"The Decision" in retrospect

[pololax]

Originally Posted by 2heavencent0

Originally Posted by PoloLax

We all know how good of a player LeBron is. There's no denying his ability and talents, but what bothered me about "The Decision" was the simple fact that he went to Miami to win a ring knowing he would have two other excellent players with him. I mean if your as good as LeBron is and have Wade and Bosh on your side there shouldn't be any reason on why you can't win a championship.

However to me that doesn't make you an "elite" player as say Jordan or Kobe. When Kobe and Shaq were winning alot of people questioned if Kobe can do it alone. Kobe has proved he can win rings without Shaq. Jordan won them without superstars (You can argue Pippen, but that's another topic). Now we may never know if LeBron can do it "alone". I mean, we don't even know if he can do it with Wade and Bosh, but I'm thinking they might be able too.

Cleveland was winning with LeBron but they couldn't get over the hump? Is that the organization's fault? I don't believe so. Great players have the ability to get their team to the top, they make everyone around them better. LeBron was doing that in Cleveland, but he couldn' take them to the promise land. Was he frustrated he was in Cleveland? I don't know but if he believes he's the greatest then don't you think as the greatest he would do whatever possible to get Cleveland the ring?

I know this has been beaten to death before but I think he made the wrong decision going to Miami. To me it seemed like the easy way out to win a title while having tremendous amounts of fun at the same time. Now imagine if he took Cleveland all the way, that would have made him look that much better than him having a "part" in taking Miami all the way.

Michael Jordan had the greatest coach off all time, Scottie Pippen is one of the 50 greatest players, Rodman hall of famer... Kobe Shaq and that team... then Gasol, Odom, Bynum, Artest...


These guys had way more than LBJ did Cle.. The great ones did it alone argument is BOGUS.... 

So do you think without Kobe, the current Lakers would contend for a title year in year out? I understand the Bulls argument, Rodman and Pippen were definitely great players, but once again would they have won as many rings without Jordan? The fact is Kobe and Jordan made those guys who were already good/great players even better. LeBron didn't win 58 games in Cleveland alone, he made his team better.

Obviously the Lakers and the Bulls of those era's are better than what Cleveland put on the floor but I'm all saying is, would those teams would have won titles without their key player? The best players get the best out of their teamates, for some reason I believe LeBron didn't have that impact. If he stayed in Cleveland I honest to god think they would have won a championship, I do believe that.

  

 

[pololax]

Originally Posted by 2heavencent0

Originally Posted by PoloLax

We all know how good of a player LeBron is. There's no denying his ability and talents, but what bothered me about "The Decision" was the simple fact that he went to Miami to win a ring knowing he would have two other excellent players with him. I mean if your as good as LeBron is and have Wade and Bosh on your side there shouldn't be any reason on why you can't win a championship.

However to me that doesn't make you an "elite" player as say Jordan or Kobe. When Kobe and Shaq were winning alot of people questioned if Kobe can do it alone. Kobe has proved he can win rings without Shaq. Jordan won them without superstars (You can argue Pippen, but that's another topic). Now we may never know if LeBron can do it "alone". I mean, we don't even know if he can do it with Wade and Bosh, but I'm thinking they might be able too.

Cleveland was winning with LeBron but they couldn't get over the hump? Is that the organization's fault? I don't believe so. Great players have the ability to get their team to the top, they make everyone around them better. LeBron was doing that in Cleveland, but he couldn' take them to the promise land. Was he frustrated he was in Cleveland? I don't know but if he believes he's the greatest then don't you think as the greatest he would do whatever possible to get Cleveland the ring?

I know this has been beaten to death before but I think he made the wrong decision going to Miami. To me it seemed like the easy way out to win a title while having tremendous amounts of fun at the same time. Now imagine if he took Cleveland all the way, that would have made him look that much better than him having a "part" in taking Miami all the way.

Michael Jordan had the greatest coach off all time, Scottie Pippen is one of the 50 greatest players, Rodman hall of famer... Kobe Shaq and that team... then Gasol, Odom, Bynum, Artest...


