If Lebron gets his 3rd FMVP this year...

[Cocaine80s]

Does that make him a top 6-7 player? I mean there's no way you can put Kobe above him anymore, no matter how biased you are

[oarabbus]

Yeah it probably does

[moe94]

Player? He's top 5 human being.

[Clyde]

better question...where will he rank if he doesn't?

[Cocaine80s]

better question...where will he rank if he doesn't?
8-10

[T_L_P]

I'd have him 6th behind Shaq.

[KirbyPls]

Player? He's top 5 human being.

You're underrating him Moe. :no:

[Natureland]

I'd have him 6th behind Shaq.
Shaq 5? Interesting. What's your top 10, if you don't mind me asking?

[JohnStarks]

Imagine this, there's prob only 7 or 8 humans alive that's better than lebron at what they do. Lebron is in the top 10, what number he is depends on this ring. If he wins another ring he automatically moves within the top 5 among legends like Magic , Jordan and Kobe

[SpecialQue]

No. He's barely cracking the top 10.

Here's your white text, bitches.

[T_L_P]

Kobe right now, has no case over him and Duncan wouldn't either if he won a third straight.

No case is a slight overstatement, don't you think? Duncan won all four of his rings in his first eleven seasons, and he certainly never ****ed up as bad as LeBron did in 2011, and he definitely had a better title run in 2003 than LeBron did in 2012 or 2013 too.

[SpecialQue]

But keep in mind, LeBron will NEVER be GOAT. He already has too many stains on his resume. #2 is his absolute CEILING.

I'm guessing you have Jordan at #1. What the hell would put him above Kareem?

[Solefade]

But keep in mind, LeBron will NEVER be GOAT. He already has too many stains on his resume. #2 is his absolute CEILING.


never is a harsh word, what if he wins 6 in a row? :confusedshrug:

[KirbyPls]

Imagine this, there's prob only 7 or 8 humans alive that's better than lebron at what they do. Lebron is in the top 10, what number he is depends on this ring. If he wins another ring he automatically moves within the top 5 among legends like Magic , Jordan and Kobe

:roll: :roll: :roll:

[BigTicket]

It would make him #5 all time.

[T_L_P]

Shaq 5? Interesting. What's your top 10, if you don't mind me asking?

When I think of the top 10, I rank the players I'd build a team around first. Therefore my list goes like this (currently):

1. Jordan
2. Magic
3. Kareem
4. Duncan
5. Shaq
6. Hakeem
7. Bird
8. Russell
9. LeBron
10. Kobe or Wilt

Hakeem, Russell and Bird are interchangeable though

[red1]

never is a harsh word, what if he wins 6 in a row? :confusedshrug:
:kobe:

[BlackVVaves]

I'd have him ahead of Kobe after his third for sure, but not sure exactly where I'd place him.

I'm uncertain of if I'd place him above Shaq or Duncan.

[T_L_P]

:lol I only said that because I saw you were here, I knew you would say something. Him and Duncan would be something though if he won.

He has more rings, but LeBron has more MVP's(If he won this year).
Duncan beat his team, LeBron beat his team. Both were not in their primes when it happened though. Duncan has some insane playoff feats, LeBron regular season peak and feats are probably better. Longevity, carrying scrubs etc....

Yeah, I'm not saying LeBron wouldn't have a case (although I'd still have Duncan ahead), but the two have had sensational careers. I'm sure LeBron will overtake Duncan by the end of his career, but as of right now I don't quite see it :cheers:

[dubeta]

LeBron with 3 FMVPs is automatically ahead of Bird

You can also make a case against Magic, Lebron would have same number of FMVPs, more MVPs, and much better regular season and playoff stats :confusedshrug:

[k0kakw0rld]

But keep in mind, LeBron will NEVER be GOAT. He already has too many stains on his resume. #2 is his absolute CEILING.
If he three peats and gets 3 more MVPs and wins another FMVP with another team. He is the GOAT no question. Just did it in a different way.

[NumberSix]

I'm guessing you have Jordan at #1. What the hell would put him above Kareem?
6 FMVPs

[Doranku]

He's top 10 if he wins a 3rd ring this year.

