second playoffs season. Give him some times!!!

49. hi Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 11:31 am

    Lebron I thought was better last year and he did more last year, im not sure whether its the usa team that has slowed him down or what but he is not the same as he was before and its clear in his play all year long. Now lebron will be scoring sometimes on regularity only 16-20 poitns a night for a long span. There are other young players doing that too, but why aren’t they managed in the same sentence as lebron? Dwight howard does that usually, carmelo does that, monte ellis all these players score in that range and do something great in another catergory( i.e monte-assists, howard-boards, blocks, melo- rebounds, assists). Lebron in my opinion will always be in a lose-lose situtaion because people will always crtisize him because there has been so many expections placed on him at the start on his career and at such an early age. There is no way Lebron is the best player in the nba, he is a really good player-not great. He does not deserve the name the king either until he can conquer his 4th quater demons and get a ring on his finger..thats a big title to place on someone and to obtain it one has to be an exceptional player always. As well it doesn’t help lebron that his team is just flat out not good at all. There offence sets are terrible, there is no movement and it’s basically just watch Lebron go pick and roll with someone and everyone else get ready to shot. It is just no wrong in every sence of what a offensive set should look like. Danny ferry didn’t do anything to improve the team from last time they lost to the Pistons, all the players are back there are no exceptional shooters still, (including Damn Jones because he can’t on the court because of his defensive issues)the Cavs despertly need some shooters. I would go as far as getting maybe 3 solid shooters and not worry so much about the defensive end because they have to give something to get something and the Cavs are a decent defensive team so they can work on that aspect of their game. As far as the best player in the nba i think, the best talent who has the best skills in the nba has to be kobe bryant. He is a stunning player to watch he has accomplished so much in his career and his about half way threw it. There are other players though who are better winners and near his talent level. Tim Duncan in my opinion gets no respect at all this guy is honestly a once in a life time talent. He is just so good at everything its ludacris. He has the soft touch, can bank shots like its his day job, run the floor better then mostly any big man, can pass perfectly out of double teams, can block shots, defend, be a leader, a good role model. Anything you want Tim Duncan has it and he is the ideal player any coach would want on their roster he trutly plays for the word on the front on his jersey instead of the one on his back.

50. hi Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 11:34 am

    P.S- I think Carmelo is on the same level as Lebron James and Dwayne Wade now. He really grew up a lot in the San Antinio series by leading his team fearlessly against one of maybe the greatest teams of all-time the San antinion spurs. Carmelo has improved massively over the last couple of years and he is back on the radar. Chris Bosh will be the next to join their elite level on that draft class a couple of years back.

51. Bo Diddley Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 11:45 am

    Lebron is often too off-balance on his jumpers.
    And his free throw troubles have been documented.
    BUT LBJ also needs to work on his defense.
    He did nicely challenge Sheed’s crazy baseline jumper.
    But his on ball defense is below average.
    He doesn’t have good balance when defending, and players can get around him.

    MJ was stellar on defense. Kobe a very tough defender, though he brings it less frequently the past couple of seasons.

52. Michael Bennett Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 11:50 am

    Eddie, LeBron James needs to work on his jumpshot like you need to work on your grammar and evaluation…

    He has a jumpshot - a mid-range game. He only utilizes it when time is running out on the clock, which lessens the chances of the ball going in. Plus, he’s in a one-on-one/back-to-the-basket situation when he’s shooting those shots. He doesn’t have a point guard to allow him to do what Richard Hamilton does - little screen and curls to open him up for fifteen footers.

    LeBron is a complete offensive package - driving to the bucket being his strong suit. But, he DOES have a mid-range game. Let’s not confuse that. There are many factors in opening up a mid-range game. Another factor is that Mike Brown has a stagnant offense that keeps LeBron on the weak side three line when he doesn’t have the ball in his hand. There’s no movement. It’s probably the worst (poorly structured) offense in the NBA… the Warriors have a loose structure, but THAT’s their offense - loose structure, run around, shoot when partially open.

    So, to diminish LeBron’s skill set by simplifying things is to underevaluate and overlook the parts of the game that make it special. And, it takes away from Detroit’s brilliant play on defense. So, Eddie, next time, instead of writing the “easy” article, why not look further into it instead of just grazing the surface?

    MB

53. Milo Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 11:51 am

    I agree with you all Eddie I didnt post my comments in anger I was just commenting on leo’s post above me. I kno where your comming from a prime example of lebron believe it or not is. Yao when yao first came in he was a chinaman and was 7 feet + so the critis wer elike ohhh hes gonna be the next shaq hes gonna be a force ..yao had a good rookie campain but once he “wsnt a rookie” he struggled he had to find out how he could tweak his game to adjust to the NBA eg.Strength,mid range jumper and more importaintley(foul shots) yao will be great he just will need to grow as a player (BIG UPS TO THE DREAM SCHOOLING HIM AT A RECIENT ONE ON ONE SESSION) lebron is almost a mirror of that speculation lebron was told your gogin to be the next great one blah blah blah…hes 20 you tell a 20 yr old hes gonna be great hes gonna try his damndest to become or even surpass what you want him to be but I beleive that after watching this yrs series vs DET cavs management will adjust accordingly.Eddie you kno what your talkin about and LBJ is you peep this one…you keep doing what your doing…tell Mike Brown to put scott pollard on RASHEED game 3 cause he’l grind it out (until he gets fould out that is) TELL MIKE BROWN HES THE RIGHT PRESON TO MATCH UP CASUE RASHEED ISNT GOIGN TO PUSH HIM AROUND LIKE HE DID ANDY the other night

54. Michael Bennett Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 12:15 pm

    Milo…

    Chinaman is not the preferred nomanclature… Asian American, please.

55. Daniel Bedford Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 12:44 pm

    Again, Eddie. Offer your services to LeBron. You were a great shooter, an intelligent man. Offer to work out LeBron a few times. I’m sure you can get through to Danny Ferry in the off-season. You understand shooting form and how to quickly get yourself into good shooting position. You were the one who criticized whatever shooting coach the Cavs use. Offer to help.

56. Henry Young Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 1:36 pm

    The funniest thing about every article like these is I don’t ever recall LeBron going around saying he’s King. The King moniker is apart of a marketing campaign. Regardless to what happens in the series, LeBron will be one fo the top five players in the league. One thing all of us fail to acknowledge is that Jordan didn’t have a consistent jumper until his fifth or sixth season in the league…and neither did Kobe. The strange thing about comparing LeBron to Jordan and Kobe is that LeBron has always been a team oriented player. He KNOWS that a team win more games when they play as a team than with one man. Jordan and Kobe learned that…and Kobe is learning that NOW. Reggie Miller was one of the top shooters in the game but didn’t make the conference finals until his tenth year in the league. If Donyell Marshall hit the three point shot…think of how today’s conversation would have been different. LeBron was one assist away from a triple double. He was doing everything to help his team win and the negative comments is the thanks he get. In game two, if the officials call the Varajo FLOP a foul, the Cavs win…and think of the story lines then. If officiating was more consistent, outcomes would be more acceptable. A foul is a foul…I don’t care if it’s 1 minute into the game or five seconds left in the fourth quarter of a game. Finally, the most hilarious thing about former NBA players/particitpants criticizing Lebron is that MOST of them have NOT won or played in a championship game and NONE were even the second option on the teams they played on. So they don’t have any idea what a supestar thought process is.

57. the truth nothing more Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 1:47 pm

    Lebron is a great talent,but to compare him to kobe is unfair. I think kobe is the most complete offensive player this game has ever seen. Once laker management gives kobe a decent supporting cast he might win two or three more rings. Lebron is still young he has alot of time to get his thing straight,but he needs to work on it now,because time flies by. He could get injured or anything can happen to derail his career. Even though kobe had shaq,he was still winning rings at 22. lebron has a good supporting cast. He is the one not stepping up. He is that teams leader. No way should he shy away from the big shots. He is paid more money for a reason. When the cavs lose it falls on him. If he doesn’t like that pressure then he needs to sign for the mle,and let the cavs sign someone that will improve their game and step up when needed.

58. Michael Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 2:16 pm

    Give him TIme and he shall be re-crowned

59. ronnir Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 2:50 pm

    This is stupid. Of course Lebron knows he still needs work on his jumper. You don’t need to write a book ripping him apart to tell him that. And I hate how this suggests Lebron hasn’t worked on his jumper when it has obviously improved significantly since his rookie season. Everyone expects every part of Lebron’s game to be perfect at 22 years old. He’s already one of the best all-around players in the league and one one of the most well-rounded players ever for his age. People need to stop putting him under a microscope and let him develop.

60. Matt Steinmetz Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 3:40 pm

    Da wayne is not better than Steve Nash neither is Kevin Garnett. KG hasn’t hit a big shot in his career, he’s alot like LeBron James. Both are genetic freaks with loads of talent, they just can’t make jumpers consistently when it counts. I don’t think you are a “great” player unless you can win the game at the end by yourself.

61. Eddie Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 5:01 pm

    Frank

    yes Kobe is the best and here is why. Jordan, Magic and Kobe could do it all. Bring the ball up and run a offense, post up, drive and shoot the mid range shot and most importantly make free -throws. They had no weakness. Magics shot was not the best, but he became good enough to where you had to honor it.

    Duncan needs shooters around him and he needs a solid point guard. Listen to the word need. yes he wins, but i am not talking about wins. I am talking about individual greatness. Don’t get the two mixed up. plus last i counted Kobe has 3 titles regardless if you think Shaq was the reason. I saw Kobe taking those last shots not Shaq.

62. Michael Bennett Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 6:40 pm

    Kobe has no weaknesses?!? Are you kidding? Here’s a couple major weaknesses so we can move on…

    1) Career 45% FG shooting - That’s pathetic. Name another great that shot that low from the field. Can’t? I thought so. MJ = 50%. Magic = 52%. Bird = 50%.

    2) The ability to make his teammates better - Shaq made him better. Without Shaq, he’s been a greedy loser whose team has gone 121-125. That’s a losing record. He played with All-Star Caron Butler and Lamar Odom the year after Shaq left, and they only won 34 games. Why? Because he was (is) selfish and doesn’t know how to utilize his teammates to win.

    3) Passing - He averages a career 4.5 APG. That’s atrocious. Again, name another backcourt great that averaged under 5 APG. Can’t? I thought so.

    4) Finals MVPs = 0 - When it came down to it, he was not the reason the Lakers won 3 straight. He was a piece to the puzzle. Shaq won those rings with a great supporting cast.

    That’s 3 MAJOR weaknesses and one fact… You simply CANNOT put Kobe in the same category as MJ, Magic and Bird. Kobe should be compared to players like Dominique Wilkins, Jerry West, Clyde Drexler, Julius Erving… players that were offensively great, and defensively sound, but never won championships with a team on their back - they needed a lot of support.

    Everyone gets excited because Kobe’s playing now and they can see a lot of his games. But, rarely do these Kobe fans bring up his horrible games. And, if you watch the Lakers religiously, you’ll see quite a few games that are horrible. For example, Kobe shot under 30% FG in games a lot this year. He had games when he had 0 assists. The best player in the NBA doesn’t do that.

    Stop comparing Kobe to the greats. The greatest player in the NBA always has his team in title contention. The greatest player in the NBA always makes his teammates better. And, the best player in the NBA at least sometimes wins an MVP trophy.

63. BJBMONEY Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 6:47 pm

    Hey Lebron, I am one of your biggetst fans. I think you could be the best player ever to play the game but it comes down to how much you really want it. You need to practice on your jumper and just be aggressive like D-Wade. You need to go into the post more and make them double you so a shooter is wide open or score on them because no one can stop you down low. I want you and the CAVS to beat the PISTONS so bad but it will take you scoring 30+ points to do so no matter what it takes.

64. Ian W Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 6:59 pm

    LeBron’s still developing. It’s too early to tell whether he’s ever going to show the work ethic that got the Jason Kidds of the world over the hump in their careers (Kidd being one example of a guy who worked like a dog on his shot). You’re right that the conspicuous flaws in his shot aren’t noticeably improving, which is a bad sign that he might be lost in the feedback loop of his premature fame.

    ….Which makes a nice segue to Kobe, doesn’t it? Most talented, most skilled, yes: but not “the best player.” When you describe being able to do it all, doesn’t that have to include the off-the-court stuff too? As in, not being such a conspicuous jerk that he causes the team to implode around him? Last I checked Tim Duncan hasn’t had that effect, which is one huge reason why his team’s still winning while Kobe’s been rebuilding for a few seasons now.

65. Eddie Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 9:02 pm

    no it does not have to include off court stuff. don’t difference between anyone that has been caught doing something is they got caught. don’t judge away from job. we are surprised by peoples private life all the time.

    to Mr Bennett we are done arguing about Kobe. thats for another article. you don’t like him and so anyones point is moot. Kobe i repeat won three straight titles. stop hating and think logically there is no player in the league that plays two ways better than him and this is coming from a guy who likes to see the Lakers lose! case closed on Kobe.

    This is Lebrons page.

66. jay Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 10:25 pm

    Its funny when the criticism is coming from you. Who are you? If it is was from MJ, Bird, or Magic, then I’ll take these comments more seriously. People need to realize that what made Lebron so intriguing as a 18 year old was his combination of size, strength, speed and his playmaking ability. People compared him to Jordan more so from a marketing standpoint and not his game. Eddie, you say he shouldn’t be called King, but its the media that hyped this kid up. He’s not the player that everyone wants him to be so lets just appreciate some of the highlights that this man gives. The expectations are too high for this kid. You say he can’t shoot, but neither could Kobe early during his career. He worked to get that point. Lets just let him play.

67. Carpe Diem Said,

    May 26, 2007 @ 11:41 pm

    Lebron is nice, but not that nice. I’ll give him about 3 more years to be in a position to win a few titles. Think about it, he should still be in college at his age. I agree with Eddie that he has a tremendous upside, but definitely needs to work on his shooting. At his age if shooting is the only thing he needs to work on, I would say he is in a great position to be one of the greatest if he puts in the work needed.

    Good article Eddie, you usually don’t hear people calling out the super stars.

