IS LEBRON JAMES A TOP 10 PLAYER?

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Feb 19, 2015
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Is LeBron James a Top 10 Player?

JUNE 15, 2017

June is when legends are born.

So this June, with LeBron James coming off yet another disappointing finals appearance, one must beg the question where does he rank amongst the greatest basketball players in NBA history? Media agenda aside, it is extremely difficult to gauge such an extraordinary talent who has disappointed more than he has delivered. We are talking about one of the most polarizing players of all time… you either despise him or you simply worship the ground he walks on. Quite frankly, most of the basketball world has not been able to find a middle ground.

When it comes to LeBron the player, he is clearly one of the greatest athletes to ever lace a pair of sneakers. If Dr. Frankenstein were to create the ideal basketball player, the self-proclaimed King would physically be the mold. With the body of Karl Malone, the athleticism of Dominique Wilkins, and the skillset of Oscar Robertson, we have never quite seen anything like him.. and probably never again will. There is absolutely no denying that he won the genetic lottery.

Beyond the legend, there is something that separates the greats from the goats. Something more than ability. Something more than skill and athleticism. Something that won’t show up in your box score. That something sits within the left side of your rib cage and pumps the blood that gives you life… Ladies and gentlemen, we are talking about the heart. Where LeBron James excels in talent, he lacks in the department that creates that separation. Some call it killer instinct. Some call it drive. I simply like to call it soul. Whatever you want to label it, love him or hate him, we are all witnesses to his lack of it.

On June 12th, 2017, LeBron James lost his 5th Finals in 8 appearances, leaving him 18-28 overall on the biggest stage in basketball. If not for a Game 3 that ended in a 11-0 Golden State run –as LeBron froze and became passive in the closing moments– this series may very well still be going on.

In reality, most players dream to be 3/8 in Finals play, but in this unique case, 3/8 simply won’t cut it for the hype behind “The Chosen One“.

Why?

When the media wants ratings, they do what they know best; create a mystique around something or someone and beat that topic to death. Unfortunately, the general consensus eats it up like it was their last meal. In this instance, that subject has been LeBron James’ greatness. While topics like “Is LeBron James better than Michael Jordan” are great for ESPN ratings, they insult the intelligence of your well versed basketball purists who can see past the shenanigans. To build something up to mythical status is the quintessential hook line and sinker. It creates a buzz that captivates the attention of your casual fan, making for a great storyline.

As with every great story ever told, there are always two sides. With LeBron, you have the believers on one side, and the doubters on the other.

With a larger than life figure, the only way to objectively classify status would be to put aside what you have been told and pass the judgement with your very own eyes. On paper, it would take a fool to deny the incredible statistics LeBron has accumulated throughout his illustrious career. Realistically, we are talking about a player who may retire with more points than anyone in NBA history. The assists, the rebounds, the steals, the blocks, all outer-worldly.

The issue here is that statistics are only a numerical portion of the game, where as the average basketball fan of today considers statistics the end all be all. The game is so much more complex than numbers, yet the stat lovers rely on their calculator to tell them who the best is. Mathematical lies! Those same lies told us that Steph Curry in 2015 was better than a prime Michael Jordan. In an era where advanced stats and analytics rule the basketball world, the odd men out have sadly been heart, drive, passion, and yes, soul. The “IT factor” is no longer even considered a factor in this day an age.

Is that to say LeBron James is purely stats as opposed to authentic excellence? One would have to be a complete idiot to make such a claim. You do not get to where LeBron James is purely on hype. While stats do not define greatness, they are obviously a byproduct of greatness.

Interestingly enough, there are two different types of players –those who do whatever it takes to win, and those who are just as conscious of their statistics as they are of the score. LeBron James is the latter. Now, of course every player wants to win, and every player wants to accumulate stats. But the goats sacrifice stats for team success. That reason alone is why Wilt Chamberlain is not considered the greatest of all time. Greatest statistically? By far. But with all those finals losses, Wilt is widely considered inferior to 11 time champion Bill Russell.

A LeBron apologist may call this speculation, and may even claim that there is a lack or evidence to make such bold statements.. But the proof is in the pudding.

After the disasterous Game 3 in Cleveland, LeBron James stated to the press that he is doing just fine due to the fact that he is “averaging a triple-double”. That is not something one says when winning is more important than individual success. Especially not when down 0-3. It is the same reason why LeBron still drives in for easy lay-ups and chases rebounds in games that are already decided. Some call it stat-padding, but I just call it obvious. For better or worse, it is why he has never joined an equal opportunity offense. It is the reason that everything must run through him 100% of the time that he is on the court. In order to join a ball moving offense, LeBron would need to sacrifice individual stats, thus sacrifcicing accolades, and ultimately, his spot on the all-time list… or so he thinks.