:oldlol: @ people saying top 5. If the Heat win this year, LeBron will have had probably the two easiest paths (this year and last year) to a championship of all time.

[Hey Yo]

He's top 10 if he wins a 3rd ring this year.

:oldlol: @ people saying top 5. If the Heat win this year, LeBron will have had probably the two easiest paths (this year and last year) to a championship of all time.

86-87 Lakers

Round 1: 37-45 Nuggets
Round 2: 42-40 Warriors
WCF's: 39-43 Sonics

Combined record: 118-128


The Pacers were 49-32 last year (they didn't play their 82nd game to get their 50th win)

Bulls' path to the Finals in '91:

Knicks (39-43)
Sixers (44-38)
Pistons (50-32)

Heat's path to the Finals last year:

Bucks (38-44)
Bulls (45-37)
Pacers (49-32)

[Marlo_Stanfield]

But keep in mind, LeBron will NEVER be GOAT. He already has too many stains on his resume. #2 is his absolute CEILING.
bullshit.
if he threepeats he already ahs a more impressive threepeat than any jordan one because he was in 4 finals in a row. should he win two other championships any day in the future he is GOAT because he will also break the nba scoring record and maybe end up with 10000n assists and rebounds.
should he 4 peat or more than there is nearly no way he wont end up GOAT:applause: :applause:

[MP.Trey]

86-87 Lakers

Round 1: 37-45 Nuggets
Round 2: 42-40 Warriors
WCF's: 39-43 Sonics

Combined record: 118-128


The Pacers were 49-32 last year (they didn't play their 82nd game to get their 50th win)

Bulls' path to the Finals in '91:

Knicks (39-43)
Sixers (44-38)
Pistons (50-32)

Heat's path to the Finals last year:

Bucks (38-44)
Bulls (45-37)
Pacers (49-32)
That first post ether lol.

[Solefade]

86-87 Lakers

Round 1: 37-45 Nuggets
Round 2: 42-40 Warriors
WCF's: 39-43 Sonics

Combined record: 118-128


The Pacers were 49-32 last year (they didn't play their 82nd game to get their 50th win)

Bulls' path to the Finals in '91:

Knicks (39-43)
Sixers (44-38)
Pistons (50-32)

Heat's path to the Finals last year:

Bucks (38-44)
Bulls (45-37)
Pacers (49-32)

GOAT 1st post

[Solefade]

He's top 10 if he wins a 3rd ring this year.

:oldlol: @ people saying top 5. If the Heat win this year, LeBron will have had probably the two easiest paths (this year and last year) to a championship of all time.


I guess you didn't watch the Spurs last year

[DMAVS41]

He's top 10 if he wins a 3rd ring this year.

:oldlol: @ people saying top 5. If the Heat win this year, LeBron will have had probably the two easiest paths (this year and last year) to a championship of all time.

The path last year and this year to the finals will be a joke, but that doesn't matter if he wins it all again.

If the Heat win it all this year and he wins a third straight fmvp...it doesn't erase the 11 collapse, but it makes it a footnote in the book of Lebron...not a chapter.

4 straight finals and a 3 peat would actually be exceeding original expectations and would vault Lebron over Hakeem and Kobe for sure on my all time list. So he'd be top 9 at worst for me. Honestly probably higher...

I mean...

27/8/7 62% TS in the regular season over the last 4 years

27/9/6 58% TS in the playoffs over the last 4 years


The win streak.
The epic game 6 in 12.
The epic game 7 in 13.
2 MVP's.
3 FMVP's.

I mean...it's just absurd how good that 4 years would be if they win it all again this year.

Which is crazy, because if they don't win...I actually think they would not have met expectations over the 4 year period. Huge, like every year, legacy year for Lebron. He wins it this year and the rest of his career is basically "gravy" in terms of legacy...

[Marlo_Stanfield]

LeBron James: i dont always win at everything..
oh wait, yes i do

[robert_shaww]

Player? He's top 5 human being.

whats your current top 5 human list?

[Hey Yo]

@DMAVS

You say that the paths are / will be considered a joke, but isn't that the reward for playing well in the regular season? Is it not the goal to try to get the easiest match-ups?