These guys had way more than LBJ did Cle.. The great ones did it alone argument is BOGUS.... 

So do you think without Kobe, the current Lakers would contend for a title year in year out? I understand the Bulls argument, Rodman and Pippen were definitely great players, but once again would they have won as many rings without Jordan? The fact is Kobe and Jordan made those guys who were already good/great players even better. LeBron didn't win 58 games in Cleveland alone, he made his team better.

Obviously the Lakers and the Bulls of those era's are better than what Cleveland put on the floor but I'm all saying is, would those teams would have won titles without their key player? The best players get the best out of their teamates, for some reason I believe LeBron didn't have that impact. If he stayed in Cleveland I honest to god think they would have won a championship, I do believe that.

  

 

[2heavencent0]

Originally Posted by PoloLax

Originally Posted by 2heavencent0

Originally Posted by PoloLax

We all know how good of a player LeBron is. There's no denying his ability and talents, but what bothered me about "The Decision" was the simple fact that he went to Miami to win a ring knowing he would have two other excellent players with him. I mean if your as good as LeBron is and have Wade and Bosh on your side there shouldn't be any reason on why you can't win a championship.

However to me that doesn't make you an "elite" player as say Jordan or Kobe. When Kobe and Shaq were winning alot of people questioned if Kobe can do it alone. Kobe has proved he can win rings without Shaq. Jordan won them without superstars (You can argue Pippen, but that's another topic). Now we may never know if LeBron can do it "alone". I mean, we don't even know if he can do it with Wade and Bosh, but I'm thinking they might be able too.

Cleveland was winning with LeBron but they couldn't get over the hump? Is that the organization's fault? I don't believe so. Great players have the ability to get their team to the top, they make everyone around them better. LeBron was doing that in Cleveland, but he couldn' take them to the promise land. Was he frustrated he was in Cleveland? I don't know but if he believes he's the greatest then don't you think as the greatest he would do whatever possible to get Cleveland the ring?

I know this has been beaten to death before but I think he made the wrong decision going to Miami. To me it seemed like the easy way out to win a title while having tremendous amounts of fun at the same time. Now imagine if he took Cleveland all the way, that would have made him look that much better than him having a "part" in taking Miami all the way.

Michael Jordan had the greatest coach off all time, Scottie Pippen is one of the 50 greatest players, Rodman hall of famer... Kobe Shaq and that team... then Gasol, Odom, Bynum, Artest...


These guys had way more than LBJ did Cle.. The great ones did it alone argument is BOGUS.... 

So do you think without Kobe, the current Lakers would contend for a title year in year out? I understand the Bulls argument, Rodman and Pippen were definitely great players, but once again would they have won as many rings without Jordan? The fact is Kobe and Jordan made those guys who were already good/great players even better. LeBron didn't win 58 games in Cleveland alone, he made his team better.

Obviously the Lakers and the Bulls of those era's are better than what Cleveland put on the floor but I'm all saying is, would those teams would have won titles without their key player? The best players get the best out of their teamates, for some reason I believe LeBron didn't have that impact. If he stayed in Cleveland I honest to god think they would have won a championship, I do believe that.

  

The current Lakers would be a playoff team without Kobe... not championship contending but Playoff bound... The Cavs won 17 games...Jamario Moon is no Lamar Odom... Mo WIlliams is no Derek Fisher...Anderson Verajao is no Pau Gasol... So when you are playing with other elite players you can have off nights... when Lebron had an off night the CAVS lost by 20.. Your Lakers won an NBA finals game 7 with Kobe having an off night
 Im just sayin

 

[2heavencent0]

Originally Posted by PoloLax

Originally Posted by 2heavencent0

Originally Posted by PoloLax

We all know how good of a player LeBron is. There's no denying his ability and talents, but what bothered me about "The Decision" was the simple fact that he went to Miami to win a ring knowing he would have two other excellent players with him. I mean if your as good as LeBron is and have Wade and Bosh on your side there shouldn't be any reason on why you can't win a championship.