68. Alex Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 12:49 am

    It saddens me that Kobe may become the greatest player to never get his full dues, due to the extreme opposition he inspires in many fans. I have watched nearly every game that Kobe or Magic have played, and very many the MJ has. IMHO, Kobe as an *individual* baskeball player, defined by the full panoply of his offensive and defensive skills, is better right now than either Magic or MJ ever was. As a *team* basketball player (which is even harder to conceptualize given different supporting casts, rules, etc), he’s comparable, but not ahead of either MJ or Magic. It will take him winning another title to erase the remaining cloud from his legacy. I hope he gets it, even if it doesn’t look good for him at this moment.

69. Carnell Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 1:01 am

    Eddie,

    Thank you for hitting the nail on the head. Kobe is the best player in the NBA, and he doesn’t have any weaknesses. If LeBron is ever going to get on Kobe’s level, LeBron has to start hitting free throws, develope a respectable jumpshot, some post moves, & a killer instinct.

70. Carnell Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 1:08 am

    Ian W,

    Take Tim Duncan off the Spurs, LeBron off the Cavs, Garnett off the T-Wolves & they will be rebuilding for a couple of years also. As Eddie said to another writer earlier, if you don’t like Kobe and you are a Kobe hater fine. Bottom line, Shaq leaving and LA not really getting true value in the trade, they have had a hard time rebuilding. Doesn’t take away from him being a three time champ, and as Eddie said I watched the three-peats, Kobe was shooting the key shots not Shaq. A lot of times Shaq was in foul trouble and Kobe held the fort til he could get back in the game. The guy is GREAT…..like him or not…..every team in the league would love to have him on their squad.

71. Ern-Ern Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 1:17 am

    LeBron is just so complacent and overrated. In some computer games he can hit threes, but I think that game’s reputation got soiled when he showed he cannot hit threes, let alone clutch shots. He might have dunked over Tim Duncan, but he’s obviously not winning. LeBron’s got a great NBA body, and it’s such a waste if he cannot put an equilibrium to basketball skills, most especially the jumpshot, which is VERY fundamental to the game.

72. JR Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 2:15 am

    My fondest memory of when Shaq and Kobe played together was Game 4 of the 2000 NBA Finals. Shaq fouls out in OT I believe it was and Kobe goes over to him and tells him “Don’t worry about it, I got it.” (May not be word for word, but that’s as best I remember what he said.) Kobe goes out and just about single-handedly wins that game for LA and in doing so it put the Lakers up 3-1. The ability to carry a team down the stretch like that is something Lebron is sorely lacking right now.

    Lebron’s mid-range game is atrocious and his jumper needs a ton of work. He’s young though so he still has plenty of time to work on that shot. He’d do well to watch tape of some games from the 80’s and try and emulate how those guys could consistenly knock down jumper after jumper.

73. BectonD Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 2:28 am

    GREAT ARTICLE! I have watched LeBron repeatedly go right when he had solid screens to the left. Where if he goes left he would have a wide open lane to the hoop for an easy bucket or a trip to the line, instead he will dribble away from the screen directly into a trap and then force a fade away off-balance 15 footer. Personally, I can’t watch the him or the Cav’s play due to the fact that in all honesty, the Cav’s are a complete mess chemistry wise. None of the pieces match and it takes them way too long to get into their sets due to the fact that Hughes is not a play-maker either, every basket the Cav’s make is a challenge, no basketball team should labor as hard as the Cav’s do for two points. This teams saving grace is rebounding and they owe their success to the former Magic front office:

    For Trading Varejao and Gooden to the Cav’s for Tony Battie

    other horrible Magic blunders include:
    McGrady for Francis and Mobley
    and drafted Hunter, Sasser, Ryan Humphrey, Reece Gaines and Fran Vazquez in the 1st round between 00-04
    Excuse me for digressing, Lebron has bad mechanics and his shot selection and cognitive skills are questionable (cognitive meaning: will he remember on Friday what happened on Wednesday when he for seek a screen and dribbled aimlessly into a trip ) but he is also playing without another play-maker on his team. It is a miracle that this team has achieved as much as it has with so many misfitting parts. I admire LeBron’s success even if I can’t bare to watch him or his team play.

    (P.S. Kobe does have a weakness. His krypotonite is his poor shot selection, the difference between MJ and Kobe is shot selection)

74. E Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 3:21 am

    OKKKK…for all those who keep throwing the fact that Lebron is still in the playoffs and Kobe is at home need to check up on the NBA. last i checked the EASTERN CONFERENCE was in shambles. HALF of the teams that make the playoffs in the East have LOSING records. its no wonder Lebron is still playing. he only has to face the lowly and Gilbert/Caron-LESS wizards and losing record NETS. come on! what team cant make it to the conference finals in the east playing those teams? half the east wont even make the playoffs in the west. no doubt kobe would be in the conference finals too playing teams like those so gimme a break. Lebrons team is obviously getting what is expected when they face a REAL team like the pistons.

75. eddiesucks Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 5:34 am

    td is the greatest player in the L. didnt you watch their series against your suns? td is the man on both ends of the floor.

    back to the topic. LBJ got ugly shooting mechanics, and he’ll never be a great shooter, especially from mid range. he can clean up all those tendencies, but he still ain’t gonna be a great shooter. ft shooting is his main priority now if you ask me since he’s a slasher/playmaker. that j can follow, but he still needs a better supporting cast: better shooters, another scorer, another rebounder.

76. chuck Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 7:17 am

    I agree with Wise. Lebron has taken a bunch of scribs to the eastern conference finals at 22. Kobe had Shaq and Michael had Scottie which cleared space to make that mid range jump shot easier. People need to embrace Lebron´s unselfish play. I remember when fans were upset the NBA gave selfish (young)players Millions. You need to mention Lebron is competing against maybe the best defensive team(Pistons) in the league next to the Spurs!!! Also,Cleveland has shut down a Pistons team defensively with 3 AllStars plus Prince. I think Cleveland is over achieving and we all need to appreciate what they have accomplished. You are right his jumpshot could get better. But it was certainly good enough to beat the Nets(with Half Man/Half Amazing and J.Kidd)!!!

77. dj kd Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 9:00 am

    Lebron still has tremendous upside but he is not the best player in the game he 6 on ma list behind kobe, timmy d, kg, dwade .and nash. he not a great shooter and he doesn’t play d at all. kobe the best because of his shotting ability and his d even though it slacking. I see people ravin because he is in the ecf. well one the east was depleted by inujuries they played the wizards without there two best players, and the nets who lost their best center the cavs caught an break lets not forget.
    Kobe don’t have any help and he plays in the west which is gonna get better. lamar odom, and luke walton are his teammates everybody beside bynum is a bums I wanna see lebron play with kwame brown

    my point is lebron got all the hype he has to live up to at some point because wen u get hype it make u or breaks u. again he is an immense talent but he needs to put that team on his back and start taking games over or he would be looked at as a bust. not a sam bowie or a benoit benjamin bust but a guy wit a great talent neva reached hispotentel I think he will he also needs a point guard an abetter sidekick. larry hughes doesn’t fit , a better fit would have been joe johnson or michel redd because there shooting abilties johnson more because his all around play

78. Kris Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 9:02 am

    Mid range game. How good are most 22 year olds mid range game? Rip Hamilton had it, but he was still in college. Hamilton still can’t run the point at which James did his rookie year at 18 years old. LeBron’s mid range will come with each new season as he adds new weapons to his arsenol to better himself as a player. Once again if he were 28 or 31 I’d totally agree with you, but at 22, I hope you can relate Eddie? It’s just not the first thing you work on. Jordan didn’t find it until later, and either did Kobe. It took Tim Duncan growing past the age of 22 to add the mid range bank shot that is now his best weapon. LeBron has the tools, work ethic, and desire or he would have faded away into Kwame Brown status already…

79. Pat Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 9:52 am

    LeBron deserves a lot of credit for the success his team has had this year along with Mike Brown. The Cavs really don’t have many good players and are probably the most boring team in the NBA to watch.. so congrats to LeBron for getting them this far….

    But…It is definately fair to criticize LeBron. This is his 4th year in the NBA. He showed growth between his rookie and sophmore year, but since then…what part of his game has gotten better? It’s scary to think how good LeBron could be if he spent his offseason working on his game instead of shooting commercials, going to meetings, etc. Did he take 500 jumpshots every day this past summer? Obviously not. LeBron still has so much he can improve on (shooting, ball handling, post game, standstill footwork). if he ever reaches his full potential (many players don’t), he will truly be the most special player in the nba.

80. Jeremy Martin Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 10:08 am

    How many of you actually believe that the Cavs are better than the Pistons? Sure, the Cavs could of won either one of those first two games, but they are playing against one of the toughest , most playoff savvy teams in the NBA today. How society builds these players up then cuts them down is just beyond me. I’m a diehard Laker fan, but you continue to bring up Kobe’s name in comparison to LeBron when you can make a valid arguement that Kobe’s supporting cast is slightly better than LeBron’s yet Kobe can’t get out of the first round.

    He’s only 22 years old with unlimited upside. Let’s let this kid develope before we start bringing the hammer down on him and his work ethic.

81. Jeremy Martin Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 10:12 am

    p.s.

    Fire Bunsen Honeydew aka Mike Brown

82. Manmade Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 12:44 pm

    I can’t believe anybody would call LJ a flop. Ridiculous. Even without the jumpshot he averages for 27 points a game, with a better FG that all these other scorers mentioned. He did not claim himself the “King”, it was bestowed upon him…and neither is he claiming to be the best player in the NBA. Obviously he has to work on his jumpshot, and I’m sure he will. Comparing Kobe to LJ is like comparing MJ to Magic, two totally different styles. Stop hating all, after it’s said and done, he’ll bask in the glory like some of the other greats.

83. Aaron Ray Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 1:27 pm

    Listen, Lebron is 22, he improves something in his game every year as he gets better every year, yeah he might have had better stats last year, teams focus on him more and more every year. He will improve his jump shot tremendously. Everyone alwasys say MJ MJ MJ but they forget about MJ’s early career. Oh and Kobe is the best in the league. He plays Defense unlike Dirk and Nash. Come on now first team All-NBA and First Team Defense. Anyways, Lebron’s 22 and will probably go down as the greatest of all time. If he can become as good of a shooter as Mike and Kobe. I hope he will.

84. Jim Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 4:44 pm

    ppl get real.

    The cavs have slim chance of making it to the 2nd round if they were in the western conference.

85. rob d Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 7:03 pm

    for all the fools who seem to take this article as a slap in the face and start saying MJ didnt do this kobe didnt do that all EJ means is that lebron does’nt deserve to be called ‘King’ James…yet anyways..KB24 is GOHE

86. Carnell Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 7:20 pm

    E,

    Kobe is at home cause his team is in the Western Conference. Put the Cavs in the Western Conference & they’d be at home too. You guys are seeming to overlook the fact, LeBron and the Cavs are in the Eastern Conference where there really is only 2 really good teams. Calling Kobe out, when he got
    his team to the playoffs with no help in the most difficult conference in the league is a joke….lol

    Bottom line…..LeBron isn’t on Kobe’s level. He needs a lot of improvement to even be in his league. For those of you calling Kobe out for slacking a little on D, more than he has in the past. The guy has to score 50 points just to give his team a chance to win. He has to conserve some energy somewhere. Kobe is in a no win situation. He scores a much needed 50 he’s selfish. He tries to get teammates involved, scores 20-30 then he didn’t do enough. Same for the 62 in 3 quarters. Everyone wanted him to come back in the game to see how much he could score, he got criticized for not coming back in, in a game they won. Then he scores 81, in a game where no one could hit a shot on
    his team and they were down 20, he scores 81 they win by 20 and he’s a ball hog for the # of shots he took, when he shot over 50% from the field.
    People are haters……the guy is great, but everyone is always going to find the negative when it comes to him. It’s been that way since he’s been in the league. The guy scored 50points or more 10 of the 18 times it’s been done this year. Something not done since Wilt Chaimberlain. And you don’t think he’s great, cause he don’t get his team over the hump and you refuse to see the Lakers have no real talent besides him on the team…..lol

    LeBron is good, may be great and a hall of famer before it’s all over. But to be on Magic, Bird, MJ, Kobe’s level…..he’s got a really long ways to go. He’ll get there if he gets a killer instinct & a respectable jumper.

87. JA Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 8:38 pm

    For the poster Wise,

    Your argument on Lebron’s playoff record vs. MJ’s is rather weak.

    There’s absolutely no comparison between this wack ass Eastern Conference competetion Lebron faces, and the fierce Eastern Conference competition Jordan had to face year after year.

88. Michael Bennett Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 10:25 pm

    How wrong did LeBron prove every stupid moron on this message board? 32 pts, 9 rbs, 9 asts against a GREAT Piston defense… You people have media blinders on.

    Anyone who says that the East is weak -> 2 of the last 3 NBA Champions are from the East. Pistons in ‘04 and Heat in ‘06.

    LeBron’s jump shot -> 2 for 3 from 3PT in Game 3… 13 ft. jumper to seal the win… Again, smart, everyone.

    And, let’s not confuse anything. I think Kobe is a VERY GOOD player. But, he’s done nothing in his career to show that he’s GREAT. To be an NBA great, you have to do more than what he’s done. He has 0 NBA Finals MVPs. He has 0 MVPs. He has only 2 scoring titles. He has 0 DPOY awards. Comparing him to MJ, Magic and Bird is not fair. Those guys went through wars for their entire careers. They proved, year in and year out, that they were THE best in the game… or ever.

    And, they just announced, Kobe is demanding a trade if they don’t bring in Jerry West and get some major players. If he gets is wish, he BETTER go to the Conference Finals… or, at least, the Semis. If not, what else do you want to prove he’s not a top tier player?!?

    Let’s focus on how great LeBron is… especially, in the face of adversity. What a game tonight! What a young career! What will it take to prove to everyone that he’s better than Kobe?

