LABron James Discussion: The Final Year?

Didn't take long for new material to add to the site:

 

calls the closer on the team, and bona fide NBA All Star a "kid"

He truly will never get it. Doesn't realize how arrogant and narcissistic he is. I hope you all change your mind on wanting this douche on the Lakers.

 

his interview sadly went up from there. was really hoping to hate it all

 

I'm sure we all understand that it is media day throughout the NBA and there will be plenty of soundbytes and quotes that may be taken out of context. I'm not judging anything that's quoted until I see how it was said within the context of a Q&A. If a reporter asked Labron something alluding to his game declining and he answered it within that context, then what's wrong with what LaBron said?

In a country where "divisiveness" is the new chill, I don't understand the hate for this guy in terms of being a Laker. If you're a Cavs fan...sure. If you're a Kyrie fan...sure. If you're a Heat fan...sure. If you're any Eastern conference team fan...sure. If you're a Thunder fan..sure. Spurs fan..sure. Dubs fan...sure. If you're a Lakers fan...I don't get it! Has he taken a title away from the Lakers? Has he battled Kobe in the Finals, like Nike wanted so bad? Does he even have a "rivalry" with Kobe for that matter? I remember when 2K was my life, I would always try to trade for Sheed. Even after he was a major deterrent to us when he was on Portland. Even after he took a title away from us when he was with the Pistons. Even after he tried to do it again as a C Bag. Sheed is one of my favorite non-Laker players that I actually wanted on our team. So of course I'm not going to begin to understand the LaBron beef that some of you are trying to drive home so hard..haha.

No personal attacks or feelings on any of you that are doing so. Not to single anyone out, but Sirron, you are LB's national treasure. I support everything you do for the site and everything you do as a Lakers fan. But.....I just don't understand the LaBron hate. I don't think its right or wrong....I just don't get it.

Arrogance and narcissism is part of every superstar athlete's DNA, who intends to or becomes successful. I know there is a difference between a guy like Kawhi/Duncan compared to guys like LaBron...but there has to be a sense of narcissism and arrogance in a guy that makes the NBA. There's only a select few that make it to that level and you have to have some sense of self-confidence to get there. You guys want to hate him for "The Decision"...s***, I was too busy still celebrating us downing the C Bags.

Still if some of you don't like the guy, that's your prerogative. However, it will be virtually impossible to convince me as to why you dislike him, especially when he's done nothing criminal or antics considered as family-harming douchery off the court and especially when he's done practically nothing to wrong our Lakers franchise on the court.

For the crowd that thinks we will sell the future to have a team compete now...understand that Ingram and our 2nd pick/LonZo have not been part of any serious trade discussions during the summer where stars were flying off the shelves left and right (but mainly to the left coast). It was even reported that Jimmy and Mitch were ousted before the trade deadline to prevent them from involving Ingram or any of our future picks to acquire Boogie. Also understand there is no guarantee that this present young core can be the next superteam once the Warriors reach their expiration date. So I rather go with the more likely scenario where proven talent has proven their title worth. LaBron has had the benefit of playing in a soft league and in a soft conference, but his track record speaks for itself. He can make us title contenders and with the right talent around him, we can get title #17 and beyond right away. Lets go get it then! f*** the mentality of waiting out for the Dubs to dissipate.

#TurnOfTheTide

 

"Ultimately, the likely scenario is that there is a <5% chance either kid becomes as good as even 33 year old LeBron."

With regard to Ingram and Ball that's simply negative hyperbole or LBJ worship taken to the extreme. Chances are good that Ingram in several years will be regarded "in the conversation" at least with Kawhi Leonard for similar reasons of his all around game and Ball projects to be at least a "lite" version of the impact and type of franchise altering player Magic Johnson was.

 

He's gold lol

I think he's great, but I'd prefer he be great somewhere else.

 

When we're out of the PO picture (not long after the ASG), more people will jon the Bron wagon
Sadly, im starting to worry we'll end up with overpaid scrubs once again.

 

Kawhi Leonard not even fully at the peak of his powers yet (with BI projecting similar conversation at same age 4-5 years from now) .... is < 5% of what 33 year old LBJ is now? Come on. The value of Magic "lite" on the Lakers when Zo is in his prime years .... same thing?

 

I see the distinction. Apologies to YoungThundercat.

 

He's getting injured this year. I spoke it into existence

 

No apologies needed. But, yeah, Weezy hit the nail on the head with what I was getting at. It's just insanely small odds to get an all time player. We've been fortunate enough to DRAFT 2 in 16 years. Some teams never get any, either at 21 years old or sign one at 33.

And I did want to clarify my point about Lonzo and BI. I don't WANT to see them go at any cost. If LeBron decides to stay East and the OKC experience is gangbusters and PG and Russ stay, I'm ecstatic to watch Lonzo and BI as the leaders of the new wave for the next 10-15 years.

But, like I said earlier, I root for small market teams (Cincinnati Reds & Bengals). They are low payroll, draft and develop, no FA type outfits. What has that gotten me?: The Reds won the World Series when I was 3, haven't won a playoff series since I was 8. Bengals we're in their last SB when I was 10 months old, haven't won a playoff game since I was 4.

Sometimes draft and develop becomes OKC 2012 or GS 2015. Most times it becomes the Orlando Magic or the Brooklyn Nets. So I'm wary about completely shunning the idea of loading up like we always have.