However to me that doesn't make you an "elite" player as say Jordan or Kobe. When Kobe and Shaq were winning alot of people questioned if Kobe can do it alone. Kobe has proved he can win rings without Shaq. Jordan won them without superstars (You can argue Pippen, but that's another topic). Now we may never know if LeBron can do it "alone". I mean, we don't even know if he can do it with Wade and Bosh, but I'm thinking they might be able too.

Cleveland was winning with LeBron but they couldn't get over the hump? Is that the organization's fault? I don't believe so. Great players have the ability to get their team to the top, they make everyone around them better. LeBron was doing that in Cleveland, but he couldn' take them to the promise land. Was he frustrated he was in Cleveland? I don't know but if he believes he's the greatest then don't you think as the greatest he would do whatever possible to get Cleveland the ring?

I know this has been beaten to death before but I think he made the wrong decision going to Miami. To me it seemed like the easy way out to win a title while having tremendous amounts of fun at the same time. Now imagine if he took Cleveland all the way, that would have made him look that much better than him having a "part" in taking Miami all the way.

Michael Jordan had the greatest coach off all time, Scottie Pippen is one of the 50 greatest players, Rodman hall of famer... Kobe Shaq and that team... then Gasol, Odom, Bynum, Artest...


These guys had way more than LBJ did Cle.. The great ones did it alone argument is BOGUS.... 

So do you think without Kobe, the current Lakers would contend for a title year in year out? I understand the Bulls argument, Rodman and Pippen were definitely great players, but once again would they have won as many rings without Jordan? The fact is Kobe and Jordan made those guys who were already good/great players even better. LeBron didn't win 58 games in Cleveland alone, he made his team better.

Obviously the Lakers and the Bulls of those era's are better than what Cleveland put on the floor but I'm all saying is, would those teams would have won titles without their key player? The best players get the best out of their teamates, for some reason I believe LeBron didn't have that impact. If he stayed in Cleveland I honest to god think they would have won a championship, I do believe that.

  

The current Lakers would be a playoff team without Kobe... not championship contending but Playoff bound... The Cavs won 17 games...Jamario Moon is no Lamar Odom... Mo WIlliams is no Derek Fisher...Anderson Verajao is no Pau Gasol... So when you are playing with other elite players you can have off nights... when Lebron had an off night the CAVS lost by 20.. Your Lakers won an NBA finals game 7 with Kobe having an off night
 Im just sayin

 

[salbah3]

Originally Posted by 2heavencent0

Originally Posted by PoloLax

Originally Posted by 2heavencent0

Michael Jordan had the greatest coach off all time, Scottie Pippen is one of the 50 greatest players, Rodman hall of famer... Kobe Shaq and that team... then Gasol, Odom, Bynum, Artest...


These guys had way more than LBJ did Cle.. The great ones did it alone argument is BOGUS.... 

So do you think without Kobe, the current Lakers would contend for a title year in year out? I understand the Bulls argument, Rodman and Pippen were definitely great players, but once again would they have won as many rings without Jordan? The fact is Kobe and Jordan made those guys who were already good/great players even better. LeBron didn't win 58 games in Cleveland alone, he made his team better.

Obviously the Lakers and the Bulls of those era's are better than what Cleveland put on the floor but I'm all saying is, would those teams would have won titles without their key player? The best players get the best out of their teamates, for some reason I believe LeBron didn't have that impact. If he stayed in Cleveland I honest to god think they would have won a championship, I do believe that.

  

The current Lakers would be a playoff team without Kobe... not championship contending but Playoff bound... The Cavs won 17 games...Jamario Moon is no Lamar Odom... Mo WIlliams is no Derek Fisher...Anderson Verajao is no Pau Gasol... So when you are playing with other elite players you can have off nights... when Lebron had an off night the CAVS lost by 20.. Your Lakers won an NBA finals game 7 with Kobe having an off night
 Im just sayin

They both needed each other, I doubt Jordan and Kobe would have as many rings if they didn't have their supporting cast and vice versa. Cleveland couldn't really attract anyone else and if your sidekick is Mo Williams you ain't winning sssshhh

 

[salbah3]

Originally Posted by 2heavencent0

Originally Posted by PoloLax

Originally Posted by 2heavencent0

Michael Jordan had the greatest coach off all time, Scottie Pippen is one of the 50 greatest players, Rodman hall of famer... Kobe Shaq and that team... then Gasol, Odom, Bynum, Artest...