89. Michael Bennett Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 10:29 pm

    By the way…

    I LOVE Jeremy Martin. The fellow has sense. I’ve been saying that the Lakers supporting cast is better than the Cavs supporting cast for the last two years. I love to hear/see people saying the same thing. It’s very true… if you really look hard. The problem is the media/hype likes to build up Kobe to offset their scrutiny on his rape case. If you haven’t noticed, he’s been a media darling ever since he was exonerated for the rape. A lot of media outlets were very harsh to him before the innocent finding, and not they feel like they have to make it up to him… or something. Just a theory…

90. Omar Aberilla Said,

    May 27, 2007 @ 11:00 pm

    Eddie, you’ll obviously get a lot of heat after what just transpired in game 3. It was probably too soon to make judgments on LeBron James’ abilities or the lack of it. I know you meant well, but it’s always unwise to chastise somebody in public who’s so young and who has probably even just tapped into the early stages of his full potential, not to mention that it is only the initial phase of the series. Let’s just allow LeBron to come into his own. It’s not too bad if he can’t play like MJ or Kobe. The fans appreciate him more for who he is and what he is about. And yes he has improved so let’s not be resigned into thinking that he’s not getting any better. Also, why see him as a probable failure if he can’t get his shot down pat (ok maybe it’s unorthodox, but what if it works for him). Jason Kidd struggled throughout his career shooting-wise although he’s improved a bit, but nobody chided him or took it a step further as to calling him a disappointment. He contributed in multiple other ways. Similarly, that’s what makes LeBron James special. He has his own unique style of play. Don’t get me wrong, shooting is a valuable aspect in basketball and this is not to say LeBron should not look into further developing that component of his game. But his stature shouldn’t be decided on the things he is not especially good at. He has carried his team to the conference finals and up until now their season is far from over. It’s the wins that matter and his impact to the team and the sport as a whole. That in itself is enough to solidify his greatness, for now.

91. maxwell Said,

    May 28, 2007 @ 7:11 am

    D-wade (with shaq and many others) out on the first round, kobe out in the first round, phoenix (nash, amare, marion, ……) out, and concerning the spurs, detroit or utah you have a complete basketball team, in cleveland less lebron what do you have ? iglauskas, huges, gooden .. no they are not players to have the ring .. lebron is the king ! at 22 years where was michael ? Where was kobe if shad didn’t here .. no man seriously lebron is the king !

92. Ricky - Sixers4guidos Said,

    May 28, 2007 @ 8:30 am

    Eddie I know it would easy now to come talking how you were wrong bla bla bla

    I am not a great fan of LBJ and actually agree with many of your points, especially about Cavs’ inability to put the right players around him

    a great shooting-shooting guard (lol) such as Ray Allen, Michael Redd etc would have been way better to pair with Lebron than a slasher like Hughes (who couldn’t knock down an open 10 footer in game 2 to win the game, BTW…)

    but you were being really too tough on the guy, who is freaking 22 y/o and last year took the Cavs to game 7 against a Pistons team that was (and still is, to me) way better

    also I liked his choice to dish the ball to Marshall in game 1, I don’t see this as a lack of personality or fear to take responsabilities,

    I mean Vince Carter did the same with Nachbar few weeks ago, and Carter scored I-don’t-know-how-many buzzer beaters in his career, for sure he’s not shy. He simply found a teammate in a better position and gave him the ball. Same did Lebron. As a coach, I would like this, and I would want him to do it again. I mean, it’s not that he gave it to Eric Snow for a three (lol)

    If he took a forced shot and missed it, we would have said “he’s selfish”, “he wanted to be the man instead of being a team player” bla bla bla

    but yesterday night he showed something, took good shots when needed and dished it when it was better to dish. let’s see if he can go on like this

    Ricky from Italy

93. Ricky - Sixers4guidos Said,

    May 28, 2007 @ 8:38 am

    lol I read now that with your previous article you suggested Cavs to get Ray Allen and Micheal Redd, exactly the same names I threw out there…

    you know what they say about great minds, lol…

94. Fred Said,

    May 28, 2007 @ 9:03 am

    Lebrown owned the Pistons yesterday and his Jumper was on. Who said Lebron don’t have a jump shot.

95. Michael Bennett Said,

    May 28, 2007 @ 11:21 am

    A little LeBron vs. Kobe comparison…

    1ST YEAR STATS
    LeBron
    20.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.9 apg, 1.6 spg, .417 FG, .754 FT
    Kobe
    7.6 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.7 spg, .417 FG, .819 FT

    2ND YEAR STATS
    LeBron
    27.2 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 7.2 apg, 2.2 spg, .472 FG, .750 FT
    Kobe
    15.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.5 apg, 0.9 spg, .428 FG, .794 FT

    BEST YEAR STATS
    LeBron
    31.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 6.6 apg, 1.6 spg, .480 FG, .738 FT
    Kobe
    35.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.5 apg, 1.8 spg, .450 FG, .850 FT
    or
    30.0 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 5.9 apg, 2.2 spg, .451 FG, .843 FT

    CAREER STATS
    LeBron (4 seasons)
    26.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 6.4 apg, 1.8 spg, .463 FG, .733 FT
    Kobe (11 seasons)
    24.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 4.5 apg, 1.5 spg, .453 FG, .838 FT

    PLAYOFF AVERAGES
    LeBron (26 Games)
    27.7 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 7.0 apg, 1.6 spg, .454 FG, .753 FT
    Kobe (131 Games)
    23.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 4.5 apg, 1.3 spg, .439 FG, .796 FT

    As you can see, just judging off statistics, LeBron is clearly better than Kobe Bryant. Not only WAS he better at comparable ages, LeBron’s best year is better than Kobe’s best year. The ONLY category Kobe is better than LeBron at is FT%. I will admit all day long that Kobe is a better free throw shooter, and LeBron needs to get his FT numbers up over .750, preferably over.800.

    Everyone thinks Kobe is a better scorer than anyone in history… or, at least, better than LeBron. But, LeBron’s career PPG is higher. He’s been more consistent fromt he beginning. It’s similar to Mark McGwire/Hank Aaron. Who’s a better homerun hitter? Aaron never hit over 50 homeruns in one year. Mark McGwire hit 70 homeruns one year. But, Aaron was consistent.

    People get blinded by the Kobe 81 point game, because they saw it. It was the present. And, no one ever saw something like that. But, I think it’s tougher to score 30 pts night in and night out, like Michael Jordan, and be consistent. (Michael still holds the PPG record at 30.1 ppg)

    LeBron is not only better than Kobe NOW, when all is said and done, he’ll be light years ahead of him.

96. Michael Bennett Said,

    May 28, 2007 @ 11:30 am

    Eddie - Please comment about LeBron’s jumper now.

    And, next time, don’t jump the gun… 2 Ls against Detroit and you want LeBron to order Better Basketball Video. Man…

97. ken wagner Said,

    May 28, 2007 @ 11:41 am

    first off I am the biggest realist. Second off people have been hating on lebron all year nothing new eddie. Third he is quietly in the conference finals versus a team they should’nt beat anyways I mean drew vs rasheed, eric snow vs chauncey, and yes all he has to put up with is prince one of the best defenders in the L along with one of the best defensive teams. King James is doin his best passing is part of his game and frankly donyell is paid millions of dolars to hit that wide open three why else would he have been on the floor………so easy eddie easy

98. ken wagner Said,

    May 28, 2007 @ 11:48 am

    ps. i know bulls fans can remember at least two nobodys that could hit that wide open three…..use that history degree to find that info

99. Carnell Said,

    May 28, 2007 @ 12:11 pm

    Michael Bennet,

    You think your #’s argument flies. LeBron came in to the Cavs as the main guy, he started right away. Kobe had to share the spot light with Shaq & didn’t start right away. Del Harris refused to start Kobe over Eddie Jones because of his rookie theory, it was only until Jones got hurt before they saw how good Kobe was and sent Jones packing. That happened in year 3 of Kobe’s career. Your #’s argument is weak.

    Yeah LeBron hit some key shots yesterday, and even some jumpers. Problem is, LeBron doesn’t consistantly do it. Kobe does. Kobe is clutch, LeBron isn’t. Kobe again has a Odom and a bunch of guys who couldn’t hit a wide open jumper in a gym by themselves. Again, Your argument that the East won it 2 times recently. Karl Malone going down in the playoffs & Heat playing the weak minded soft Mavs had a lot to do with it. Plus I know you are not arguing the East is tougher. The West clearly is. The road to the title
    much rougher in the West than the road from the East. The fact that the Lakers and Spurs combined for more championships than your Eastern Conference over the last ten years speaks volumes.

    I think everyone here will agree that LeBron is good but he isn’t great….YET. He will be one day, he has to get a jumper, no doubt or he can forget it. Think about this also, since you are one of many Kobe haters who can’t admit that Kobe is the best player in the league. LeBron faces Eastern conf. teams 4 times a year, Kobe faces Western conf. teams 4 times a year. Clearly the competition is better in the West and Kobe is seeing double and triple teams every night, every play. A lot of teams play James straight up, they only double when he really gets it going. What’s that tell you? James has guys that can knock down shots, Kobe has to force up shots and take bad shots, cause his guys can’t make shots. Anyone who argues #’s should know before they do it, that you can really make #’s look any way you want, but it don’t necessarily tell the whole story. Stop hating on Kobe and actually watch 40 of his games next season then you’ll see why he’s the best in the league. People like you and the media is why
    he’ll never win a MVP. This guy could average 40 points a game, 10rebounds, 10 assists, hold his oppenent to 5 points a game and lead his team to a 72 win season and the media would still find some reason not to give it to him. Think about that….cause you know it’s true!

100. Michael Bennett Said,

     May 28, 2007 @ 12:36 pm

     That’s the whole point! I lived in Los Angeles for five years. I saw over 20 live Kobe games. I watch about 80% of his regular season games… a lot more than “40″. You, obviously, watch his 40 good games, because you don’t realize that he’s horrible on some nights. You have to take the good with the bad. YOU have to see the whole picture.

     Kobe can go out and score 50 one night on over 50% FG… then, the next night, he’ll score 16 while shooting under 30% from the field. I realize that when he’s on, he’s really good. But, when he’s off, he’s piss poor. BUT, when LeBron doesn’t score, he still gets boards and assists. He’s more than just a scorer.

     I DO NOT HATE KOBE. Let’s get that really clear. I love the NBA and all of it’s stars. But, I realize who’s the best and why. Kobe is NOT the best player in the game. As a rookie, he didn’t start/play a lot because he was very rough around the edges. He was athletic, but Del Harris isn’t the reason he didn’t play. You can’t make excuses why he didn’t play… the fact is he didn’t, as his numbers reflect that.

     And, you said “LeBron is good but he isn’t great… YET.” If he’s just “good” now with these numbers and these games, then what is the definition of great to you? You need perspective. It doesn’t matter that he’s young. He’s great.

     Here are some certainties:

     - Michael Jordan is the best basketball player, scorer, and all-around talent ever.
     - Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Tim Duncan and Kareem Abdul Jabbar are in the next category… all unbelievable and the best at their positions.
     - Kobe is nowhere near one of the best players ever.
     - The best player in the NBA right now is Tim Duncan.
     - The best scorer in the NBA right now is Kobe Bryant.
     - The best all-around talent in the NBA right now is LeBron James.

101. Michael Bennett Said,

     May 28, 2007 @ 1:11 pm

     CAVS vs. LAKERS - SUPPORTING CAST

     This is an argument that my circle of NBA friends has been having since the beginning of the 2005-06 season. I think the Cavs supporting players are worse. Most people think the Lakers have the worst supporting cast (so does Kobe) in the league. It’s really like comaring bad to bad, but… And, to make it really interesting, we’ll compare coaching, too. Well, here’s the comparisons.

     NOTE* - Kobe and LeBron cancel each other out, obviously.

     CAVS - LAKERS

     PGs

     Larry Hughes - Jordan Farmar
     Daniel Gibson - Smush Parker
     Eric Snow - Shammond Williams

     The best player in that bunch is Daniel Gibson… which isn’t saying much. He’s a tough defender, scrappy, and he’s got a three point jump shot. Anyone who thinks Larry Hughes is good is crazy. This guy shoots under 40% FG lifetime. He’s horrible. And, he’s not a good defender (steals do NOT equal defense ei Allen Iverson). Smush Parker is a poor shooter, he’s similar to Larry Hughes, both bad for their teams. And, Eric Snow is old, slow and irrelevant (although good at one time) and Shammond Williams is young, slow and irrelevant.
     EDGE - CAVS

     (back-up) SGs

     Sasha Pavlovic - Maurice Evans
     Damon Jones - Aaron McKie
     David Wesley - Sasha Vujacic
     Shannon Brown

     The best player here is Sasha Pavlovic, but he’s very similar to Maurice Evans. Both guys are very physical, athletic, and can shoot the three. Vujacic and Damon Jones both can shoot threes… and do nothing else. Who cares about the others? Remember, though. This is comparing the back-ups on the Lakers to the starters on Cleveland.
     EDGE - EVEN

     (back-up) SFs

     Ira Newble - Luke Walton
     XXX - Vladimir Radmonavic

     This is obvious… Luke Walton is a very good young talent. He’s got an all-around game. He’s big and physical, but athletic. He’s a good passer and he can rebound. Vlady is a bonehead, but he CAN shoot the 3.
     EDGE - LAKERS

     PFs

     Drew Gooden - Lamar Odom
     Dwayne Jones - Brian Cook
     Donyell Marshall - Ronny Turiaf

     Another obvious one… Lamar Odom is the best player in this bunch. He’s, actually, a really good player that can do anything. His weakness is that he falls in love with the three… but, most of the time, he’s consistent and plays well. Brian Cook can shoot and rebound. And, Turiaf is a human firecracker. He’s great energy, and he can rebound and put it down. Drew Gooden only shows up half the time, and Donyell Marshall (as seen in G1 of the Conference Finals) is streaky and old… at best.
     EDGE - LAKERS

     C (this is where most people disagree with me)

     Zydrunas Ilgauskus - Kwame Brown
     Anderson Varejao - Andrew Bynum
     Scot Pollard - Chris Mihm

     Most people think Zydrunas is all right… but, here’s some things to clear your mind. Before LeBron arrived, the Cavs were perennially the league’s worst team… WITH Z. He’s a center/big man who shoots under 50% FG!!! That’s horrible. That means it takes him 3 or 4 more shots a game to do what every other C in the league does. Plus, he’s ONLY effective (if you can call it that) when you feed the ball to him in the post. He’s not a scrappy player that generates action and is useful without the ball. And, at 7′3″, he should be among the top shot blockers in the league. As it stands, he was 32nd in the reular season… worse than almost every other starting C who gets his minutes. Kwame Brown is inconsistent, too, but Chris Mihm (when healthy) isn’t bad. I like Varejao a lot, and I think he works well with others, but he hasn’t had the minutes to show his skills.
     EDGE - LAKERS

     COACH

     Mike Brown - Phil Jackson

     This is a joke… but, let’s hear it. Phil Jackson is arguably the best coach in the history of the NBA. His (Tex’s) triangle offense is the best offensive setup in history that stuns defenses and works to the strengths of every player on offense. He’s a nine time world champion with the best Playoff winning percentage in history. Mike Brown starts every game with a dump into Z in the post - he says that he wants “Z to start early”. I shouldn’t even have to say it but…
     EDGE - LAKERS

     So, the Lakers actaully have a better supporting cast than the Cavs. Lamar Odom is the best supporting player. And, they have the better coach. So, no more excuses. Stop excusing the Lakers horrible play and saying that they need better players. It is what it is. There are no asteriks in sports history (or very few). There, definitely, isn’t an asterik for teams with poor supporting players.