I don't recall any past conference champions who were 1 or 2 seeds complaining that there competition wasn't tough enough in the early rounds.

[DMAVS41]

You say that the paths are / will be considered a joke, but isn't that the reward for playing well in the regular season? Is it not the goal to try to get the easiest match-ups?

I don't recall any past conference champions who were 1 or 2 seeds complaining that there competition wasn't tough enough in the early rounds.

Yes and no. Hard to use sound logic as to why the Heat deserve to luck into being in a shit conference. If they were in the West...they would have been the 4th, 5th, or 6th seed...

The path is just far easier in the East over the last few years. The East is just dreadful this year top to bottom.

The 1 seed in the East honestly might not have made the playoffs in the West and if they did, they would be getting swept in round 1.

The Heat, yet again, will likely go through the playoffs without having to beat a 50 win team.

The conference just sucks right now. In 11 they had to go through 2 really good teams actually...Bulls/Celtics. 12 was easier, but not a total joke...last year and this year could be just pathetic though.



And what? Why would the Heat be complaining? They want the easiest road possible. We are talking about how difficult the road is...not whether the Heat complain or not. Of course they aren't complaining...they are playing cupcakes...

[KirbyPls]

The path last year and this year to the finals will be a joke, but that doesn't matter if he wins it all again.

If the Heat win it all this year and he wins a third straight fmvp...it doesn't erase the 11 collapse, but it makes it a footnote in the book of Lebron...not a chapter.

4 straight finals and a 3 peat would actually be exceeding original expectations and would vault Lebron over Hakeem and Kobe for sure on my all time list. So he'd be top 9 at worst for me. Honestly probably higher...

I mean...

27/8/7 62% TS in the regular season over the last 4 years

27/9/6 58% TS in the playoffs over the last 4 years


The win streak.
The epic game 6 in 12.
The epic game 7 in 13.
2 MVP's.
3 FMVP's.

I mean...it's just absurd how good that 4 years would be if they win it all again this year.

Which is crazy, because if they don't win...I actually think they would not have met expectations over the 4 year period. Huge, like every year, legacy year for Lebron. He wins it this year and the rest of his career is basically "gravy" in terms of legacy...

You're a good, knowledgeable poster, but really? If Lebron three-peats and gets the Finals MVP, you really think there are legitimately 7-8 players with better resumes? 4 MVPs, 3 FMVPs, basically 27-7-7 (49% FG) 23K points; 8 first-team all-NBA selections, in only 11 seasons, is outside the top 6?

If Lebron gets that, I see solid arguments only for MJ, Kareem, Russell, Duncan, Shaq, and maybe Wilt (though I would disagree). To each there own, but I think you're selling Lebron short a little if that happens.

[SpaceJammeR]

i don't get this easiest path bs. they beat the best team in the west and that's all that matters.

[DMAVS41]

You're a good, knowledgeable poster, but really? If Lebron three-peats and gets the Finals MVP, you really think there are legitimately 7-8 players with better resumes? 4 MVPs, 3 FMVPs, basically 27-7-7 (49% FG) 23K points; 8 first-team all-NBA selections, in only 11 seasons, is outside the top 6?

If Lebron gets that, I see solid arguments only for MJ, Kareem, Russell, Duncan, Shaq, and maybe Wilt (though I would disagree). To each there own, but I think you're selling Lebron short a little if that happens.

I said top 9 at worst...I could definitely see him over Bird/Shaq/Wilt

I would not argue at all with someone ranking Lebron behind;

MJ
Russell
Magic
Duncan
Kareem

So he could be easily 6th all time for me. Would depend on how he plays and I'd have to sit down and really think about it.

He's not touching the top 5 on my list yet regardless of this year. He ultimately will, but I'll need to see some great longevity and late career play or more titles...etc...before that happens.

[DMAVS41]

i don't get this easiest path bs. they beat the best team in the west and that's all that matters.

Of course it's all that ultimately matters, but the problem is that while the Heat are playing a cupcake right now...the Thunder are playing perhaps a top 3 or 4 team in the league (that would be a nightmare matchup for the Heat by the way)

And that is their reward for being better than the Heat all year.