These guys had way more than LBJ did Cle.. The great ones did it alone argument is BOGUS.... 

So do you think without Kobe, the current Lakers would contend for a title year in year out? I understand the Bulls argument, Rodman and Pippen were definitely great players, but once again would they have won as many rings without Jordan? The fact is Kobe and Jordan made those guys who were already good/great players even better. LeBron didn't win 58 games in Cleveland alone, he made his team better.

Obviously the Lakers and the Bulls of those era's are better than what Cleveland put on the floor but I'm all saying is, would those teams would have won titles without their key player? The best players get the best out of their teamates, for some reason I believe LeBron didn't have that impact. If he stayed in Cleveland I honest to god think they would have won a championship, I do believe that.

  

The current Lakers would be a playoff team without Kobe... not championship contending but Playoff bound... The Cavs won 17 games...Jamario Moon is no Lamar Odom... Mo WIlliams is no Derek Fisher...Anderson Verajao is no Pau Gasol... So when you are playing with other elite players you can have off nights... when Lebron had an off night the CAVS lost by 20.. Your Lakers won an NBA finals game 7 with Kobe having an off night
 Im just sayin

They both needed each other, I doubt Jordan and Kobe would have as many rings if they didn't have their supporting cast and vice versa. Cleveland couldn't really attract anyone else and if your sidekick is Mo Williams you ain't winning sssshhh

 

[2heavencent0]

Originally Posted by salbah3

Originally Posted by 2heavencent0

Originally Posted by PoloLax


So do you think without Kobe, the current Lakers would contend for a title year in year out? I understand the Bulls argument, Rodman and Pippen were definitely great players, but once again would they have won as many rings without Jordan? The fact is Kobe and Jordan made those guys who were already good/great players even better. LeBron didn't win 58 games in Cleveland alone, he made his team better.

Obviously the Lakers and the Bulls of those era's are better than what Cleveland put on the floor but I'm all saying is, would those teams would have won titles without their key player? The best players get the best out of their teamates, for some reason I believe LeBron didn't have that impact. If he stayed in Cleveland I honest to god think they would have won a championship, I do believe that.

  

The current Lakers would be a playoff team without Kobe... not championship contending but Playoff bound... The Cavs won 17 games...Jamario Moon is no Lamar Odom... Mo WIlliams is no Derek Fisher...Anderson Verajao is no Pau Gasol... So when you are playing with other elite players you can have off nights... when Lebron had an off night the CAVS lost by 20.. Your Lakers won an NBA finals game 7 with Kobe having an off night
 Im just sayin

They both needed each other, I doubt Jordan and Kobe would have as many rings if they didn't have their supporting cast and vice versa. Cleveland couldn't really attract anyone else and if your sidekick is Mo Williams you ain't winning sssshhh

Agreed on both counts... 

 

[2heavencent0]

Originally Posted by salbah3

Originally Posted by 2heavencent0

Originally Posted by PoloLax


So do you think without Kobe, the current Lakers would contend for a title year in year out? I understand the Bulls argument, Rodman and Pippen were definitely great players, but once again would they have won as many rings without Jordan? The fact is Kobe and Jordan made those guys who were already good/great players even better. LeBron didn't win 58 games in Cleveland alone, he made his team better.

Obviously the Lakers and the Bulls of those era's are better than what Cleveland put on the floor but I'm all saying is, would those teams would have won titles without their key player? The best players get the best out of their teamates, for some reason I believe LeBron didn't have that impact. If he stayed in Cleveland I honest to god think they would have won a championship, I do believe that.