102. Joe Said,

     May 28, 2007 @ 3:05 pm

     I agree with all your comments but you forgot to mention his subpar defense.He is in danger of allowing his ever expanding ego to stunt his development.Time for a reality check Lebron.

103. Eddie Said,

     May 28, 2007 @ 4:53 pm

     What makes some of you guys think i was wrong because Lebron had a great game last night. The reason i respond to you guys is because i want to educate you on top of reading my articles. Now Listen.

     Lebron had a very good game across the board and he played liked i hoped he would.

     Now if a few of you think all of sudden he proved me wrong on his shooting ability then i am really laughing at you right now. Let me give you a athletes motto. “you are only as good as your last game”

     Now, do i think that i am an authority on shooting? heck yea! and is his mechanics flawed? of course. Can he step up and still dominate? yes he can. You want to know why? because he has supreme confidence.

     but here is the problem and this is what he faced in the first two games. When the confidence is down what do you rely on as a shooter? Mechanics guys.

     i am sure some of you guys play golf. same deal.

     heres a quote from my article.

     “Bottom line with my war analogy… The planes and missiles are laborious and expensive. It takes hours upon hours to perfect the best weapon. Well, the jump shot is the same way. You need to put more quality time on perfecting that jumper or you will be dethroned.”

     what did Lebron do before game three? duh he showed up 3 hours before game time and worked on his shot.

     what did he do on that last jumper to seal the game? he squared up and shot the ball with the best mechanics i have seen from him in a while.

     If anything i think you guys should be thanking me, because i honestly think he read my letter! (-:

104. GBJagz Said,

     May 28, 2007 @ 5:31 pm

     Mike, all of your arguments are one sided, and you only show stats that make YOUR points. How can the lakers have thge edge in the center department when Kwame has been classified as 1st round bust, Bynum is only 19 with training wheels on, and Chris Mihm has been out for a year and half….. Just think about that. Kobe is in another class than Lebron because he wants to be better than the guy he’s facing at DEFENSE and OFFENSE. Now whenever a player gets injured- specifically a star player, we give them a pass until they are fully recovered. Kobe has slacked IMHO on the defensive end the last couple of years, but he has clearly made up for it on the offensive end.

     Personally I think Lebron is a good player, but he isn’t anywhere as good as his hype. I would chose D wade over him, because Wade is progressively getting better every year- YOU literally can see what hes been working on every year (3PT shot, FT). The Lakers have a mediocre squad that made the playoffs purely on the efforts of Kobe. They faced a top five team in the first round and reality hit. Wade already has a ring and a Finals MVP trophy, so lebron has to step his game up if he wants the “greatest in the league” honor. Until then that honor goes between TD and Kobe. A guy Drops 70+ this year gets the scoring title as he’s pushing his injured team to playoffs, ends up on the 1st team all defense (by reputation) and gets compared to a 22 year old. Yeah we are all “WITNESSES” to the BS…..

105. Michael Bennett Said,

     May 28, 2007 @ 5:47 pm

     The chances that LeBron read your letter to him are about the same chances that the Cavs hire you as their shooting coach… (0)

     You are a color analyst… just like Scot Williams. You’re definitely NOT an authority on shooting (Why? Because you averaged a career 16 ppg? Huh?). The funny thing is that I lived in Phoenix and listened/saw most of your games. Even now, living in Chicago, through the lovely invention of NBA League Pass, I can still hear/see your work.

     But, my main point is that you jumped the gun on your article. Because LeBron shot poorly in games 1 and 2, you posted. And, obviously, you can’t judge anyone by two games… or even a stretch of games. LeBron might have to tweak his jump shot for perfect mechanics, but it doesn’t mean his jumper isn’t effective. You talked about “mastering… the mid-range game… and free throw shooting”. LeBron’s free throw woes are mental. Any non-authority on shooting could tell you that. And, like I said before, LeBron does have a mid-range game. The Cavs offense doesn’t open it up a lot. The ball is either in his hands to distribute or get to the basket/foul line. Otherwise, he’s posting up on the wing or block, with a numbskull giving him the entry pass.

     Both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant’s mid-range game benefitted from the Triangle Offense. If LeBron had an offense (or a true point guard) where he was cutting and curling, he’d shoot 3-7 more 15 footers a game. As it is, the Cavs stale offense relies on him creating… or sitting on the weak side wing doing nothing (great job, Mike Brown).

     And, I’ll say it again… it’s scary that LeBron shoots a career 46% FG and 33% 3PT when, as you say, he DOESN’T have proper mechanics. It shows his talent/athleticism is far superior to everyone else in the league.

106. Omar Aberilla Said,

     May 28, 2007 @ 6:24 pm

     Nice comeback Eddie. Do you really believe he was able to heed to your criticisms overnight? It takes days or even years of practice to get the mechanics right. And man that last jumper was anything but fundamental basketball. He didn’t even have his feet squared up to the basket as he attempted to take that shot. It was only when he took off that he contorted his body towards the rim. He had an awkward footing from the way he gathered as he took off, a shot only the great ones or those destined for greatness could pull off. Pros or dedicated basketball players shoot usually 3 hours before the game to keep themselves warmed up and to find their shooting touch in preparation for the game. Also, it allows them to settle down and get acclimated with the “environment”. Definitely NOT to work on their mechanics. Especially not with such a limited amount of time. Get this though, it doesn’t take a pro to know these things. Nice try i should say.

107. Eddie Said,

     May 28, 2007 @ 6:42 pm

     Omar

     please listen and learn. the most important thing about his last shot was no matter how he got his body in the right position. he did. Jim furyk is a wonderful golfer with bad mechanics but yet when he impacts the ball he is in perfect position. The problem with your three hour comment is he did something different and you are wrong sir. i would always as most players that are struggling will show up much earlier to work and tweak the shot and it does work. Stop quessing and listen to someone who had over 600 teammates and played 17 years. you should be happy i even answered that silly response.

     it was not a comeback—i am the professional here.

     and to my man Michael know it all Bennett.

     Not only did i average 16 points a game, but i was a career 47-48% from the field ( mostly jumpers) and also i retired as the all-time leading scorer in the history of the NBA off the bench. 19,000 points baby. i scored those numbers averaging only 26-27 minutes a game. so go find another player that did that? stat guy.

     i have not jumped any gun Man . He is not a good shooter plain and simple and you think you can out talk me or write long responses to get your point across you need to go to http://www.jumpshotclub.com and read my blog bio.

     I might be the closest you will ever get to a professional even going back and forth with you. so feel blessed and stop with the personal hits. I still don’t know where you work or have your pedigree and you obviously will not tell us.

     i am one the greatest shooters ever point blank! now what do you do again? Michael please tell us.

108. Michael Bennett Said,

     May 28, 2007 @ 9:24 pm

     I don’t “know it all”… but, the NBA is my hobby - one that I spend A LOT of time on. I study the game and all of it’s workings. I love the sport - I, also, love a good argument. There is no right and wrong, and that’s the fun. But, everyday, I look at stats, watch games, read articles, view… er, well, interviews… part of my day is dedicated to the NBA. No… I didn’t play NBA basketball. But, I did play in high school and college. So, I know HOW to play. I’m not an authority on shooting, but I can identify a pure shot when I see one.

     And, Eddie, I never got personal. If I stepped too far, I apologize. I like to mix it up and, obviously, I did.

     What do I do? My day job is as an independent filmmaker. So, unlike you might think, I’ve actually met some pros and other experts, and I’ve had great discussions including their professional opinion. I spend my nights watching the NBA. I spend the months of July, August and September crying alone in my room because the NBA is not on… My real name is not Michael Bennett (but, that’s my real email), but that name sounds pretty good… like an ex-player of some sort. It’s kind of a combo of Michael Jordan and Edgar Bennett.

     And, Eddie, I attend A LOT of games and watch even more. I know you attend at least 41 a year, with about 10-15 more in the Playoffs. I appreciate your view on everything. I really do. I don’t always have to agree with you though, and I think I put up a pretty good argument on my side.

     I do have a question - Do you just watch highlights of the other games? Or, do you record your favorite teams? Do a lot of your opinions come from when these stars/players play Phoenix? I’m not being vicious. I’ve always wanted to know…

109. Michael Bennett Said,

     May 28, 2007 @ 9:25 pm

     Oh, and, Eddie - You shot career 46% FG. .463 to be exact. http://www.basketballreference.com

110. Michael Bennett Said,

     May 28, 2007 @ 9:42 pm

     I was wrong… I double checked (after I posted). You are career .472. My bad. You were correct (for once in the last twenty posts).

     I did read your website… And, I think you met your match. I love to argue. And, I’m ALWAYS right (except for the career FG%, but I rescinded in time). I’ll check your website often and start it up. My only hope is that you pick social and basketball topics that aren’t obvious. There’s nothing worse than a blogger that states the obvious (like when LeBron’s down 2-0 against the Pistons and struggling with his jumper and then writing a letter addressed to him). On that note, let the games begin…

111. Kevin Dye Said,

     May 28, 2007 @ 11:18 pm

     Michael Bennett you are my hero. Eddie, Bro….He nailed you several times through out this thread, which was incredibly entertaining. I really appeciate your opinions/facts on this Lebron subject MB because I make this argument constantly about his incredible talent and lack of any real help from teammates. Lebron has been LEADING his team to back-to-back 50 win seasons, setting records, winning NBA playoff series’, and about will step on the court tomorrow night as the best player on either team….while at the same age MJ, Bird, Magic (blah, blah, so tired of comparing to them) were playing in NCAA tournaments. Its not even a fair comparison…TO THOSE GUYS. In 5 years Lebron will have dramatically outdistanced every single comparison, not only be the merits of his ability and talents, but because he has a unique and original game that does not lend its self to comparison. Bottom line, Lebron is spectacular.

112. eric lamont Said,

     May 28, 2007 @ 11:40 pm

     i live in cleveland and all day i hear about how great bron is yet when when his weakness is brought up always the catch is he is”only22″well on back of his chest he has tattoed “the choosen one”so he belives some of the hype around him.so he deserves to get critiqued by others.i hope he works on his mid range game and becomes the best he can be cause that will bring a title to us here and we want one bad.but there is no way he’s better than kobe at this stage of his life no matter what the stats say!!!!!!!!

113. Eddie Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 1:48 am

     You are a filmaker huh? what film? i want to know so i can break it down (-:

114. Omar Aberilla Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 5:41 am

     Eddie, now you’re saying that it’s not about the mechanics of the shot, but positioning. You’re confusing poor LeBron in the process. Like I said, maybe his shot is unorthodox, but what if it works for him. Remember Jim Furyk? Still, I’m not denying that mechanics is instrumental. And please, enough with the tooting of your own horn approach. Have you ever considered that you may not be the only person who plays basketball in this blog? I play it competitively as often as you would think; tournaments and all. Obviously, not in the same level as you. But I’m not SILLY enough to not know that you can’t change the way you shoot in just a nominal amount of time. Maybe it’ll work for a couple minutes or so. But when pressure starts to mount like in endgame situations, you can’t be too conscious recalling your “new” technique so you tend to go back to your habitual stroke. That’s why most in the know urges players to work their tails off in the summer, the only time ballers can really make a big difference in their game. You can’t honestly say LeBron suddenly changed the way he shoots in game 3 can you? That particular shot was a mental thing than style. It involved the same shooting mechanics. Same goes for all his other shots he took, the stepbacks, the fadeaways, his so-called “off-balance flaw” shot. You name it, all identical. Only different results from the previous games. Say if you can’t handle your readers telling you the truth or at least speaking their mind, you don’t have to resort to unnecessary remarks. Respect is what it is.

115. Ovais Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 9:00 am

     Hi Eddie,

     Thanks for your insight. It’s a pleasure to read your comments. I put alot of weight on what you say as a proven NBA player who has fought in the trenches and succeeded on so many levels. And I appreciate the time you dedicate to enlightening us with your no nonsense comments. It’s hard to find analysts who can be critical of the stars. I’ve noticed that some of the best coaches are also the toughest on their players. They demand excellence of their players to help them (and thus their teams) improve. I can see your comments on Lebron were made with the same intention. Like successful corporations, players cannot get complacent with their success. They must strive to continually improve to achieve greatness. Thank you for always telling it like it is.

116. Michael Bennett Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 11:44 am

     Hey… I thought “This is Lebrons page.” Let’s focus on how LeBron is better than Kobe (hands down), and your career field goal percentage…

     My guess is that Cavs win tonight, 84-81, in a nail biter. LeBron scores 25 (10 in the 4th Quarter) in a solid shooting game (9-17 FG, 1-3 3P, 6-8 FT), but defers in the last two minutes to Donyell Marshall (LeBron’s 10th assist of the game), who redeems himself by hitting a three with 1:24 left to play and the shot clock winding down. It’s free throws from there on out and LeBron hits ‘em all but one.

     -Michael “Know It All” Bennett

117. Eddie Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 2:49 pm

     Omar

     all do respect don’t compare the ymca league with what i have done. I said you. i did not say a blogger who might have played at a high div 1 level or professionally.
     now i will try and explain this to you one more time and if you don’t get it please will someone else try and help him understand.

     ok here i go Omar —you ready?

     Look. the most important thing about a shot is the result. The mechanics are secondary if a player can acheive the result.

     Now here is the result. Good arc, Good backspin, these two things are most important.