That is absurdly unfair and that is what people are talking about.

You guys are just confusing shit...

[Marlo_Stanfield]

i don't get this easiest path bs. they beat the best team in the west and that's all that matters.
they beat NY,a tough indiana team and the HF tacked Celtics in 12 and then OWNED the Thunder with 3 maybe 4 possible future HOF.
in 13 they beat Indiana again and then the legendary spurs with both series rigged against them.
easy path my ass:coleman:

[Solefade]

Of course it's all that ultimately matters, but the problem is that while the Heat are playing a cupcake right now...the Thunder are playing perhaps a top 3 or 4 team in the league (that would be a nightmare matchup for the Heat by the way)

And that is their reward for being better than the Heat all year.

That is absurdly unfair and that is what people are talking about.

You guys are just confusing shit...

1. how are they a top 3-4 team in the league right now? because the thunder can't match their physicality? please. thunder plays probably top 3 softest basketball in the league and you know it.

2. no one was saying this (easy path to the finals) about the spurs last year when WB went down so why does it matter now?

3. memphis would be a match up nightmare if they actually had good perimeter scoring but they don't, they're not even better than the Nets and maybe even the raptors and definitely not better than a pre-meltdown Pacers squad

[DMAVS41]

1. how are they a top 3-4 team in the league right now? because the thunder can't match their physicality? please. thunder plays probably top 3 softest basketball in the league and you know it.

2. no one was saying this about the spurs last year when WB went down so why does it matter now?

3. memphis would be a match up nightmare if they actually had good perimeter scoring but they don't, they're not even better than the Nets and maybe even the raptors and definitely not better than a pre-meltdown Pacers squad

Because they have a healthy Gasol...and with him they were a 56 win team in a great conference on a team build for playoff success.

Uhhhhh....yes, many people have referenced WB getting hurt opening it up for the Spurs. I did all the time last year...and Barkley mentioned it last night on TNT.

You are just so wrong about the Grizzlies...don't have time to explain...watching the games.


The point is simply...and not debatable. Teams like the Spurs, Thunder, and Clippers are going to face far tougher roads to make the finals. This wears you down having to on a long playoff run playing tough teams. Last year, the Heat basically got to rest until the conference finals...and that was huge with Wade injured. It's definitely an advantage and anyone denying that is ignorant or just too biased to be reasoned with...

Now, that doesn't mean the title doesn't count or something...it just means we should acknowledge what a joke the East is. 9 of the 10 best teams in the league are in the West.

[KyleKong]

86-87 Lakers

Round 1: 37-45 Nuggets
Round 2: 42-40 Warriors
WCF's: 39-43 Sonics

Combined record: 118-128


The Pacers were 49-32 last year (they didn't play their 82nd game to get their 50th win)

Bulls' path to the Finals in '91:

Knicks (39-43)
Sixers (44-38)
Pistons (50-32)

Heat's path to the Finals last year:

Bucks (38-44)
Bulls (45-37)
Pacers (49-32)

Oh shit

[Hey Yo]

Yes and no. Hard to use sound logic as to why the Heat deserve to luck into being in a shit conference. If they were in the West...they would have been the 4th, 5th, or 6th seed...

The path is just far easier in the East over the last few years. The East is just dreadful this year top to bottom.

The 1 seed in the East honestly might not have made the playoffs in the West and if they did, they would be getting swept in round 1.

The Heat, yet again, will likely go through the playoffs without having to beat a 50 win team.

The conference just sucks right now. In 11 they had to go through 2 really good teams actually...Bulls/Celtics. 12 was easier, but not a total joke...last year and this year could be just pathetic though.



And what? Why would the Heat be complaining? They want the easiest road possible. We are talking about how difficult the road is...not whether the Heat complain or not. Of course they aren't complaining...they are playing cupcakes...
Of course the conference is shit, but it's due to a lot of injuries and a lot of teams tanking for the hyped up draft.

If you're going to use a lot of hypothetical's you could say Indiana would have won 50 games last year, but the last game of the season (against Boston) was cancelled due to the bombings. So they finished at 49.