  

The current Lakers would be a playoff team without Kobe... not championship contending but Playoff bound... The Cavs won 17 games...Jamario Moon is no Lamar Odom... Mo WIlliams is no Derek Fisher...Anderson Verajao is no Pau Gasol... So when you are playing with other elite players you can have off nights... when Lebron had an off night the CAVS lost by 20.. Your Lakers won an NBA finals game 7 with Kobe having an off night
 Im just sayin

They both needed each other, I doubt Jordan and Kobe would have as many rings if they didn't have their supporting cast and vice versa. Cleveland couldn't really attract anyone else and if your sidekick is Mo Williams you ain't winning sssshhh

Agreed on both counts... 

 

[dland24]

Originally Posted by 2heavencent0

Originally Posted by PoloLax

Originally Posted by 2heavencent0

Michael Jordan had the greatest coach off all time, Scottie Pippen is one of the 50 greatest players, Rodman hall of famer... Kobe Shaq and that team... then Gasol, Odom, Bynum, Artest...


These guys had way more than LBJ did Cle.. The great ones did it alone argument is BOGUS.... 

So do you think without Kobe, the current Lakers would contend for a title year in year out? I understand the Bulls argument, Rodman and Pippen were definitely great players, but once again would they have won as many rings without Jordan? The fact is Kobe and Jordan made those guys who were already good/great players even better. LeBron didn't win 58 games in Cleveland alone, he made his team better.

Obviously the Lakers and the Bulls of those era's are better than what Cleveland put on the floor but I'm all saying is, would those teams would have won titles without their key player? The best players get the best out of their teamates, for some reason I believe LeBron didn't have that impact. If he stayed in Cleveland I honest to god think they would have won a championship, I do believe that.

  

The current Lakers would be a playoff team without Kobe... not championship contending but Playoff bound... The Cavs won 17 games...Jamario Moon is no Lamar Odom... Mo WIlliams is no Derek Fisher...Anderson Verajao is no Pau Gasol... So when you are playing with other elite players you can have off nights... when Lebron had an off night the CAVS lost by 20.. Your Lakers won an NBA finals game 7 with Kobe having an off night
 Im just sayin

The current Laker team would be a BORDERLINE playoff team at best without Kobe.  Dont mean to derail this thread by responding to this comment, but I dont think this team is a lock to make the playoffs sans Kobe.  No chance.  3 good to very good big men, limited wing scoring, below average point running the offense. 

I retract my previous statement.  The Lakers would not be a playoff team without Kobe.  In the East, yes....but not in the West.

 

[dland24]

Originally Posted by 2heavencent0

Originally Posted by PoloLax

Originally Posted by 2heavencent0

Michael Jordan had the greatest coach off all time, Scottie Pippen is one of the 50 greatest players, Rodman hall of famer... Kobe Shaq and that team... then Gasol, Odom, Bynum, Artest...


These guys had way more than LBJ did Cle.. The great ones did it alone argument is BOGUS.... 

So do you think without Kobe, the current Lakers would contend for a title year in year out? I understand the Bulls argument, Rodman and Pippen were definitely great players, but once again would they have won as many rings without Jordan? The fact is Kobe and Jordan made those guys who were already good/great players even better. LeBron didn't win 58 games in Cleveland alone, he made his team better.

Obviously the Lakers and the Bulls of those era's are better than what Cleveland put on the floor but I'm all saying is, would those teams would have won titles without their key player? The best players get the best out of their teamates, for some reason I believe LeBron didn't have that impact. If he stayed in Cleveland I honest to god think they would have won a championship, I do believe that.

  

The current Lakers would be a playoff team without Kobe... not championship contending but Playoff bound... The Cavs won 17 games...Jamario Moon is no Lamar Odom... Mo WIlliams is no Derek Fisher...Anderson Verajao is no Pau Gasol... So when you are playing with other elite players you can have off nights... when Lebron had an off night the CAVS lost by 20.. Your Lakers won an NBA finals game 7 with Kobe having an off night
 Im just sayin

The current Laker team would be a BORDERLINE playoff team at best without Kobe.  Dont mean to derail this thread by responding to this comment, but I dont think this team is a lock to make the playoffs sans Kobe.  No chance.  3 good to very good big men, limited wing scoring, below average point running the offense. 