     Now we do know that if you face your target with good balance, slight knee bend, slight bend at the waist, elbow tucked in your shooting pocket with an L shape, ball on your finger tips and pads-not your palm, head slightly tilted up with no tension, Release and follow through at height of jump and leave arm extended until ball goes through net. You either come down exactly where you jumped from or slightly in front Your result will be accomplished.

     Most coaches can only teach this way. why? because they are textbook. they normally give in to athleticism because they can’t change the flaws without getting them to be textbook.

     What they don’t understand is bodies are made differently and so everyone can’t conform to the textbook approach, but everyone can finish the shot correctly. meaning don’t fade or lean, but come down exactly where you left or slightly in front.

     Case in point —Michael Redd, Peja Stojakovic, Reggie Miller are three excellent shooters that although not great mechanics are and were excellent shooters.

     Why because they found the same result i had or Dell Curry or Dale Ellis or Larry Bird etc……. with a different set of Mechanics.

     So again as i told you. Lebron found the result on that particular shot and a few others in game three with still not so great textbook mechanics. on the last shot he had great arc and excellent backspin.

     Regardless of how he got himself to square up at the basket. he did it. was it the easiest way? no, but if he could do it everytime the way he did and become a much better shooter. then Omar -Guess who he becomes? Reggie Miller. Peja and Redd.

     the challenge for him is can he he do it everytime. I say not because he has not shown he can. Stop using that 22 year old stuff with me. you learn to shoot in grammar and middle school not the pros. the reason he can’t shoot is because his coaches gave into athleticism and didn’t focus on the negatives. old habits are hard to break. thats why you catch them early and teach instead of allowing them to watch AND 1 Tapes, but he can improve? yes—Look at Amare Stoudemire, Karl Malone, Charles Barkley etc.

     He is shooting a fadeaway before understanding the basic shot first. There are important principals of the fadeaway and he shoots that one wrong. watch a tape of Jordan and Kobe’s Fadeaway and then watch Lebron’s. you can’t go to 5th grade before at least finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd. rarely do you see someone jump two grades.

     Thats the difference between you and me Omar and thats the part you will never understand but you should. I know a little about the stock market, but i will never argue with Mr Warren Buffett about the market trends.

     You can argue with me about surface things and thats fine, but don’t ever think you can break down a jumpshot and know more than me.

     Only Ray Allen, Larry Bird, Ki Ki Vandeweghe, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan are qualified to do that.

     lastly, Lebron does not get to game 3 1/2 hours before normally and the reason he went was to get his shot in order and it helped him get the result he got too. he did do things a little differently he worked on focusing on the shot that Detroit was giving him and he got himself comfortable. thats what pro’s do. how dare you try to explain to me why he went and what he could accomplish by going early. Man thats what we all did and i did it for 17 years in the NBA. How on earth did i play in the NBA Till i was 40 yeears old Omarr? Because i could shoot that rock! that response was even too long for you. but i feel good now! (-:

     I am rooting for Cleveland and Lebron to win this series. I was rooting for him before the article. you guys think when someone writes something that they are hating. Look i just hollered at my son this morning because he was not working hard in a few drills. Does that mean i don’t love and respect him.

     When a reporter that didnt play the game writes something like this you might have an argument, but this is coming from someone who played. this is not hating this is called TEACHING!

118. Manmade Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 3:00 pm

     You guys are wack. Let Eddie do his job. Whoever took his comment about “LJ changing his mechanics due to reading this article” seriously, needs a sense of humour. LJ won’t be a dominant scorer like Kobe, and he doesn’t have to be…and he probably doesn’t want to be. That’s what makes him refreshing, he wants to involve all 5 guys on the team and he has the talent to do so.
     But yea…let’s go CAVVVSSSS.

119. Eddie Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 3:02 pm

     The only way the Cavs win is if Lebron repeats game three and They get solid play from Gibson and Snow.

120. Jay Blaze Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 3:16 pm

     What all of you have to remember is that MJ won with a bunch of bums. MJ was a true leader and made everyone around him a better player (BJ, Paxson, Buecheler, Hanson and of course Pip). MJ, along with Kobe, had a killer instinct. I dont see that with LBJ. Thats why he’s always biting his nails. He misses too many free throws down the stretch. MJ came in when the east was at its strongest. Kobe has that mentality that MJ has. Even Arenas is developing it as well (after choking last season vs. Cavs). Until Lebron strenghtens his mentals, he’ll be just an overhyped player. It’s all about closing teams out in the playoffs, when it really counts. MJ was clutch! Kobe is clutch. Mike rarely choked when the game was on the line and would be cussing out Larry Hughes out on the regular if he was in LBJ ’s shoes until he stepped his game up.

121. Jay Blaze Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 3:30 pm

     Omar, Eddie is right. Eddie if you remember after MJ first retired he came back with a total different game. He developed that mid-range jumper you referred to in your first post and he learned how to use the post effectively. Let’s be real, MJ showed a lot of players how to effectively use his pivot foot down in the post. He developed that out and under move in the post better than any guard. MJ came back with more aresenal moves after his first retirement. He became a smarter offensive player. We never see LBJ in the post against smaller gaurds. LBJ handles the rock too much. In addition of developing a strong jumper he needs to become more of a slasher also like Rip where he’ll receive the ball when the defense is off balance. Thats why Kobe is effective with the triangle offense both inside and outside.

122. Michael Bennett Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 3:37 pm

     Eddie - I think you should just let Omar buy your DVD… you’re losing sales if you write a essay every time someone rattles your cage.

     And, I agree with you about Daniel Gibson. Hopefully, he starts (in place of injured Larry Hughes). It would be nice for the Cavs to find a quality point guard without spending $8 million or more a year this off-season. They should develop the rookie.

     I do think the Cavs have to stop throwing the ball in to Z on the opening play. Mike Brown says he wants him going early… But, I think that’s ridiculous. Who cares if Z is “on” or not? He’s never going to be the difference maker in this series. The Cavs should focus on a smaller lineup so they can get more transistion baskets and stifle the Pistons defense. When I say “smaller”, I mean NOT Z. A center that shoots under 50% FG AND averages less than 8 rpg is useless… Get Varejao in there to disrupt Rasheed, make him mad, and T him up.

     Other than that, I got nuthin’.

123. Matt Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 3:38 pm

     I agree that the cavs need a huge game from gibson and snow, but it’s not gonna happen. The Pistons will make changes, like any good NBA contender, and will win the game. I personally see the cavs and bulls as the next in line to take over the eastern conference, no big surprise there. But right now I would have to say that the bulls have the edge over the cavs for the future of the east. Why?

     The Bulls not only have a deeper team, but they don’t have a superstar running the show like lebron. TEAM BALL WINS EVERY TIME.

     Regardless of Lebron’s jumper, hell he could shoot 55 % from the field, the cavs won’t be a contender until they play as a team, not as a bunch of guy’s around lebron.

     So what do you think eddie. Who is in line to take the east when the piston’s reign is over????????????????????

124. Eddie Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 3:40 pm

     Michael

     you are right,but it’s great advertising and my sales are great right now (-:

125. Eddie Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 3:41 pm

     Toronto!

126. Matt Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 3:51 pm

     Toronto huh……. Not a bad pick with a Colangelo in the office! They need a few more years in my opinion.

     Anyway, good article on Lebron, seemed to ruffle a few feathers, I love it!!!!!!!!!

     How about an article on the upcoming offseason for the suns? Is Marion staying or going? What’s in line?

127. LBJ Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 4:04 pm

     It’s kind of like Barbosa’s situation…Eddie you know this first hand. LB is as fast as they come and he hits the three point shot well (BAD MECHANICS GOOD RESULT). If he can get that pull up and mid-range game down….LOOK OUT! You know one of the great things about LeBron is that his willing to pass. Magic is my favorite player of all time because he could control a game without taking a shot. He would rebound as well. But when the Lakers needed it he could go down to the post, take a three, or take his man off the dribble and score. He could’ve easily averaged 25-30ppg but he didn’t need to and he sacraficed for the team. I think LeBron will get there with time. He’s so gifted he just has to polish his game a bit and he’ll get there. That’s where missing college hurts some guys. You don’t get that little extra polish before making it to the NBA. And you usually see it with physically gifted players like LeBron, or a big guy like Shaq. While guys like Nash, Magic, Bird, EJ, Duncan or Dirk have to really work on those little things because they can’t out run or out jump many other NBA players.

128. Eddie Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 4:23 pm

     LBJ

     You are dead on correct. I forgot about my man Leandro and you know i love your Magic quote.

     Lebron with a consistent Jumpshot could make a run at being considered the best ever. Without he will be considered as one of the best ever.

     that’s the difference. Good Job.

129. LBJ Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 4:25 pm

     I think the Cavs should go to Z more. Z is a good shooter from outside the free throw line and down in the post. The Cavs look like they forget about him sometimes. He can help take some pressure off of LeBron. But Eddie made a key point talking about Hughes. Usually great combos can play off of each other. And Larry has really struggled at times since he’s been in Cleveland. Usually you’ll see a shooter and a penetrator together. Or two players who can do both. They both need the ball and freedom to move about the lane to score. It hurts the Cavs at times.

130. LBJ Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 4:35 pm

     Thanks Eddie,

     I think there are a lot of people that don’t realize what makes a guy cross the line between good and great. LeBron is as good as the come right now. But if he gets a consistant jumper he’ll be great. He has all the tools.

     I think about guys I’ve had to guard when I’ve played and I know it’s a nightmare to check a guy with a great jumpshot. He can use it to set you up for so many different things. Even if you are a good defender they will find a way to make you pay. And the worst part is knowing there is little you can do about it. Ball denial is tireing….LOL

131. Michael Bennett Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 5:01 pm

     LBJ,

     Are you serious with what you said about Zydrunas Ilgauskus? Really? No… You can’t be. They ‘forget about him sometimes’? Please confirm that you are serious so I can give you the David Letterman Top 10 Reasons Why Zydrunas Ilgauskus Is Useless.

132. Matt Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 5:04 pm

     You can pretty much say anybody in the NBA who “gets a consistant jumper” will be great. You see thats the point of the game, put the ball in the hole.

     If Pat Burke gets a consistant jumper will he be great? What about Eduardo Naraja?

     My point is that the “jumper” is only part of the game, in-order to be considered great, you damn well better have a jumper and alot more than that.

133. LBJ Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 5:07 pm

     Micheal I am serious. Just think about it. You’re playing Detriot who has a ton of talented frontline guys. You have to go at them with something. Z and Gooden aren’t as good as Wallace, McDyess, and Webber. But you have to go with what you have. There is no other choice. Plus Nazr and Dale Davis and Maxiel are on the bench. And with Hughes out where can Cle. turn?

134. LBJ Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 5:10 pm

     I thought we were talking about LeBron’s jumper? Najera and Burke don’t have the talent LeBron has. It is just one part of the game but it’s one that can take LeBron to another level. Imagine if Jordan didn’t have a jumper. Or Kobe.. or take away Dirk’s jumper. See the point?

135. Eddie Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 5:11 pm

     Excuse me Matt. Maybe we are a little a head of you. im sorry.

     We are discussing from the fact that Lebron does do most of everything very well and that the Jumper is the final and most important piece to elevate him to greatness.

     hurry and catch up please.

136. Eddie Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 5:13 pm

     Michael

     Z can play and they don’t go to him enough. Clevelands offense is all about Lebron dribbling while guys stand and watch. Carlos Boozer would struggle in that offense.

137. LBJ Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 5:29 pm

     Don’t get me wrong. Z isn’t going to dominate the glass, or get 7 blocks and just show how he can change the game as a physical 7ft 3in player in the middle. He’s not that kind of player but he can play.

     If you stop and think about it for a second Z’s offensive skills are very similar to Yao’s. He can shoot and he does have a polished post game. But you have to feed a big man. The Rockets feed Yao even if he just moves off the block to the middle of the lane and trips. The Cavs ignore Z when he’s got good postition and is calling for the ball. All I’m saying is get him 4 or 5 shots a quarter. It will help big time.

138. Michael Bennett Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 5:49 pm

     All right… Both of you (Eddie and LBJ) will now learn a little something. And, as a note, I think that the Cavs offense is stale and Mike Brown needs to do something. But, Z is useless regardless of what offense he’s in. Like I’ve said a million times before, Zydrunas was the core of the Cavs pre-LeBron, and they were the worst team in the league…

     TOP 10 REASONS ZYDRUNAS ILGAUSKUS IS USELESS (ESPECIALLY AGAINST THE PISTONS)

     10) No left hand - For a big man who’s going to try and utilize his low post moves, this cuts out half of his offensive weapons. Which leads me to…

     9) On the left block, he can/does only spin into traffic/help defense - When he goes to the rack after catching it in the low lock (on the left), he’s going to the inside. Watch Rasheed shade him there. Then, watch Z throw up a pathetic attempt at the basket.
     Can’t pass - For a big man, he’s even bad. When you pass it to him in the post, it’s not coming back. He always averages under 2 apg, and even for a big guy, that’s bad. Especially when some defenses help on him because of his size. Someone is always open, but he never finds them.

     7) Wastes early possessions - (I’ve posted this a couple of times already) Watch tonight. When the Cavs get the tip, the offense will setup and LeBron will throw it to Z in the post. Mike Brown states that he likes to get Z going early. Why? Because he can only give you 28 mpg because he’s injury prone and aching. Instead, the Cavs should focus on getting LeBron going early, getting him and Drew Gooden to the foul line, so their jumpers will fall in the 4th Quarter.

     6) Can’t guard the three - If he’s guarding Webber, he can’t step out past seven feet from the basket and recover in time. Webber loves the his patent shot from free throw line, and Z never can cover him there. And, if he’s guarding Sheed, forget about it.

     5) Shoots under 50% for a big man - That’s inexcusable. Every center in the league should at least shoot 50%. And, even that’s low for a big guy. He was 107th in the league this year in FG%. Some of the names that shot better from the field: Mikki Moore (league leader), Andris Biedrins, Steven Hunter… the list goes on.

     4) Horrible defensive rebounder - You’d think his size and defensive positioning would led to more than 4.6 drpg… but, no. Why? Because he’s not a good rebounder. I want a center that can rebound, plain and simple.

     3) Sloooooooooow - He’s so slow. The Cavs are a quick young team, but Z is the anchor… and, not in a good way. He’s literally an anchor, slowing the team down, and they have to drag him across the court. Which leads me to…

     2) Ruins the transition game - When are the Cavs most effective? In transistion. How many times have we heard Doug Collins in this series say that the Cavs need to break up Detroit’s half court defense? A million. You can’t do that effectively when it’s 4 on 5. Z slows the Cavs into a half court team, which they are not.

     1) Needs the ball to be effective - He’s not a scrappy player (like Varejao). So, if he doesn’t have the ball, he’s pretty much wandering, setting moving screens, and doing nothing of use on offense. The Cavs need a center that brings all the intangibles to the court, not a 7′3″ slow center who needs the ball to do anything on the offensive end.

     Whew…

     And, before anyone can say that he’s “a good offensive rebounder”, I’ll stop you. If you say that, you’re going by stats alone. Much like Moses Malone, Z misses his first attempt and gets his own rebound for the majority of those O Rebounds… he takes away a lot of LeBron’s assists, too, when he does that.

     My opinion is that the Cavs need to unload Z (and his big contract) to a team that still values a slow center who shoots 47% FG. Then, they can get a young player to backup Anderson Varejao, the human energy drink… not to mention turning Daniel Gibson into a pass first PG with a deadly three and getting a cutting (without the ball) SG that actually makes his shots.

139. LBJ Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 6:13 pm

     Those are some good points Michael. I know Z is slow and he’s not a great rebounder but he’s the best Cle can do. He’s the team’s main post scorer. Gooden can do some things down low as well. There are a lot of NBA teams that would love to have a center that can rebound, block and or change shots and scoring would be great too! But there are only a few centers out there.
     And even some of them are or want to be power forwards. Amare isn’t a center but the Suns play him there because he’s better than most NBA centers. KG, and Duncan seem to not care for being called or played at center. I can understand there stance in some respects but if your team needs you there hey it’s what you have to do.

     Z or any other frontcourt player is in for a long night anytime Detroit comes to town. Webber and Wallace can do so much and people forget about McDyess but he was once a guy that could jump over anyone! So Z won’t dominate those guys but he has to give the Cavs something. He, Gooden and Varjeo(spl chk) have to come up with plays inside. Marshall has to do what he can as well. They won’t outplay Detroits guys most nights but just keep it close with the blocks and rebounds and at the end of the night the Cavs atleast have a chance. If LeBron gets tired early then he won’t have anything left late when and if they need a few big shots. And we all can imagine the bashing he’ll take if he doesn’t do something at the end of the game. It’s unfair in someways but it’s what people expect from him. It’s what fans want to see a “super star player” do.

140. LBJ Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 6:28 pm

     Maybe in the off season they can do something about Z’s contract issue. Until then they have to use him as best they can to try to win the next game and get some fouls called on a few of the Piston big guys. If not you can’t expect LeBron to score 70 when the entire game total barely reaches that.

141. Chad Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 6:39 pm

     Forget his jumper, I’d be happy if he simply stopped referring to himself in the third person.

142. ddt Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 6:59 pm

     lebron’s game 3 performance enough said!

143. ddt Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 7:03 pm

     It’s funny to me how old guys like eddie johnson (who never won a ring or even been a perennial all star) criticize the young nba stars of today. I sense some jealousy, stop hating!

144. Eddie Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 7:20 pm

     give him the ball consistently and he will give more effort. A horse won’t run if you don’t feed him. he is what he is and he still is one of the top five centers in the game. give him the ball.

145. t dawg Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 8:01 pm

     Eddie– as a history and english teacher, I gotta disagree with you. You are forgetting a more significant military weapon– the machine gun. Which would be, metaphorically, the mid-range jumper.

     While the 3 may be a missile/plane, the key to Lebron’s weakness, like the key to any conventional war, is the short range weaponry.

     But great article in general…

146. Michael Bennett Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 10:29 pm

     First, let’s celebrate a little… Way to go, LeBron. He’s so clutch - perfect in the 4th. I love that guy.

     Then…

     Eddie - You have officially gone crazy. Zydrunas “is one of the top five centers in the game”…? Really? You can’t really think that. Here are the top centers (RIGHT NOW) in the league (and F-C count)… in order:

     1) Amare Stoudemire
     2) Yao Ming
     3) Marcus Camby
     4) Ben Wallace
     5) Jermaine O’Neal
     6) Tyson Chandler
     7) Shaquille O’Neal Emeka Okafur
     9) Chris Webber/Rasheed Wallace
     10) Al Jefferson
     11) Eddy Curry
     12) Samuel Dalembert
     13) Andris Biedrins
     14) Alonzo Mourning

     THEN… maybe Zydrunas Ilgauskus… but, I’d rather have:

     - Nick Collison
     - Zaza Pachulia
     - LaMarcus Aldridge
     and
     - Chris Kaman

     …over Zydrunas and his horrible shooting, bad decision making, slow life, and overall mediocre play at center.

     Eddie - Please, don’t ever tell me a player needs motivation to play hard. By your statement “give him the ball consistently an he will give more effort” insinuates that he needs incentive to play hard. If that’s the case for any pro player, they are not only useless, they shouldn’t be in the beloved league…

     Go on and marinate on that for a minute…

147. Jeremy Martin Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 10:56 pm

     What alot of you don’t understand is that Eddie’s criticizm of LBJ23 is coming from a guy who probably roots for LeBron and wants him to succeed. Tell me if I’m wrong Eddie, but I feel like your article was more of disappointment with a guy that you want to see fullfill his potential. Perhaps it was somewhat premature or maybe even dead on, but you’re a fan of these guys just like we are and get caught up in the emotions of being one.

     As for Michael Bennett, you truely love the role of the nay-sayer. Nobody is saying Z-Man is Arvydas Sabonis but to say he is “useless” is beyond far from the truth. When you root for a team that starts K-W-A-M-E BROWN at the center position, you learn to appreciate big men who actually have an idea as to what they are doing. Plus your #1 reason was that he’s not effective without the ball…NO KIDDING!

     To Eddie: I’ll never forget that highstep you did after you hit that 3 to beat the Jazz in the playoffs, it was awesome! One of my first memories as a kid watching the NBA. It’s pretty cool you respond to messages on here.

     Thanks man!

148. Kay Said,

     May 29, 2007 @ 11:48 pm

     I think you need to give Lebron a little break. Granted that he passed up the shot and passed the ball up to Marshall, Lebron has serious upside to his game. Something Kobe complaing self will never have passing. Kobe is cannot be compaired to Jordan let alone be in the same level. Jordan has 6 championship and the best that ever touch the game. Kobe is not period he only has three and only won those beacuse of his buddy Shaq. Back to Lebron he played amazing in games 3-4 now thats lebron a distributer and a leader. These are both carachteristics of a King and deserve every bit of that title. As far people ranking Webber scrub self as one the best centers in the league, what is wrong with you? Zydrunas is way better then that supreme choker just watch espn classic and look for carolina vs da infamous fab five. Then you put tyson chandler before shaq dude get a life. Get your facts stright before you even start to talk your Bill Walton facts

     case closed

149. Omar Aberilla Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 1:17 am

     Eddie, first off nobody’s contending the importance of shooting. Now, you were close to calling him a failure just for his flawed mechanics. LeBron brings a lot to the table to even be anywhere near being a disappointment. You’re even changing a lot of your views now. Where’s the consistency? First you deny this article of being a comparison between LeBron and MJ and Kobe. Then why do you have to mention the names of the two latter players and “compare” their jumpers and abilities? Secondly, you bombard him with criticisms on his wrong shooting form based on your your so-called textbook knowledge to the extent of putting the brunt on his shooting coach or his work ethic. But, when he finally makes it you claim that it is because he made some adjustments (overnight i may add or two) just like you have drawn it. Lastly, after you say that he is still far from being one of the best like Kobe, you suddenly shift sides and say he’s one of the best with his skills as it is, but could be the best if he improves his shot. That’s a good point though. However, greatness doesn’t rest on talent particularly a great stroke alone, it’s all about winning too(Mitch Richmond comes to mind). And LeBron has enourmous talent and a decent shot, result-wise, and he has been winning, getting better each year as his team’s conference finals appearance attests. My point is, those things entitle him of your respect towards him being a great player. One more thing, I never used his being 22 as an argument. Age is overrated. I even said that when you get to that level (NBA) nobody really cares how old you are, you still have got to show up. And show up LeBron did consistently and even in spite of all the criticisms and the overwhelming pressure. That is greatness personified. There’s no argument that LeBron has to improve on his shot, but don’t take back his greatness too soon and definitely not after a 0-2 deficit in a best-of-seven series. What’s funny is that when he suddenly proves you wrong, you’d still try to get credit for it anyway. Don’t go scientific on me, basketball shooting tutorial DVDs or books have never gotten anyone to the NBA. I’m sure your career worked out pretty well without it. It could be a mixture of talent, drive, passion, discipline, work ethic and confidence. You could also put in the element of luck or fate if you will. I’m sure the least that LeBron needs right now is to listen to fairweather Johnsons (no pun intended). You were on the verge of calling him the greatest disappiontment and rebuking his monicker of King (which never came from him but the media anyway), just for his shot. That’s not tough love, that’s hating in most people’s books. Or this could be a familiar pattern of a blossoming player who’s making a writer or writers look, using your term, silly. I’m nowhere near your status, never will be. But shooting is more confidence than anything. But it certainly helps to have good technique. Jason Kidd and Shaq make it when it counts. Two of the most hard working, but still flawed shooting mechanics in the game, but nobody even dared call them in the brink of failure or questioned their desire to get better. Ws, those are what people remember.

150. Terry Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 1:55 am

     Well he might not be proclaimed “KING”, but he has gotten the series tied at 2-2. We all know his supporting cast is weak, but it takes a man to know his team weakness and turn it into a positive. He still passes to Gooden and the unsung cast, and LBJ does whatever it takes to win. Forget the age factor he will get scrutinized for everything he does on the court whether its a win or lost. Some veterans can’t handle that pressure let alone the media. In this media age there are less than 20 NBA players than can handle pressure. We know larry Hughes was a bad signing and has had a rough time since being in Cleveland. But if he hits that put back shot almost every negative thing about him is wiped out. If Donyell hits that shot in game one it would be what a great pass to find the open man. Everything can be analyzed after the fact, but will someone come up with some good analysis before the game and have it come out like they predicted it. Eddieadramous Johnson

151. Eddie Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 2:27 am

     “shooting is more confidence than anything.” Ok we have officially ended this conversation.

     i think i will get on the PGA Tour and beat Tiger because i am so confident i can birdie every hole.

     please give me a break.

     HE BETTER LISTEN TO US FAIR WEATHER JOHNSON’S

152. Omar Aberilla Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 3:17 am

     And Eddie, again these are my points. LeBron is a great player regardless if he shoots the way you would like him to or not. There’s hardly any difference in the way he took shots in games 1 & 2 to those of games 3 & 4. If there’s any, its his confidece. And obviously, the results of the shots. So who are we trying to deceive? It’s hard to change habits overnight. You don’t have to elaborate on the technical aspect of shooting cause come to think of it maybe some people may already know that. That’s condescending. I hope you’re not saying all that to save face. I’m as passionate a fan as can be and I play not just for the heck of it, but for the love of the game. And I have gone through all that shooting mechanic drills and coaching. I’ve been through a scientific basketball camp as early as 6 years old. And if age is overrated, I would say technique is too. It helps definitely. But doesn’t apply to everyone just like everything else in this life. Please you’re just like everyone else who gangs up on LeBron when he’s not making his shots. Then, when he does, you say he’s improved and when he goes through another slump you’d say its his mechanics again. I’m not even LeBron’s biggest fan, but I appreciate greatness (Dwyane Wade is my main guy just so you know).

153. Omar Aberilla Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 3:23 am

     Eddie I meant shooting is more confidence than anything obviously in LeBron’s case. Sarcasm won’t get you anywhere sir. You think I can be as rich as Bill Gates just by being confident? C’mon that was an elemantary rebuttle. You’re better than that.

154. Omar Aberilla Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 3:26 am

     I meant rebuttal sorry. And the fact that you stay up to wait for my next reply means a lot to me.

155. Omar Aberilla Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 3:39 am

     Eddie please read my post again before spitting out such comments so you’ll realize that I also mentioned that “making it to and doing good in the NBA (or in any sport for that matter) could be a mixture of talent, drive, passion, discipline, work ethic and confidence. You could also put in the element of luck or fate if you will.” So unless you have those, don’t even think of beating Tiger.:) I rest my case. Like I said, I am a fan and I respect the things you brought to the game and your work so this would be my last comment as a tribute to that. We don’t always have to agree.

156. Charlie Murphy Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 7:42 am

     You may be correct in that Lebron has to work on his jumper, which he has all summer to do, but his performances in the last two games have just dismissed whatever you no good player haters have been talking shit about. He thrives off 4th quarter action and in a few years, this current ‘king’ will be made emporer of the selfish, Kobe-esque NBA.

157. LBJ Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 10:07 am

     I don’t think anyone doubts how great LeBron is. He’s great! What more can you say. He can do it all. Jeremy Martin is on the right track. I don’t think anyone hates or is hating on LeBron. He comes to play everynight even when his shot is off. But with a good J he will be a combo of Magic and Jordan. And he’s more athletic than Magic and he’s as strong as a PF or Center. His first step is off the charts. A good jumper will take a lot of pressure off him to have to find ways to drive to the basket. It would just make things easier for him when teams pack in the lane.

158. LBJ Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 10:16 am

     Some people would argue if Amare, Emeka, Ben Wallace, Chris Webber, Rasheed Wallace, Jermaine O’Neal, Al Jefferson, or Nick Collison are even centers. Most of these guys are just playing that role because they can and that’s where the team needs them. They are all good inside players but are more like PFs playing out of position. But you can get away with that most nights in the NBA today.

159. Jeremy Martin Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 10:21 am

     Exactly LBJ, when I read that list I immediately though…where’s Dwight Howard?

160. space Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 10:32 am

     i have to defend zydrunas.
     lets not get it twisted bennett, Z isnt the best but stoudamire, jermaine, even emeka, and jefferson are power forwards. ilgauskas doesn’t see the ball like he used to just a couple of seasons ago. the NBA has the greatest habit of NOT using a guy, then saying he can’t play anymore. he rarely sees the ball on the low post which is dumb if you’re the cavs coach because he is an automatic two points or foul. a number of the shots he misses are the long jumpers as the shot clock expires. watch some film.

     back to the topic. lebron seems to be very close to the same player who came out of high school, with a better long range shot. i think its his approach, coach and coaching that catches him either trying to get inside, or stuck WAY outside. i don’t know if the team has even developed a middle game approach.
     LBJ has time, this is only his 3rd season. but he does need to self-analyze. and yes the cavs are tied at 2-2. let’s see what happens.

161. Jay Blaze Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 10:54 am

     LBJ stepped his game up last night (Game 4). He hit his jumpers, distributed the ball well and he was finally clutch down the stretch hitting his freethrows. Everytime he hit an off balance jumper I know Eddie was cringing. But hey, stats dont say how many jumpers are balanced and which ones are off balance. The problem is that LBJ is still inconsistent. If it wasn’t for Dwight hittin those mid-range jumpers and gibson hitting 3’s the Cavs would have been done. LBJ dissappeared in the 3rd quarter. You can;t do that in the playoffs. Mike never took a quarter off, let alone go scoreless. Thats why Kobe will never be on Mike’s level when last year he only took 3 shots in the second half in a deciding game against Phoenix.

162. Amanda Hugankiss Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 12:55 pm

     For all you Cavs haters, who are able to point out every deficiency with every player on the roster, please remind me what teams are playing in the east coast finals (tied at the moment). Now, I will agree that there are several players are on the Cav’s roster that are overpaid. Most NBA players are. Nevertheless the Cavs are a very strong TEAM that wins by playing DEFENSE.

     What you haters completely forget as you calculate your shooting percentage and rebounding per game is team defense. The Cavs are built for defense. And guess what, when you play hard defense, the offense is going to struggle.

     Look at what the Cavs defense did in every round of the playoffs to their opponents scoring average:

     Washington Season Avg: 104, Against the Cavs: 91.5
     NJ Season Avg: 97, Against the Cavs: 86.3
     Detroit Season Avg: 96, Against the Cavs: 84.3

     10+ POINT DIFFERENCE IN EVERY ROUND.

     Now, you can argue that Washington was missing it two best players but NJ and Detroit still stand. For you critics who will say, defense goes up a notch in the playoffs, Detroit averaged 97 and 94.2 in their first two round games. The Cavs have averaged 92 it theirs.

     Check the stats, the top six scoring teams in the league are on vacation. Utah at seven is about, to get ousted. Spurs are at 14, Cavs are at 19 and Detroit at 21.

     Looking at it from the other side, the Spurs, Detroit and Cavs are 1,2, 5 for points allowed with Utah at 17 (c-ya Utah).

     Hughes, Z, Gibson, Pavlovic, Gooden, Lebron, Varejao, and Snow play team defense. Each plays an important part. Who cares if they shoot 30% for a game or series? As long as they score one more point then their opponent, they win the game.

     Do you really want to start bringing in high priced scorers who can’t defend? Trade your best free throw shooter for a ‘faster’ center. Really? Teams out there are not going to just give away their assets. Well, Thomas would but he out of assets to trade.

     The Cavs are two games away from the NBA finals. You start making desperate, high price moves, you’re going to end up looking like the Lakers or the Knicks with no chance of even sniffing the finals.

163. Matt Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 1:01 pm

     Wow, what a game. I think we just saw the whole series make a shift last night. Rumor is that the pistons are having some issues in the locker room. Hmmm. Do the Cavs have a chance in this series?

     Eddie, who will win the Eastern Conference Finals this year?

164. RiseUp Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 2:47 pm

     Agree that LBJ needs to work on mid-range jumper, free throws, defense and post play.

     Disagree with most everything else.

     He is already one of the best 100 to play and with a few more years easily top 50. He works on those areas and we looking at one of the 10 best ever. 3 of the 4 he can be mentioned with Magic, Michael, Larry, Oscar or Wilt. So your failure possibility was exaggerated.

     Second he is 22. Jordan had no outside shot at that age and was a selfish ballhog who had yet to win anything or hit many clutch shots. LBJ has improved his 3 point shot, leadership, and defense since arriving. I believe he will improve the other facets.

     Third soft skills count. That is why Kobe is the greatest offensive force in the game but Nash, Duncan, Wade and LBJ are better. They are excellent teammates. They share the rock. They form their game to their teams. Also they back their organizations. I know you think Kobe is better than LBJ. You are probably right for now BUT the Lakers have had arguably more talent than the CAVS the last 3 years yet the CAVS have a better record. I know it is the strength of the West but the Cavs record against the West the last two years is very impressive.

     Lastly, why does Dwayne Wade get a bye? He has the same weaknesses as LBJ. He is slightly better mid-range and a better FT shooter, but LBJ is better from 3. LBJ shoots more 3s and doesn’t get the DWADE call on any contact so his FG% is lower. Both are spectacular players; I am not knocking Wade. I know - He won a championship!!! The same championship LBJ would have won if he was in DWADE’s shoes last year.

165. Michael Bennett Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 3:19 pm

     Bill Russell wrote this in his NBA.com blog (I thought it was pretty interesting):

     “How Can Anyone Criticize LeBron?
     I got really annoyed last week with guys talking about LeBron James and how he played during the last quarter of Game 1 versus the Pistons and his decision to pass to Donyell Marshall. That was the perfect play. A guy at that level, he is making decisions before the play.

     All of these “critics” are making decisions after the play. And LeBron James is only 22 years old. If guys are going to criticize him at 22, I don’t know what to think about people like that. Didn’t Michael pass to a guy named Paxson? Also to a guy named Kerr? Now those guys made the shots, but weren’t they the same circumstances?

     One of the things we like to do now as a society, whether it’s in business, politics, sports, or religion, is that everyone that has a high profile, we have to point out a barrage of things that are wrong with them. The way LeBron James is playing, I just love watching him and I appreciate how skillful he is. I felt like calling him and telling him that he has to establish his own criteria and don’t let any of these people determine what his goals are or how he should get there.”

     I especially liked his comparison to business, politics… or religion. That is very true and very eloquently said… coming from the best big man in the history of basketball.

166. Michael Bennett Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 3:20 pm

     Eddie - You should write an article on Kobe and the current situation. Also, Stephen A. Smith has a great podcast on espn.com right now with the entire Kobe phone conversation.

     This will be a very interesting topic… and THIS message board is getting too long.

167. Eddie Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 4:54 pm

     I hope you guys realize i am cheering for Cleveland and i will take full credit for Lebron Elevating his game. (-:

     Jay i was not cringing when he made the fadeaway, but i was clapping when he took his first shot and didn’t fade away so much.

     I said if Gibson played well they would win. Heck i mentioned Eric Snow as well and he made the biggest play with his hustle to secure that errant pass and got fouled.

     i am patting my own back because when i am perfectly right i got no love!

168. Carnell Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 7:20 pm

     Don’t get crazy…….LeBron elevated his game, and actually started making some jumpers. Fine, let’s see what he does at The Palace!!! Bottom line, Cleveland just held home court. This series will be a repeat of last years series between these two teams. When it’s all said and done, it will be a Pistons Spurs Finals.

     Michael Bennett, you have officially lost your mind. You got 6 guys in front of Shaq. I won’t even call you out anymore, I think everyone here can see you’re insane! Shaq is the best low post player in the game, regardless of age or game slacking a little, he is still the best, there is no one in front of him. No one!!!! You got Amare in front of a lot of guys , he shouldn’t be in front of, & not to mention, you don’t even have Garnett on the list, who’s way better than a lot of guys you got on that list, especially Amare. Garnett will smoke Amare any day of the week, on both ends of the floor. And by the way Garnett can actually guard Duncan in the post and Amare can’t……lol!!!

169. Michael Bennett Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 7:59 pm

     Carnell - Kevin Garnett is a SF or PF. He’s not a center, even if he sometimes guards guys of that position. So…

     Shaq WAS the best player in the game… 5 years ago. How can you say that he’s even close to what he once was? Right now, a player like Tyson Chandler IS better than him. You are still living in 1999, when Shaq was on the Lakers and he was averaging more than 20 ppg. I think Shaq is one of the top 5 centers ever, but not this year - not now. Not even close. His game isn’t “slacking a little”, he’s on the verge of retiring. He’s played only 100 games (out of 164) in the last 2 seasons. Get a clue… seriously. Shaq is but a shell of what he once was.

170. KTL Said,

     May 30, 2007 @ 8:11 pm

     Bron would have the most success becoming a Point Forward like Pippen or Magic and not trying to be a primary scorer like Jordan or Kobe. There’s a fundamental awkwardness with his jumper that i doubt will be 100% eliminated…how many players are able to totally change their jumper style after 3 years in the league?

     Like Pippen, i believe Bron will have only limited success as a primary scorer and it really doesn’t utilize his physical gifts. He’s a walking mismatch, but shooting jumpers off screens doesn’t need a 240 lb powered by a rocket.

     Watching Bron i sometimes feel like watching Rashard Lewis…”you’re 6′ 10″ 230 lbs and quick as most SGs…why are you just heaving up jump shots ???” Except Rashard hits most of his jumpers.

     My prediction: Bron never wins a title as a primary scorer for his team.

171. LBJ Said,

     May 31, 2007 @ 11:00 am

     No one can really guard Garnett or Duncan. People always talk about defense like one player can just shut another guy down. How many times to we see a defender hanging all over the offensive player and they guy makes a shot anyway? Defense can only do so much at some point you have to just hope they have an off night. When any of those two are rolling you just hope they miss few.

172. LBJ Said,

     May 31, 2007 @ 11:15 am

     Dwight Howard would definately make my list too Jeremy. And I think he enjoys playing the center position. Imagine if he adds an outside touch before next season.

173. Jeremy Martin Said,

     May 31, 2007 @ 11:03 pm

     I think LeBron just earned his “King James” nickname tonight. He showed the heart of a champion out there on the court.

     I think he deserves an apology from you.

174. Aaron Ray Said,

     May 31, 2007 @ 11:17 pm

     Yo all I have to say is 48 points 9 rebounds 7 assists 2 steals 2 blocks…….KING JAMES!!!!!!!!

175. Eddie Said,

     May 31, 2007 @ 11:59 pm

     I think I deserve a thank you from him and his fans. I know for a fact he read my article as he did others and got his butt in the gym 3 hours before game time in each of the last three games and it paid off. That’s what you call motivating someone. I said work on the jumper he did and thus my analogy comes to effect.

     “Let me give you a war analogy – thus using the History degree I received from the University Of Illinois… The airplane and missile were the best inventions ever for war because they allowed you to strike from far distances and achieve great benefits without exhausting your troops and putting them in harms way consistently. The plane and the missile are also the most laborious to perfect because of cost and the time it takes to build them.( the three hours before each of the last three games)

     This use of weaponry softened up the defensive tactics of the enemies and made them come out in the open. Then the enemies would be taken advantage of” (consistent lay-ups by Lebron from 4th quater on, because the Pistons extended their defense and came out in the open)

     Looks to me thats exactly what happened. the shot was going and the lanes opened up. so again why should i apologize Jeremy?

176. Mallpha Said,

     June 1, 2007 @ 1:10 am

     Bryant is a selfish player MJ wanna be James plays for the team at a cost of his personal stats, I respect LeBron much more as a player and a person than Bryant with Kobe its all about him self not winning

177. Mark Said,

     June 1, 2007 @ 5:30 am

     Eddie your a great player and write excellent blogs, but, I REALLY DOUBT LEBRON HAD TIME TO READ YOUR ARTICLE, thus making YOU the REASON of his great performance tonight. Don’t gas your head up too much in taking responsibility for what he did tonight, because ALOT OF HIS JUMPERS WERE OFF BALANCE. The mechanics were still obviously off, still fading away to his left, but this time they were goin in, a night where the young star really shined on his god given talent to put the ball in the hoop, he was in a zone. Yeah he was in the gym earlier to shoot around, but his mechanics were still off. It had nothing to do with him reading your blog Ed lol.

     I agree that his shooting does need work along with a midrange game, but he’s only 22! Mj and Kobe didn’t have a consistant “J” until the middle part of their careers. Give Lebron some time and he’ll get there. He’s a different breed, the game has yet to have someone dominate and kill opponents with both the midrange game, to go along with the vision that he has when passing the ball, it’s gonna get ugly for all the other teams when they face Lebron for years to come!

     BUSS FAMILY STOP HAVING LATE NIGHT PARTIES AT THE STAPLES CENTER GETTING DRUNK, AND START FOCUSING ON YOUR BASKETBALL DUTIES AS OWNERS FOR ONE OF THE GREATEST FRANCHISES IN NBA HISTORY TO BRING IN SOME TALENT FOR OUR CITY!!!!

     Lakers for life!!!!

178. Marcus Barn Said,

     June 1, 2007 @ 6:14 am

     Eddie Eddie Eddie, why are all your articles after the fact. Yeah James struggled in the first two games of the series and yes he is overrated but why do you always have to write about something when you have facts to back it up. Now you claiming the reason he has turned his game around is because of your article. Gimma a break, he is only 22 of course he is not going to be perfect but even getting the Eastern conference finals is an accomplishment. Also for a guy who has avg over 27 ppg, 6 ast and 7 rebounds the last three season and has only been in the league four seasons is pretty dame good.

     Now they are up 3-2 in the series, is your next article going to say how your predicted this? I sure hope not.

179. CO BOY Said,

     June 1, 2007 @ 6:48 am

     LeBron had NO TIME in his day off to read your little article bashing him. You just doubted him like people have been doing his whole career and he proved you and everyone else wrong. I CAN’T believe you really want some credit for his performance.

180. Michael Bennett Said,

     June 1, 2007 @ 7:36 am

     Guys - Are there flames coming out of your eyes after reading Eddie’s article? Are you losing your grip on reality? Are you so angry it makes you dizzy? There needs to be a button on computer keyboards to press when you want to let people who are a little slooow know that you’re laying on the sarcasm pretty thick… or just plain joking.

     The fact is Eddie was almost 100% correct. And, I know for a fact that LeBron printed out a copy of Eddie’s article, and folded it up and put it in his shoe as a motivator/reminder.

     I said ALMOST, Eddie. I think LeBron is now “The Man, unstoppable, pure and close to perfection in the art of dominating” based off last night’s performance. And, if it’s like you said before, that a player is only as good as his last game, then WOWOWEEWOW!!!

     But, he WAS off-balance on most of his cluth shots. I don’t get it. He broke the rules. He did it the uncoventional way. How? That’s what great players do. It’s why we watch. I remember Michael Jordan… sick with the flue in Game 5 of the 1998 Finals against Utah… fatigued… hanging on to Scottie Pippen. When LeBron put his head on Drew Gooden’s shoulder, I immediately thought of MJ. Maybe it was because they were both great playoff moments… Maybe it’s because they wear the same number… Maybe it’s because I watched every second of every Jordan game from 1988 to 2003 and I’ve done the same with LeBron, and although their games are different, they share the same magic… I don’t know. What I do know is this…

     - Eddie Johnson is not a stand-up comedian, but he knows how to tell jokes and have fun in his blog.

     - LeBron James, at 22, is the best player in the NBA (him and Timmy).

     - Game 6 will be the only blowout of the series (Detroit is not only demoralized, they’re in awe - which is not the way to play in June).

     - This blog will NEVER end!!!

181. It's like I Said,

     June 1, 2007 @ 8:34 am

     TOLD YA SO LOSER!!! AND I BET YOU’LL THINK IT’S ALL BECAUSE OF YOUR BLOG.

182. Eric Ginsberg Said,

     June 1, 2007 @ 10:30 am

     Is LeBron overrated? If he is, it’s only because the media is so quick to label him “The next big thing”. The NBA needs market their product, so they fuel the fire.

     The truth is LeBron is an ultra talented 22 year old. Jordan didn’t become a household name until his late twenties, when Chicago started making Finals appearances. LeBron is close, but needs more time and a better supporting cast to become a winner like Bird,Magic and Jordan. Give him time.

183. Daniel Bedford Said,

     June 1, 2007 @ 11:07 am

     Anyway…. This is getting a little too personal here.

     If LeBron got further motivation from the column, Eddie, that’s great. He’s one of the classiest NBA players and it’s great to have him in the forefront, whereas Kobe is picking a bad time to show his selfish side. I don’t think LeBron will ever score 60/70 points because he’s always too focused on the overall perspective of team cohesion, winning, while still respecting his opponent. Kobe goes off to pad stats at times. LeBron will likely never do that.

184. Eddie Said,

     June 1, 2007 @ 11:13 am

     He made some unbelievable shots and yes he reads everything. Let me let you guys in on a secret. I am in the media and guess what i also know every coach in the NBA and guess what i also know every general manager and guess what i have a player source on every team in the NBA that i can pick up a phone and call to get any kind of info i want.

     Now how thankful are you guys like Marcus, Omar and the guy who should be mad at his parents for naming him “Its Like i said”

     READ THE ARTICLE.

     It broke down his weaknesses and exposed him and the true talent that he is got in the gym and put in extra work thats what the greats did. Jordan, Bird and Magic. But heck even guys like me did that when my game was not up to par.

     Look the problem with Lebron and all young guys is sometimes they forget and ignore what made them so good. (this is normal) The key is to get back in star mode before the others. Thats what made Jordan, Bird and Magic and now Kobe great. they made adjustments during the game. Thats the level Lebron has to get to and with his extra work he put in after game two. This shows his maturity and thats a positive.

     remember my response to Omar about shooting. i told him mechanics is not the most important part of shooting. it’s the result. Lebron although still a little off balance, but not near as off balance as he was in the first two games. case in point the behind the back dribble on Billups at the top of the key for a jumper(i tivo). Every bad mechanical shooter has a great day with results. the problem is that it’s hard to repeat when your body is doing so many things. Bottom line to all you guys who ride Lebron like the stock market. That means he will be up and down I want this wonderful talent to stay up.

     Stop looking and taking things from game to game. thats what people do that really don’t understand the game.

     Cleveland had this same situation with Detroit last year and lost. its not game to game with me. i know how hard it is to get out of a conference finals. I went to four and never got out.

     I guarantee you game by game hit and run guys with your comments. If Cleveland loses i will not say i told you so. thats not my style.

     Marcus –you obviously don’t know what i know and who i know, but i will tell you this. He did read my article and rather or not it spurred him or not. My point was on target. Get in a gym and work extra and he last night was unbelievable. I was so proud of him. Now let’s hope he gets some help for game 6.

185. Eddie Said,

     June 1, 2007 @ 11:14 am

     Daniel never say never. Lebron can opt out in a few years! Kobe had a right to be upset.

186. LBJ Said,

     June 1, 2007 @ 11:57 am

     LeBron did a great job last night. He really put the Cavs on his back. They need to get more from Gibson Gooden, Pavlovich, Hughes and Marshall because I’m sure Prince will do whatever he can to try to control LeBron in the next game. If those guys can give them 40-60 points between them somehow it should translate into a win. Z had a solid game last night. Looking at the box score you can’t help but notice that Webber was the only player in the Piston top 5 that shot better than 50%. That really hurt Detroit.

187. Michael Bennett Said,

     June 1, 2007 @ 12:04 pm

     Kobe did have the right to be upset… in private. But, that’s for another blog! Eddie - Are you going to write something? Or, are you waiting for a little more info on the situation? Do you have the same “insider” on the LAL as Kobe was talking about? (hardee, har, har) Who’s your insider on CLE? I (kinda) know one of the horsemen… if you want his #, let me know in email…

     How many of you think Cleveland will win in G6?

188. LBJ Said,

     June 1, 2007 @ 12:29 pm

     I don’t know why Kobe is so upset. He got what he wanted when Shaq was moved he wanted to be “the man”. He can take as many shots as he wants. The thing that really messed that team up was they had Shaq who at that time could’ve won a title with just about any team. You can’t do the same with Kobe. If you made them both the same age Shaq would give you the best chance at a title. Kobe throws up huge scoring numbers but that can only get you so far.

     It’s hard to belive that at one time the Lakers had 4 Allstars on that team in the late 90’s and only Kobe is left of the 4. Plus Elden Campbell. Had they played there cards right they could’ve atleast put a better package together for those guys. Only Odom remains from the Heat trade and I guess they got Kwame Brown for Caron Butler.

189. BallerDIEVER Said,

     June 1, 2007 @ 1:50 pm

     So…Lebron v.s. Wade…Wade did it on his homecourt, against a poor defensive team and with plenty of help of Payton, Posey and Haslem…good…Lebron did it on the road, against one of the best defensive teams on the NBA and ALONE…thats greatness…all the people saying that Wade carried his team alone last year in the finals should buy a copy of yesterday’s game and see how can just one guy do it ALL BY HIMSELF. People forget the fact that Payton, Posey and Haslem made some key baskets and plays on clutch time, and they give all the credit to Wade…well this is the first time in my life ive seen a person do it all by himself offensively in such a big stage and with so many factors (the crowd, the experienced team, the preassure).
     Oh, i forgot, Lebron made a lot of jump shots, and really away from the basket AND over the defender and didnt got so many calls as Wade, who can only shot near jumpers and make penetrations, and always draws fouls that dont exist…So…Wade lovers, someone surprassed your boy, all hail THE KING!

190. Eddie Said,

     June 1, 2007 @ 2:02 pm

     Confernce ramblings out in a little bit. i am sure you guys will have some fun with what i say in this one.

     I respect everyone of you guys opinions that but thought into it. don’t take it personal (-:

191. Eddie Said,

     June 1, 2007 @ 2:03 pm

     sorry about english (-: I meant that put thought into it.

192. Jay Blaze Said,

     June 1, 2007 @ 4:27 pm

     Eddie,

     I know this off the topic but I’m from Chicago and you’re an Illini alum.
     Why did Jeffrey Jordan go to Illinois as a walk on versus going to mid-major? Did Michael pull some strings? Did you see what Eric Gordon, who will be in the same conference at Indiana, from Nap Town do to him on National TV? 40 points…with MJ on the sidelines watching!!
     Why was Loyola Academy even on ESPN reppin Chicago?

     What is the rational behind all this foolishness going on? You really need to go and help Webber recruit. D Will from Utah also looked real good in the playoffs. He’s becoming a beast.

193. It's like I Said,

     June 1, 2007 @ 5:11 pm

     Hey Eddie, I’m just joshing. I love your articles and respect your opinion. I was just feeling giddy!

194. It's like I Said,

     June 1, 2007 @ 5:26 pm

     We’ll find out if he’s king in game 6? This is semantic garbage. Really. The masses came up with this ridiculously unrealistic moniker, so why debate it. “His coronation is tonight”…”until he takes the cavs to the next level, he’s a mere prince”….”yeah…king….like, whatever”….you know, the same drivel printed everyday. if by “king” it is meant the best player in the league, of course it would get tired very fast debating this after every game. but by using king, there are just has so many stupid ways to do it that people can’t resist themselves. Who cares. Why don’t we discuss whether he’s another LBJ? I guess we’ll have to wait to see if Detroit wins this series or the Cavs lose to the Spurs in the finals so we can say he lead his team into conflicts they have no place being involved in. Someone else can finish that story.

195. lollers Said,

     June 1, 2007 @ 10:14 pm

     all the james haters must feel like idiots after his game 5 performance. It doesnt matter about one on ones it matters if your team is still in the playoffs or not. Who cares if other players can beat him one on one all that matters is that he took his team to the conference finals, and possibly a championship.

196. Ronnir Said,

     June 2, 2007 @ 5:19 pm

     I am literally laughing my ass of at Eddie trying to take credit for Lebron’s performance. Come on man you can’t be serious. Instead of admitting you were wrong and jumped the gun after a couple off games from Lebron you’re actually saying that this article was what gave him the motivation? You basically repeated what every Lebron basher has been saying since he got into the league and trying to act like you said something unique. Do you really think that Lebron read this and came to some big revelation that his jumper needed work? He’s known his jumper needed work since highschool and despite how you claim that Lebron “refused to work on it” he has worked hard on it since his rookie season and shown significant improvement. We didn’t need to see him get hot and hit some crazy jumpers against Detroit to see that.

197. Sinbad Smythe Said,

     June 3, 2007 @ 7:31 am

     It is too early to compare the two. Lebron James is still in his prime and playing. Look at http://www.espnhub.blogspot.com/ which is more appropriate

198. Yeah Said,

     June 3, 2007 @ 2:35 pm

     wow Lebron Just made this guy who wrote that article look like an IDIOTS — That was a Stupid article to write
     Now what ?

199. Mh Said,

     June 3, 2007 @ 10:06 pm

     Eddie your blogs are great, no hard feelings are involved!

     Btw, growing up in Seattle, the Sonics roster that had you, ricky pierce, a young shawn kemp, gp, and Dana Barros was one of the most exciting teams that was ever established. I’m still saddened that we didn’t come out with a title in any of those years!

     Looking forward to more of your blogs!

200. NiWdLe Said,

     June 4, 2007 @ 12:51 am

     you’re right eddie! you have every right to take credit for what lebron did in the last 3 games… but i noticed that lebron went to his old ways of being so passive it just so happened that daniel gibson went on fire! haha congrats to the cavs. hey eddie this is off topic but i want to know more of how to control the game like magic and lebron did… basketball will be very nice game to play that making your teamates happy and also elevating their game… im short so i want to be of a point guard though im more of a shooter like you… haha i simply relate to the mechanics your teaching here…

201. Jackie Said,

     June 4, 2007 @ 3:07 pm

     Okay, all you back off LeBron.He is the best player in the league for sure, if not the best player ever! You guys are so scared that someone has finally come along that will kick Kobe’s butt and you don’t want to admit it. Kobe is a ball hog, and LeBron could be too, but hes not. He is not so full of himself he shoots the ball every possession. If the Lakers played the Cavs, without LeBron and Kobe,the Lakers would win. Kobe has other good players, and LeBron has ZERO! LeBron James is 22 years old and brought his team, all my himself to the nba finals. No superstar in history has ever done that before, they always have another good player, but not LeBron. Plus, LeBron is the youngest of all, Micheal and Kobe could not compare to LeBron when they were his age. LeBron James and D. Wade and the best players in the nba right now. Kobe Bryant is over rated and he needs to get over himself. LeBron can take his team, the worst team in the nba without him, to the finals but Kobe can’t. Thats shows right there.

     And about the bad shooting. Did you see gave 5? No player ever in history had a better performance than that. He played one of the best teams in the league and won..1 on 5. He proved that night that he is the King and the best player ever. He was the only player on the cavs to score the last 17 minutes of the game, the last 29 of the teams 30 points. Did you see the shots he made? yeah, no other player could have done that in the clutch! He is an amazing player, and still young. There is no doubt he is the best player. he is not exactly MJ and no one will ever exactly be him. King James is an unbelievable player now, and i cant even imagine him in the future!

202. JP Said,

     June 11, 2007 @ 7:21 pm

     What a fire you have started Eddie!
     I totally agree with your article.
     Lebron will probably get there with maturity.
     Jordan and Kobe are cut from the same cloth, fierce, intense, step on your neck closers. Lebron has the talent to one day join those two.
     Jordan and Kobe were never satisfied with their game and continue(d)
     to improve their dominance on the court. I actually believe BOTH Jordan and Kobe have at one time or another elevated their teammates. Jordan in his hayday and Kobe’s 3-peat.
     Phil Jackson even wrote that no one ever had to motivate those two players, but the one who was tough to motivate was Shaq ( who wrongly receives ALL of the credit for those 3 championships.)
     Kobe’s competive nature rubbed off on the rest of the Lakers and he lead by example. Shaq always said one thing and did another.
     Ask Riley, didn’t he want a refund!

203. satchseven Said,

     June 13, 2007 @ 4:30 pm

     first time on this site.eddie i like what you say.the kobe haters are childish and naive .i,ve been watching the nba since 1973 and you are right on a lot of subjects.the nba is unwatchable for a lot of longtime fans.too many blown 3on 2 fastbreaks ,guys making big bucks bricking it up.it was a time you started at big guard or small foward you had to be able to shoot.that is not the case any more.it is apparent as hell these guys today need to get rid of the hanger-ons and work on their shots.too many of their games are no better today than when they first stepped in the nba.

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     February 20, 2008 @ 8:44 am

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     “So it doesn’t matter whether they are in the office, in an Internet cafe, or using their mobile phone,” he

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