Like I said, being a 1 or 2 seed makes the path easier, regardless of what the conference is like.

Bottom line is that they still have / had to play the "tough" Western Conference winner to win the title. They were actually the underdogs against OKC (who basically swept the West in 2012) and yet Miami finished them off in 5 games.

A lot of people say that the 86-87 Lakers were the greatest team of all time yet their road to the finals was by far the bigger joke.

[iBandwagon]

He'd be around 7.

MJ
Kareem
Wilt
Russell
Shaq
Magic

Arguments can be made either way regarding:
Bird
Duncan

[SpaceJammeR]

Of course it's all that ultimately matters, but the problem is that while the Heat are playing a cupcake right now...the Thunder are playing perhaps a top 3 or 4 team in the league (that would be a nightmare matchup for the Heat by the way)

And that is their reward for being better than the Heat all year.

That is absurdly unfair and that is what people are talking about.

You guys are just confusing shit...

top 3 or 4 lmao. just because the thunder are struggling don't mean shit. indiana is struggling against the hawks because the way they match up.

[Solefade]

Because they have a healthy Gasol...and with him they were a 56 win team in a great conference on a team build for playoff success.

Uhhhhh....yes, many people have referenced WB getting hurt opening it up for the Spurs. I did all the time last year...and Barkley mentioned it last night on TNT.

You are just so wrong about the Grizzlies...don't have time to explain...watching the games.


The point is simply...and not debatable. Teams like the Spurs, Thunder, and Clippers are going to face far tougher roads to make the finals. This wears you down having to on a long playoff run playing tough teams. Last year, the Heat basically got to rest until the conference finals...and that was huge with Wade injured. It's definitely an advantage and anyone denying that is ignorant or just too biased to be reasoned with...

Now, that doesn't mean the title doesn't count or something...it just means we should acknowledge what a joke the East is. 9 of the 10 best teams in the league are in the West.

lol the winner of the ECF has played more games the past two years than the WCF team...you make it sound like it's been like this every year...playing more games = more tired by the finals right?

[KirbyPls]

I said top 9 at worst...I could definitely see him over Bird/Shaq/Wilt

I would not argue at all with someone ranking Lebron behind;

MJ
Russell
Magic
Duncan
Kareem

So he could be easily 6th all time for me. Would depend on how he plays and I'd have to sit down and really think about it.

He's not touching the top 5 on my list yet regardless of this year. He ultimately will, but I'll need to see some great longevity and late career play or more titles...etc...before that happens.

Pretty good take. :cheers:

[Cocaine80s]

i think lebron at best will be #2 all time. Realistically he'll end up 3-5 though

[Ronaldinho]

Kobe: 30/6/6/2/1 .464 (41 min) 08-10 playoffs

From To G GS MP FG FGA FG% 3P 3PA 3P% 2P 2PA
2008 2010 67 67 40.7 10.4 22.4 .464 1.8 5.1 .344 8.7 17.3

2P% FT FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS
.500 7.2 8.6 .845 0.9 4.7 5.7 5.5 1.6 0.7 3.1 2.9 29.8

Lebron: 27/9/6/2/1 .487 (43 min) 11-13 playoffs

From To G GS MP FG FGA FG% 3P 3PA 3P% 2P 2PA
2011 2013 67 67 42.8 9.5 19.5 .487 1.3 4.0 .331 8.2 15.5

2P% FT FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS
.527 6.4 8.4 .758 1.9 7.0 8.9 6.0 1.8 0.9 3.2 2.2 26.7

Ppl talking like Lebron is so much better then Kobe :roll:

[DMAVS41]

Of course the conference is shit, but it's due to a lot of injuries and a lot of teams tanking for the hyped up draft.

If you're going to use a lot of hypothetical's you could say Indiana would have won 50 games last year, but the last game of the season (against Boston) was cancelled due to the bombings. So they finished at 49.

Like I said, being a 1 or 2 seed makes the path easier, regardless of what the conference is like.