I retract my previous statement.  The Lakers would not be a playoff team without Kobe.  In the East, yes....but not in the West.

 

[acidicality]

IMO, the Lakers team would absolutely be a playoff team in the West without Kobe. Their frontcourt alone is enough to give many teams problems, and having a great frontcourt in the NBA (and basketball, in general) is a recipe for success. I'd put them anywhere between the 5-8 seed without him.

But back on topic, it was the way LeBron conducted himself, but I do feel that with time, as long as he can win a few titles, people will forget about it.

 

[acidicality]

IMO, the Lakers team would absolutely be a playoff team in the West without Kobe. Their frontcourt alone is enough to give many teams problems, and having a great frontcourt in the NBA (and basketball, in general) is a recipe for success. I'd put them anywhere between the 5-8 seed without him.

But back on topic, it was the way LeBron conducted himself, but I do feel that with time, as long as he can win a few titles, people will forget about it.

 

[lukethejediknight]

"I retract my previous statement.  The Lakers would not be a playoff team without Kobe.  In the East, yes....but not in the West."

The Lakers are still a WESTERN playoff team without Kobe. Titles would be harder to come by, but then again Kobe didn't win again without a great presence in the post.

 

[lukethejediknight]

"I retract my previous statement.  The Lakers would not be a playoff team without Kobe.  In the East, yes....but not in the West."

The Lakers are still a WESTERN playoff team without Kobe. Titles would be harder to come by, but then again Kobe didn't win again without a great presence in the post.

 

[dland24]

Originally Posted by acidicality

IMO, the Lakers team would absolutely be a playoff team in the West without Kobe. Their frontcourt alone is enough to give many teams problems, and having a great frontcourt in the NBA (and basketball, in general) is a recipe for success. I'd put them anywhere between the 5-8 seed without him. 

Strongly disagree.  The way the Lakers are currently constructed, you take Mamba off the team, you have a slightly better version of the current Utah Jazz.  And the Jazz played with Deron Williams for over half the season.  So the Deron Williams for half the season completely eliminates the slight edge that the Kobeless Lakers would have over the Jazz.  The Jazz have won 36 games this year.

Just sayin.  Back to the topic.

 

[dland24]

Originally Posted by acidicality

IMO, the Lakers team would absolutely be a playoff team in the West without Kobe. Their frontcourt alone is enough to give many teams problems, and having a great frontcourt in the NBA (and basketball, in general) is a recipe for success. I'd put them anywhere between the 5-8 seed without him. 

Strongly disagree.  The way the Lakers are currently constructed, you take Mamba off the team, you have a slightly better version of the current Utah Jazz.  And the Jazz played with Deron Williams for over half the season.  So the Deron Williams for half the season completely eliminates the slight edge that the Kobeless Lakers would have over the Jazz.  The Jazz have won 36 games this year.

Just sayin.  Back to the topic.

 

[Bad Religion]

Only thing I mildly disagree with is Kobe having a bad game last year. he had an awful shooting game, but made up for it with 15(or there about) boards and some great defense. Not a great game, but not a bad game.
My personal distaste for Lebron is that I always get the feeling that he no longer cares about the sport or love of the game, but making as much money and setting himself up to be an icon.

Not saying I wouldnt do the exact same thing, however, as a fan it makes me really dislike him.

 

[Bad Religion]

Only thing I mildly disagree with is Kobe having a bad game last year. he had an awful shooting game, but made up for it with 15(or there about) boards and some great defense. Not a great game, but not a bad game.
My personal distaste for Lebron is that I always get the feeling that he no longer cares about the sport or love of the game, but making as much money and setting himself up to be an icon.

Not saying I wouldnt do the exact same thing, however, as a fan it makes me really dislike him.

 

[nublee]

Originally Posted by DARTH DNZY

--The Decision was just a masquerade to hide his royal QUITNESS.

oh look, ANOTHER play on the word "witness" 

 

[nublee]

Originally Posted by DARTH DNZY

--The Decision was just a masquerade to hide his royal QUITNESS.

oh look, ANOTHER play on the word "witness" 

 

[p0tat0 5alad]

Originally Posted by empirestrikesfirst

Only thing I mildly disagree with is Kobe having a bad game last year. he had an awful shooting game, but made up for it with 15(or there about) boards and some great defense. Not a great game, but not a bad game.
My personal distaste for Lebron is that I always get the feeling that he no longer cares about the sport or love of the game, but making as much money and setting himself up to be an icon.

Not saying I wouldnt do the exact same thing, however, as a fan it makes me really dislike him.

I disagree. He may not play as hard as now as he would in Cleveland (not required for the Heat to still be able to win) but I don't agree that he doesn't care about basketball. If anything, I think D12 cares more about his life outside of basketball than LeBron James. He is trying too hard to transcend the sport IMO.
But back to the topic at hand, The Decision was handled poorly, blah blah blah. We saw LeBron's true colors, blah blah blah. He didn't need to hurt those poor Cleveland fans, blah blah blah...

 

[p0tat0 5alad]

Originally Posted by empirestrikesfirst

Only thing I mildly disagree with is Kobe having a bad game last year. he had an awful shooting game, but made up for it with 15(or there about) boards and some great defense. Not a great game, but not a bad game.
My personal distaste for Lebron is that I always get the feeling that he no longer cares about the sport or love of the game, but making as much money and setting himself up to be an icon.

Not saying I wouldnt do the exact same thing, however, as a fan it makes me really dislike him.

I disagree. He may not play as hard as now as he would in Cleveland (not required for the Heat to still be able to win) but I don't agree that he doesn't care about basketball. If anything, I think D12 cares more about his life outside of basketball than LeBron James. He is trying too hard to transcend the sport IMO.
But back to the topic at hand, The Decision was handled poorly, blah blah blah. We saw LeBron's true colors, blah blah blah. He didn't need to hurt those poor Cleveland fans, blah blah blah...

 

[lukethejediknight]

Originally Posted by dland24

Originally Posted by acidicality

IMO, the Lakers team would absolutely be a playoff team in the West without Kobe. Their frontcourt alone is enough to give many teams problems, and having a great frontcourt in the NBA (and basketball, in general) is a recipe for success. I'd put them anywhere between the 5-8 seed without him. 

Strongly disagree.  The way the Lakers are currently constructed, you take Mamba off the team, you have a slightly better version of the current Utah Jazz.  And the Jazz played with Deron Williams for over half the season.  So the Deron Williams for half the season completely eliminates the slight edge that the Kobeless Lakers would have over the Jazz.  The Jazz have won 36 games this year.

Just sayin.  Back to the topic.

If you think that he cast around Deron Williams in Utah is in the same league as Bryant's in LA, you clearly don't watch basketball.

 

[lukethejediknight]

Originally Posted by dland24

Originally Posted by acidicality

IMO, the Lakers team would absolutely be a playoff team in the West without Kobe. Their frontcourt alone is enough to give many teams problems, and having a great frontcourt in the NBA (and basketball, in general) is a recipe for success. I'd put them anywhere between the 5-8 seed without him. 

Strongly disagree.  The way the Lakers are currently constructed, you take Mamba off the team, you have a slightly better version of the current Utah Jazz.  And the Jazz played with Deron Williams for over half the season.  So the Deron Williams for half the season completely eliminates the slight edge that the Kobeless Lakers would have over the Jazz.  The Jazz have won 36 games this year.

Just sayin.  Back to the topic.

If you think that he cast around Deron Williams in Utah is in the same league as Bryant's in LA, you clearly don't watch basketball.

 

[bratz dos]

the only way he could have justified holding his own "Decision" special is if he announced he was staying in Cleveland. jumping ship on national tv just made him look like a scumbag.

but thats also ESPN for ya. im sure they would hold an hour long special every time a star signs a contract. Cliff Lee probably turned them down.