Still, 3 championships is not too shabby, no matter how many tries or how many all-stars it took. If Karl Malone won even 1, he would be in talks for greatest power forward of all time. Rings are the difference maker when assessing greats. There are those who claim that LeBron needed to form super teams by luring franchise players to join him, creating a ring chasing culture in the NBA. That is another story for another day. A ring is a ring, and LeBron has his fair share. If he played his career in the west, would he have less? Most likely. But that is neither here nor there. He has 3, and that is what matters.

So that leaves us wondering, where exactly does LeBron rank on the all-time list? The majority of sports networks have indoctrinated the average consumer to believe “top 5”. And who can blame them? The more they build him, the more they are generating off of his buzz. When we remove the marketing bias, strip the powers that be of their agenda, and look at all the factors objectively, it is easy to see exactly where he belongs; in the tier of Julius Erving, Jerry West, Isiah Thomas, etc. All legends, all champions, and incredible company to be in. Unfortunately, it is common to see him incorrectly placed in the Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson echelon. A domino effect which is unfair to him more than it is to the consumers who drink the Kool-Aid.

Is it too late for LeBron to climb the ranks? Absolutely not. He still has some good years left, and if he is able to win a couple more, we can once again revisit this topic.

Right now? He is on the outside looking in at that top 10 list.

Greatness is greatness, but in all fairness, it is going to take more to approach the goats.

…or in the statistical stratosphere, perhaps less?




:siccness:
 

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blunt_hogg559
Jul 6, 2005
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lol

at least you're consistent w the anti lebron agenda, as flawed as these 'articles' are
 
Feb 19, 2015
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#3
lol

at least you're consistent w the anti lebron agenda, as flawed as these 'articles' are

care to share your opinion? sideline commentators are welcome too, but would be nice if u can make a point to debate the talking points in this piece.
 

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blunt_hogg559
Jul 6, 2005
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care to share your opinion? sideline commentators are welcome too, but would be nice if u can make a point to debate the talking points in this piece.
shit is fundamentally flawed. if lebron aint upper echelon goat level (which is a possibility) then damn sure kobe aint either

but you're a kobe stan and it's useless to argue w you on it
 
Feb 19, 2015
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shit is fundamentally flawed. if lebron aint upper echelon goat level (which is a possibility) then damn sure kobe aint either

but you're a kobe stan and it's useless to argue w you on it

lol wtf are u talkin about bruh

only dumbass analytic nerds who never played the game actually believe lebron is on kobe's level .. this is what the players think:


DIRK NOWITZKI - Dirk: Kobe 'greatest player in my generation'

DWYANE WADE - Dwyane Wade says Kobe Bryant 'is the greatest player of our era'

KEVIN DURANT - Kevin Durant: Kobe Bryant is 'the greatest of all time,' Kobe and Michael Jordan '1 and 1A'

MICHAEL JORDAN - Michael Jordan Would Pick Kobe Bryant Over LeBron James | SLAMonline

KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar takes sides in Kobe vs LeBron debate

PAUL PIERCE - Paul Pierce Puts Kobe Ahead of Lebron

CHARLES BARKLEY - Charles Barkley: LeBron needs to beat the Warriors just to get on Kobe’s level | For The Win

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL - Shaquille O'Neal says he'd take Kobe Bryant in his prime over LeBron

STEPHEN JACKSON - Stephen Jackson: I would take Kobe Bryant over LeBron James | UNDISPUTED | FOX Sports

CHRIS WEBBER - Is Chris Webber Team Kobe or Team LeBron?

DENNIS RODMAN - Dennis Rodman On Judge Pirro Says Kobe Is Better Than Lebron

JARED DUDLEY- Jared Dudley Says Kobe Bryant Was More Difficult To Guard Than LeBron James Or Kevin Durant

TRACY MCGRADY - McGrady: 'No doubt' Kobe best player I've faced, including MJ - ESPN Video

SCOTTIE PIPPEN- Scottie Pippen Says LeBron James Hasn't Passed Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan

DERRICK ROSE - Derrick Rose: Kobe is the Jordan of our generation

RICK BARRY - Rick Barry: Kobe is better than Lebron

STEPHON MARBURY - VIDEO: Stephon Marbury Believes Kobe, Not LeBron, Is NBA's Best - Lakers Nation

ALLEN IVERSON - Allen Iverson Names Top 5 Players of his Era, Talks Kobe vs LeBron

HAKEEM OLAJUWON - Hakeem Olajuwon says Kobe Bryant was his greatest success as a coach over Lebron

RASHAD MCCANTS - Rashad McCants States Kobe Bryant Is Greatest Player Of All-Time, LeBron Can't Take Over Games

JULIUS ERVING - Julius Erving Picks Spurs Over Heat In Finals, Says He'd Take Kobe Over LeBron

REGGIE MILLER - Reggie Miller picks Kobe over LeBron | The Dan Patrick Show | FOX Sports Radio

GILBERT ARENAS - Gilbert Arenas Reveals Why LeBron James Will Never Be Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant | Complex

KYRIE IRVING - Kyrie Irving "I’d Put Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant Above Lebron"

RON ARTEST - Metta World Peace ranks Kobe best player in NBA history

TREVOR ARIZA - Trevor Ariza: Kobe Better Than LeBron and Duncan

LARRY BIRD - Larry Bird would like to team with Kobe for the win, LeBron for the fun

MARK JACKSON - Mark Jackson : "When Kobe retires, he will be greatest of all time"

TAYSHAUN PRINCE- Tayshaun Prince explains the differences between guarding Kobe and LeBron

DOMINIQUE WILKINS - Dominique Wilkins: "Kobe Bryant in his prime better all around player than Lebron"

GLEN RICE - Glen Rice: “The closest thing to ever come to Michael Jordan is Kobe Bryant” | Dan Sileo - Interviews | Mighty1090AM

JASON TERRY - Jason Terry Says Kobe > LeBron

GARY PAYTON - Gary Payton says Kobe Bryant is still the best player alive

MAGIC JOHNSON - LeBron James Dissed By Magic Johnson!

DAVID WESLEY - David Wesley: 'LeBron Doesn't Have Killer Instinct Like Jordan Or Kobe'

KENNY SMITH - Kenny the Jet from TNT ranks Kobe above Lebron & more!

GREG ANTHONY - Greg Anthony: Kobe Better Than Michael!!

NICK YOUNG - Nick Young Says Kobe Bryant Is Better Than Michael Jordan - Ball Don't Stop

BRANDON JENNINGS - Brandon Jennings Calls Kobe Bryant 'The Greatest Ever,' Says MJ Had Better Cast

i can provide links if needed
 
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blunt_hogg559
Jul 6, 2005
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lol

kobe or lebron being better aside, they're both obvious goat level players, is the point. you copy and paste all that stuff, it's useless
 

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blunt_hogg559
Jul 6, 2005
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#8
kobe led his team to three finals (2008, 09, 10). lebron led his team to eight finals, seven strait.

lebron >
 
Feb 19, 2015
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kobe led his team to three finals (2008, 09, 10). lebron led his team to eight finals, seven strait.

lebron >


Lebron plays in the east .. And kobe led the lakers to the finals with shaq, as well. he was the superior player vs. the western conference.

lebron also needed 2 allstars to get there, kobe only needed 1

only folks who say lebron > kobe are the ones who don't know basketball .. see what the players who played against both say n fall back
 
May 7, 2013
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33°
www.hoescantstopme.biz
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kobe, yes .. lebron, 3/8 in the finals on superteams out east, no
How is going to 8 finals and winning 3 a bad thing again? Michael Jordan and his Perfecto is a standing record, correct? Not even Kobe matched it......We have been round this circle already, no one is saying Kobe was garbage. LeBron isn't garbage either. Anyone who can come into the league before they are a grown man and be successful isnt garbage. If LeBron came to the Lakers instead of the Cavs on round 2 and took them to a couple finals and won one, you wouldn't even have your smear campaign online to 8 people on this site and the 100 total on the 3/4 sites you frequent. That's cool you enjoy sports, many of us do, but your opinion isn't relevant and LeBron will be remembered for what he has done.

Barkley was one of my favorite players because he played big and wasn't that big but idgaf about his opinion on anything. Yes, NBA players are the basketball experts, but many of them don't measure up to what LeBron has done, so I don't care what they say to make analyst money.
 
Jan 29, 2005
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#11
Lebron just averaged 34/12/10 for the series in his 14th season in the league, in his 7th straight NBA finals against what some people are considering one of the greatest teams ever assembled. I'm the first person to roast Lebron when given a chance, but dude is easily one of the modern era GOATs. It goes Jordan > Lebron, Kobe, and Duncan > everyone else.

This thread and your "article" just seems very click bait. Like you're purposely saying outlandish bullshit solely to get response.
 

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blunt_hogg559
Jul 6, 2005
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#12
Lebron plays in the east .. And kobe led the lakers to the finals with shaq, as well. he was the superior player vs. the western conference.

lebron also needed 2 allstars to get there, kobe only needed 1

only folks who say lebron > kobe are the ones who don't know basketball .. see what the players who played against both say n fall back
you must have just started watching basketball, or are just a casual

Video: Kobe Bryant Admits Being Shaq's Sidekick During Lakers Championships | NBC Southern California

kobe himself acknowledged being shaq's sidekick

lol at stanning a sidekick tho
 

JOK3R187

Ferocious Mackadoshis
Jun 17, 2005
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Lebron just averaged 34/12/10 for the series in his 14th season in the league, in his 7th straight NBA finals against what some people are considering one of the greatest teams ever assembled. I'm the first person to roast Lebron when given a chance, but dude is easily one of the modern era GOATs. It goes Jordan > Lebron, Kobe, and Duncan > everyone else.
I'd write my own response, but this is basically how I feel minus the Duncan analogy, I'd personally replace Timmy with Iverson but that's my opinion although I could see why dude would hold him in that regard.

If you haven't already noticed, I can't stand Cleveland, their bandwagon fanbase and their overall approach and attitude toward other teams based on the ignorance that's come out of their rosters mouths at certain points throughout the regular season and within the playoffs, but personal opinion aside... to say LeBron isn't considered a GOAT level player would be sheer ignorance on my part as a longtime NBA and basketball fan in general.

It's all very subjective for the most part, but the man's numbers don't lie and there's no arguing the impact his presence has had on the game in the 14 seasons he's graced us with thus far.
 
Feb 19, 2015
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#14
How is going to 8 finals and winning 3 a bad thing again? Michael Jordan and his Perfecto is a standing record, correct? Not even Kobe matched it......We have been round this circle already, no one is saying Kobe was garbage. LeBron isn't garbage either. Anyone who can come into the league before they are a grown man and be successful isnt garbage. If LeBron came to the Lakers instead of the Cavs on round 2 and took them to a couple finals and won one, you wouldn't even have your smear campaign online to 8 people on this site and the 100 total on the 3/4 sites you frequent. That's cool you enjoy sports, many of us do, but your opinion isn't relevant and LeBron will be remembered for what he has done.

Barkley was one of my favorite players because he played big and wasn't that big but idgaf about his opinion on anything. Yes, NBA players are the basketball experts, but many of them don't measure up to what LeBron has done, so I don't care what they say to make analyst money.
3/8 in the finals shows that u can't step it up on the biggest stage. especially when u playin on superteams.. that's why lebron has been known as a choke artist his entire career. he's great at stuffin the stat sheet, but he's always had issues closing, due to the fact that he lacks killer mentality. he's great like dr. j was great. not comparable to the goats tho..none of the goats have a losing finals record.
 
Feb 19, 2015
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#15
Lebron just averaged 34/12/10 for the series in his 14th season in the league, in his 7th straight NBA finals against what some people are considering one of the greatest teams ever assembled. I'm the first person to roast Lebron when given a chance, but dude is easily one of the modern era GOATs. It goes Jordan > Lebron, Kobe, and Duncan > everyone else.

This thread and your "article" just seems very click bait. Like you're purposely saying outlandish bullshit solely to get response.
how is it outlandish to be compared to dr. j and isiah thomas? they're nba legends and champions .. nobody gives a fuck about his finals appearances in the garbage ass east, playing on all star squads. he'd be bounced in the first round playin out west.. and triple doubles ain't shit in today's nba. especially not when u purposely pad your stats. westbrook averaged a triple double in these playoffs and got trashed for it. the inflation of stats had made it much easier than ever before, hence the record number of triple doubles. sounds like u didn't read my piece tho .. this was all addressed. lebron is just like u.. in his mind, he thinks the fact that he averaged a triple double makes up for the fact that he just lost another finals. he even bragged about his triple doubles to the press after his epic choke job in game 3 lmao. loser shit.
 
Feb 19, 2015
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you must have just started watching basketball, or are just a casual

Video: Kobe Bryant Admits Being Shaq's Sidekick During Lakers Championships | NBC Southern California

kobe himself acknowledged being shaq's sidekick

lol at stanning a sidekick tho
kobe was being facetious, watch this, he adamantly talks about about how he was never a sidekick

The kobe interview : I'm no sidekick!! - YouTube

what kind of a sidekick averages 28-30 points? that's retarded, like sayin kareem was a sidekick to magic as opposed to a 1-2 punch.