Bottom line is that they still have / had to play the "tough" Western Conference winner to win the title. They were actually the underdogs against OKC (who basically swept the West in 2012) and yet Miami finished them off in 5 games.

A lot of people say that the 86-87 Lakers were the greatest team of all time yet their road to the finals was by far the bigger joke.


All anyone is saying is that going through the West to get to the finals is harder than getting through the East.

I don't care the reasons why...that isn't the discussion.

Do you refute that getting through the West is more difficult? If not, then I don't see the issue.

[ShackEelOKneel]

I said top 9 at worst...I could definitely see him over Bird/Shaq/Wilt



Bird I understand due to longevity/matching titles. Wilt I understand due to FMVP superiority. But Shaq? LeBron has more MVPs, but Shaq certainly deserves more than the 1 he got, would equal LeBron in FMVP, would have 1 more championship than LeBron, would have more trips to the Finals, has just as good of stats, and was simply the most dominating beast in his prime. You are welcome to your opinion, but I strongly disagree that he would pass Shaq (especially when considering Finals performances).

[ShackEelOKneel]

Kobe: 30/6/6/2/1 .464 (41 min) 08-10 playoffs

From To G GS MP FG FGA FG% 3P 3PA 3P% 2P 2PA
2008 2010 67 67 40.7 10.4 22.4 .464 1.8 5.1 .344 8.7 17.3

2P% FT FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS
.500 7.2 8.6 .845 0.9 4.7 5.7 5.5 1.6 0.7 3.1 2.9 29.8

Lebron: 27/9/6/2/1 .487 (43 min) 11-13 playoffs

From To G GS MP FG FGA FG% 3P 3PA 3P% 2P 2PA
2011 2013 67 67 42.8 9.5 19.5 .487 1.3 4.0 .331 8.2 15.5

2P% FT FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS
.527 6.4 8.4 .758 1.9 7.0 8.9 6.0 1.8 0.9 3.2 2.2 26.7

Ppl talking like Lebron is so much better then Kobe :roll:

First, fix that mess of stats. 2nd, yes, LeBron's title runs are easily greater than Kobe's. LeBron got bailed out in 1 moment of a game, but Kobe got bailed out by teammates during entire games.

[DMAVS41]

Kobe: 30/6/6/2/1 .464 (41 min) 08-10 playoffs

From To G GS MP FG FGA FG% 3P 3PA 3P% 2P 2PA
2008 2010 67 67 40.7 10.4 22.4 .464 1.8 5.1 .344 8.7 17.3

2P% FT FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS
.500 7.2 8.6 .845 0.9 4.7 5.7 5.5 1.6 0.7 3.1 2.9 29.8

Lebron: 27/9/6/2/1 .487 (43 min) 11-13 playoffs

From To G GS MP FG FGA FG% 3P 3PA 3P% 2P 2PA
2011 2013 67 67 42.8 9.5 19.5 .487 1.3 4.0 .331 8.2 15.5

2P% FT FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS
.527 6.4 8.4 .758 1.9 7.0 8.9 6.0 1.8 0.9 3.2 2.2 26.7

Ppl talking like Lebron is so much better then Kobe :roll:


Ppl are saying that in this hypothetical assuming a 3rd finals mvp...hence this thread.

Also, Lebron has defended at an elite level,outside the Mavs series, in a way Kobe didn't.

Lebron has also had a bit more signature moments, games than Kobe. The game 6 against the Celtics in 12 and game 7 last year are "legacy" type games.

Kobe played great of course, but didn't really have moments like that. His game 7 in 2010 leaves a lot to be desired from a legacy stand point. It's just not the same as Lebron's.

Again though...this is assuming Lebron wins this year.

If you did just 08 through 10 and 11 through 13...Kobe had the better run in my opinion because of Lebron's all time melt down in the 11 finals.

[KirbyPls]

Kobe: 30/6/6/2/1 .464 (41 min) 08-10 playoffs

From To G GS MP FG FGA FG% 3P 3PA 3P% 2P 2PA
2008 2010 67 67 40.7 10.4 22.4 .464 1.8 5.1 .344 8.7 17.3

2P% FT FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS
.500 7.2 8.6 .845 0.9 4.7 5.7 5.5 1.6 0.7 3.1 2.9 29.8

Lebron: 27/9/6/2/1 .487 (43 min) 11-13 playoffs

From To G GS MP FG FGA FG% 3P 3PA 3P% 2P 2PA
2011 2013 67 67 42.8 9.5 19.5 .487 1.3 4.0 .331 8.2 15.5

2P% FT FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS
.527 6.4 8.4 .758 1.9 7.0 8.9 6.0 1.8 0.9 3.2 2.2 26.7

Ppl talking like Lebron is so much better then Kobe :roll:

Lebron is better than Kobe ever was.

[Doranku]

86-87 Lakers

Round 1: 37-45 Nuggets
Round 2: 42-40 Warriors
WCF's: 39-43 Sonics

Combined record: 118-128


The Pacers were 49-32 last year (they didn't play their 82nd game to get their 50th win)

Bulls' path to the Finals in '91:

Knicks (39-43)
Sixers (44-38)
Pistons (50-32)

Heat's path to the Finals last year:

Bucks (38-44)
Bulls (45-37)
Pacers (49-32)

Listing records hides the fact that the 45-37 Bulls were missing their best TWO players for the entire series. Bulls were throwing a D-League squad out there every night.

The Bucks are self explanatory.

The Pacers had the 20th best offense in the league. Not sure why you even listed the Bulls '91 opposition. That Pistons team would beat any team in this year's EC in a 7 game series including the Heat themselves.

So basically you listed 1 playoff run in NBA history that was easier than LeBron's last year. You really showed me. :rolleyes:

[dubeta]

Lebron is better than Kobe ever was.

This should be common knowledge by now :facepalm

[diamenz]

no, it doesn't. his career isn't over (could go up or down from here), and top players are measured by their full pedigree - not just a another mvp or award here and there.

no matter how you put it, there will always be an asterisk next to lebron's name in history because of his 'decision'.

[Trollsmasher]

86-87 Lakers

Round 1: 37-45 Nuggets
Round 2: 42-40 Warriors
WCF's: 39-43 Sonics

Combined record: 118-128


The Pacers were 49-32 last year (they didn't play their 82nd game to get their 50th win)

Bulls' path to the Finals in '91:

Knicks (39-43)
Sixers (44-38)
Pistons (50-32)

Heat's path to the Finals last year:

Bucks (38-44)
Bulls (45-37)
Pacers (49-32)
what a debut:applause:

[DFish24]

Currently Have Bron at #11. If he wins he kicks Hakeem Out of My Top 10.

[Lebron23]

4x NBA MVP, 3x Finals MVP, 3x NBA champion, 1x NBA Scoring Champion, 3x NBA playoffs scoring champion. I think LBJ would be a top 4-6 player of all time.

[freshperry]

But keep in mind, LeBron will NEVER be GOAT. He already has too many stains on his resume. #2 is his absolute CEILING.

I feel you but #2 behind mj (im assuming your goat is jordan) is still a great career!

[J Shuttlesworth]

I think the Heat would still win in the West. They historically have had great records against teams in the West. The other thing is that most teams in the West won't abuse the Heat like the Pacers/Bulls last year. No team in the West is that physical top to bottom, not even Memphis though they are the probably the most physical team in the West.

I think there would be some longer series, but the lack of physical games would probably favor the Heat in the west. There's a trade off to the East/West thing. In the West, there is more offensive talent, but they generally don't play a grind-out physical game like some of the East teams do. West would present different challenges, but they won't get rattled by teams that play iso ball like OKC/Houston. Teams with good ball movement would give them trouble like Memphis/San Antonio, but not really more trouble than they were facing against the Pacers last year (physically).

For the record, this year doesn't really count towards what I'm saying because the Pacers have become a complete joke. The reason the Eastern Conference is a joke is because the Nets/Knicks have underachieved and Rose suffered another injury. If those teams played up to their expectations and Rose never was injured, we probably wouldn't be having a discussion about the conference.

[Kvnzhangyay]

Only on ISH do people not have Lebron in top 10 lol. Seems legit especially when they put him behind Bird :facepalm :roll: