Lebron Regrets He Didn't Meet Kobe in the Finals

[Wade's Rings]

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14266468/lebron-james-truly-sad-kobe-bryant-retiring


LeBron James said knowing this will be Kobe Bryant's last season is "truly sad for me" and that he regrets that the pair never faced off in the NBA Finals.

"I didn't hold up my end of the bargain in 2009 for the fans, for us, to meet in the Finals," James said Tuesday, looking back on the 2008-09 season when his Cleveland Cavaliers led the league with a 66-16 record and Bryant's Los Angeles Lakers were right behind him at 65-17. "I know the world wanted to see it. I wanted it, we wanted it. He held up his end and I didn't hold up my end, and I hate that. I hate that that didn't happen."


"Obviously there was so much made about it, from commercials to media talk, to people just talking about the Lakers versus the Cavs, Kobe versus LeBron, Kobe versus LeBron, Kobe versus LeBron, but I couldn't do that to my teammates to kind of assume," James said. "That's not my job. I've seen the stat that since '07 either he has or I've been in the Finals but we've never matched up. And that definitely sucks. Not only for us two being competitors, wanting to go against each other in the Finals, but also for the fans."


"The other game that was very inspiring and at the same time I knew he was on another level was during our first game we played Spain in '08 in the preliminary rounds. The first play of the game he ran through the chest of Pau Gasol and got a flagrant. And Pau Gasol was his teammate with the Lakers. I was like, 'Yeah, this guy is on another level.' Yeah. I loved it ... You guys can find that clip and you'll see what I'm talking about. It was one of the first plays of the game. I was like, 'This guy's all about winning and whoever he's playing for or who he's playing with at that point in time.' He really forgot Pau was his teammate. Like he really forgot that he was about to see him in like three weeks in L.A. I swear. It was crazy."

When speaking about Bryant extemporaneously Tuesday, James rattled off Bryant's complete resume down to his number of All-Star appearances (17). But his most revealing thoughts were about how Bryant inspired James to become the player he is today.

"It was someone that I always knew I had to be in the gym," James said. "I knew I had to be better because of Kobe Bryant. I knew he was in the gym and I knew he was working on his game. And I knew he was great. So every day that I didn't want to work out or every day I felt like I couldn't give more, I always thought of Kobe. Because I knew that he was getting better and I was like, 'Man, if you take a day off, he's going to take advantage of it. You cannot take a day off. You cannot take a day off.' And I used him for my motivation throughout my career because I always knew that he was working on something. So, that part will be missed a little bit."

[SouBeachTalents]

Pretty crazy one of them has made the Finals the past 9 years, but they never played each other. Only once did they even make the conference finals the same year

[juju151111]

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14266468/lebron-james-truly-sad-kobe-bryant-retiring
Samething bird and Magic said the years one made it and the other didn't. You want to beat the best.

[AnaheimLakers24]

Kobe would have won

[riseagainst]

I wish Lebron could have faced Kobe in the finals because we all know Lebron would have whooped dat ass.

[Dr Hawk]

We so them face each other in the all star games and........it wasn't funny. I'm not sure if I would like to see what would happen in the Finals with Kobe actually trying

[Spurs5Rings2014]

:kobe:

[references]

We so them face each other in the all star games and........it wasn't funny. I'm not sure if I would like to see what would happen in the Finals with Kobe actually trying
like the regular season where lebron historically beat his teams and statistically dominated him? was kobe trying then?

[Dr Hawk]

like the regular season where lebron historically beat his teams and statistically dominated him? was kobe trying then?

Miami was clearly a better team than LA. The better team beat the worse team, that's all

[sportjames23]

Kobe vs Lebron in the Finals would have destroyed ISH's servers.

[JT123]

Kobe choked BADLY in 2011, which was the only realistic opportunity.

[ShawkFactory]

Miami was clearly a better team than LA. The better team beat the worse team, that's all
And I bet you're one of those people who says 2/6 :lol

[Kawhi]

Kobe choked BADLY in 2011, which was the only realistic opportunity.
This is pathetic.

[GoatBoy]

Kobe choked BADLY in 2011, which was the only realistic opportunity.
2009 and 2010 Bran had no chance huh? :lol :lol

[sportjames23]

Kobe choked BADLY in 2011, which was the only realistic opportunity.


https://bigtonysfantasyleague.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/stephen-a-smith-doesnt-believe-you-face.jpg

[3ball]

Lebron regrets that he never faced Kobe in the NBA Finals.


Yeah right... Kobe fosters better team chemistry than Lebron.

(i.e. we know for a fact that the Heat were better when Lebron and Wade were NOT on the floor together).

Since Kobe fosters better chemistry, his Finals teams would win most of the matchups against Lebron's Finals teams..

The only times Kobe would lose are the times when Lebron's team has a sufficiently-large talent advantage to overcome inferior chemistry and playing an inferior brand of basketball.

[Marchesk]

Kobe vs Lebron in the Finals would have destroyed ISH's servers.

Not with the upgrades.

:coleman:

[references]

Miami was clearly a better team than LA. The better team beat the worse team, that's all
From 07 to lebron's last year on the Cavs (kobe and his team were at their best during this time)

Kobe
28.6/6/6 42% FG%
lebron
29/7.5/7 43 FG%

Cavs won all but one game against the Lakers in this span

[JohnnySic]

Lakers would probably have swept the Cavs in '09. I know that everyone and his brother wanted to see that matchup, but it would have sucked.

[Mr. Jabbar]

He would be 1/6

[GoatBoy]

Lakers would probably have swept the Cavs in '09. I know that everyone and his brother wanted to see that matchup, but it would have sucked.
This.

09 Lakers made slight work of a team that handled Lebron in 6. If lakers played Cavs, we're looking at a sweep, possibly 5 games.

[Dr Hawk]

From 07 to lebron's last year on the Cavs (kobe and his team were at their best during this time)

Kobe
28.6/6/6 42% FG%
lebron
29/7.5/7 43 FG%

Cavs won all but one game against the Lakers in this span

Individual stats are a wash basically, and we all know Kobe is not an stat guy, unlike Lebron. Never was, never will be


And I bet you're one of those people who says 2/6 :lol

I'm not

[Town's Town]

LeBron really must have wanted to give Ariza or Artest a FMVP. So generous.

[references]

Individual stats are a wash basically, and we all know Kobe is not an stat guy, unlike Lebron. Never was, never will be



I'm not

His teams also won more :facepalm

[rmt]

Ain't it ironic that it wasn't Kobe but Duncan and the Spurs that Lebron keeps meeting in the Finals?

[West-Side]

Why?

2/6 looks better than 2/7.

[game3524]

For Lebron's legacy it is a good thing they never met in the Finals.:oldlol:

[Hey Yo]

This.

09 Lakers made slight work of a team that handled Lebron in 6. If lakers played Cavs, we're looking at a sweep, possibly 5 games.
I doubt LA would have shot 41% from 3pt land like Orlando did. (152 attempts)

That was one of the differences between Orlando in the ECF and the Finals. They only shot 33% from 3 in the Finals. (115 attempts)

[3ball]

I doubt LA would have shot 41% from 3pt land like Orlando did. (152 attempts)

That was one of the differences between Orlando in the ECF and the Finals. They only shot 33% from 3 in the Finals. (115 attempts)
the amazing thing is that the 2009 Cavs won 66 games - they had a 66-win team!!!

and it's not like Lebron's stats achieved the 66 wins - his 28/8/7/48% is inferior to MJ's 33/8/8/54% in 1989, yet Lebron won 19 more games!!!!!.... So we know his supporting cast was contributing..

nonetheless, the #1 seed, favored Cavs lost to the Orlando Magic, who then got destroyed by Kobe.

[3ball]

For Lebron's legacy it is a good thing they never met in the Finals.:oldlol:
:confusedshrug:

[3ball]

.
Lebron showed his inferiority to Kobe in 2011 - Lebron is CAPABLE of this:


WADE... 2011 PLAYOFFS: 24.5 ppg on 48.5% fg
LEBRON 2011 PLAYOFFS: 23.5 ppg on 46.6% fg

WADE... 2011 FINALS: 26.5 ppg on 54.6% fg
LEBRON 2011 FINALS: 17.8 ppg on 47.8% fg


Honestly, I can't remember a player ever losing with such a phenomenal 2nd option... Or 3rd option... 10-time all-star Chris Bosh averaged 19 ppg in the 2011 playoffs and Finals..

Kobe would've swept the Mavericks with this team... He damn sure wouldn't need to score 62 in 3 quarters.

[SwayDizzle]

Lebron really does respect Kobe. If only his fans could do the same.

[TheImmortal]

Lebron really does respect Kobe. If only his fans could do the same.
It goes both ways tbqh.. but then again it's more fun when they're going at each other. :lol

[Hey Yo]

the amazing thing is that the 2009 Cavs won 66 games - they had a 66-win team!!!

and it's not like Lebron's stats achieved the 66 wins - his 28/8/7/48% is inferior to MJ's 33/8/8/54% in 1989, yet Lebron won 19 more games!!!!!.... So we know his supporting cast was contributing..

nonetheless, the #1 seed, favored Cavs lost to the Orlando Magic, who then got destroyed by Kobe.
Regular season isn't the postseason.

[Dr Hawk]

Regular season isn't the postseason.

Tell that to Lebron

[3ball]

Regular season isn't the postseason.
Exactly - and at the higher level of competition in the playoffs, Lebron's rudimentary ball-dominant style often gets beat by equal or less talented teams (2009, 2011, 2014).

We've seen it time and time again.

Otoh, Kobe's game has so many layers.. You don't know what he's going to do and the defense can't gameplan as easily... Hence 5/7 vs. 2/6

[Wade's Rings]

Pretty crazy one of them has made the Finals the past 9 years, but they never played each other. Only once did they even make the conference finals the same year

Yea that's insane.


Kobe choked BADLY in 2011, which was the only realistic opportunity.

So when the Cavs were up 2-1 on the Celtics in 2010 and Bron lost the series shooting 34% with 6 Turnovers a Game during the last 3 Games they didn't have a chance?


This.

09 Lakers made slight work of a team that handled Lebron in 6. If lakers played Cavs, we're looking at a sweep, possibly 5 games.

:biggums:

So the '12 Pacers would've handled the '12 Thunder since they took the Heat to 6 Games while the Thunder were outed in 5?


Kobe would've swept the Mavericks with this team... He damn sure wouldn't need to score 62 in 3 quarters.

:facepalm Kobe dropped 62 in 3 Quarters on the '06 Mavs not the '11 Mavs.

[3ball]

:facepalm Kobe dropped 62 in 3 Quarters on the '06 Mavs not the '11 Mavs.


In 2011, Lebron's 2nd option averaged 27 ppg on 54% in the Finals (Wade), while his 3rd option averaged 19 ppg and 9 rebs (Bosh)...

Honestly, I can't remember a player ever losing with such a phenomenal 2nd option... Or 3rd option...

Only Lebron can foster BAD enough chemistry to lose despite all this talent.

If Kobe had this kind of help, he would've swept that Mavs team.

[Hey Yo]

Exactly - and at the higher level of competition in the playoffs, Lebron's rudimentary ball-dominant style often gets beat by equal or less talented teams (2009, 2011, 2014).

We've seen it time and time again.

Otoh, Kobe's game has so many layers.. You don't know what he's going to do and the defense can't gameplan as easily... Hence 5/7 vs. 2/6
2009 Orlando shot lights out from 3
2011 was Wade ball (first option)
2014 Miami as a team was gassed.

Teams didn't know Kobe was going to shoot and shoot often?

[Wade's Rings]

2009 Orlando shot lights out from 3
2011 was Wade ball (first option)
2014 Miami as a team was gassed.

Teams didn't know Kobe was going to shoot and shoot often?

You claim Bron was Miami's best player for 3/4 Rounds but Wade was the best player? :confusedshrug:

2014 Bron didn't play great in the Finals.

[Hey Yo]

In 2011, Lebron's 2nd option averaged 27 ppg on 54% in the Finals (Wade), while his 3rd option averaged 19 ppg and 9 rebs (Bosh)...

Honestly, I can't remember a player ever losing with such a phenomenal 2nd option... Or 3rd option...

Only Lebron can foster BAD enough chemistry to lose despite all this talent.

If Kobe had this kind of help, he would've swept that Mavs team.
Those stats do look good, until you see starting center Joel Anthony avg. 1pt, 3trb and 1 block for the series.

[Wade's Rings]

Those stats do look good, until you see starting center Joel Anthony avg. 1pt, 3trb and 1 block for the series.

:roll:

So now Joel Anothony cost us that series.

[Hey Yo]

You claim Bron was Miami's best player for 3/4 Rounds but Wade was the best player? :confusedshrug:

2014 Bron didn't play great in the Finals.
In the Finals Wade was.

Then Wade realized what he needed to do in the off season. Then we saw the results.

[ShawkFactory]

In 2011, Lebron's 2nd option averaged 27 ppg on 54% in the Finals (Wade), while his 3rd option averaged 19 ppg and 9 rebs (Bosh)...

Honestly, I can't remember a player ever losing with such a phenomenal 2nd option... Or 3rd option...

]Only Lebron can foster BAD enough chemistry to lose despite all this talent[/B].

If Kobe had this kind of help, he would've swept that Mavs team.
Is that what it was? :lol

Fvckin clown

[Hey Yo]

:roll:

So now Joel Anothony cost us that series.
Not implying that whatsoever.

He pointed out Wade and Bosh's avg. It looks great but the avg. are brought down hypothetically by 1pt, 3trb and 1 blk.

[3ball]

Is that what it was? :lol

Fvckin clown
Why does a team with superior talent lose?.. Seriously, why?

Anytime a team loses despite having superior talent, it's because their teamwork, chemistry, and brand of basketball was inferior.. Unless you can think of other reasons, but I can't.

Again, no one in history had a 2nd option averaging 27 ppg and a 3rd option getting 19 ppg... Only Lebron can foster bad enough chemistry to lose despite all this talent.

[ShawkFactory]

Why does a team with superior talent lose?.. Seriously, why?

Anytime a team loses despite having superior talent, it's because their teamwork, chemistry, and brand of basketball was inferior.

Again, no one in history had a 2nd option averaging 27 ppg and a 3rd option getting 19 ppg... Only Lebron can foster bad enough chemistry to lose despite all this talent.

If Kobe had this kind of help, he would've swept that Mavs team.
Because one of the players that contributed to the team being superiorly talented (Lebron himself) didn't show up.

It had nothing to do with chemistry. He just wilted.

[Wade's Rings]

In the Finals Wade was.

Then Wade realized what he needed to do in the off season. Then we saw the results.

Why didn't Bron step up to the plate in the Finals then?

[AirTupac]

Maybe if Bran was a man, he could have got there without the helps of super legend teams

[coin24]

Not this shit again:lol

Poor bran the spotlights off him so he better say something stupid:oldlol:


60+ win teams. Needs more help. Shrunk against the magic and blatant quit against the Celtics. Would have gotten molested in the finals with no batman

[Mamba]

Let us all just remember who the coach of the cavs was in those years.

The same dude that LA sacked for being an incompetent, brain dead POS

If it wasn't for Lebron Mike Brown wouldn't have a house.

[Hey Yo]

Why didn't Bron step up to the plate in the Finals then?
You already know my answer.

Like I said, Wade came to his senses in the off season and we saw the results.

[Hey Yo]

Not this shit again:lol

Poor bran the spotlights off him so he better say something stupid:oldlol:


60+ win teams. Needs more help. Shrunk against the magic and blatant quit against the Celtics. Would have gotten molested in the finals with no batman
38-8-8 on 47% shooting.

[Wade's Rings]

You already know my answer.

Like I said, Wade came to his senses in the off season and we saw the results.

Ok :rolleyes:

[Sportal]

Yeah, as a basketball fan I was waiting for it, and waiting for it... And it just never happened. Pretty disappointed about it.

[3ball]

38-8-8 on 47% shooting.
very doable if the player is sacrificing team chemistry for individual stats.. Lebron's teams have shitty chemistry, which reduces the viability of his stats.

it's no different than Iverson's stats in various series... Or Lebron's 12 minutes time of possession average in 2015 Finals - this was 50% higher than the regular season leader (John Wall's 8.2 minutes).

no team can win with 1 player hogging the ball like that, therefore Lebron's stats were meant to stat-pad more than win - any stats achieved in this manner aren't impressive.

they don't compare to stats achieved WHILE the team has great chemistry and is winning - i.e. Jordan's 41/9/6 on 51% in 93' Finals.

[Wade's Rings]

very doable if the player is sacrificing team chemistry for individual stats.. Lebron's teams have shitty chemistry, which reduces the viability of his stats.

it's no different than Iverson's stats in various series... Or Lebron's 12 minutes time of possession average in 2015 Finals - this was 50% higher than the regular season leader (John Wall's 8.2 minutes).

no team can win with 1 player hogging the ball like that, therefore Lebron's stats were meant to stat-pad more than win - any stats achieved in this manner aren't impressive.

they don't compare to stats achieved WHILE the team has great chemistry and is winning - i.e. Jordan's 41/9/6 on 51% in 93' Finals.

His 2014 Finals was more "statpadding" then the 2015 Finals.

[sdot_thadon]

very doable if the player is sacrificing team chemistry for individual stats.. Lebron's teams have shitty chemistry, which reduces the viability of his stats.

it's no different than Iverson's stats in various series... Or Lebron's 12 minutes time of possession average in 2015 Finals - this was 50% higher than the regular season leader (John Wall's 8.2 minutes).

no team can win with 1 player hogging the ball like that, therefore Lebron's stats were meant to stat-pad more than win - any stats achieved in this manner aren't impressive.

they don't compare to stats achieved WHILE the team has great chemistry and is winning - i.e. Jordan's 41/9/6 on 51% in 93' Finals.
Clown alert

[sdot_thadon]

Why didn't Bron step up to the plate in the Finals then?
To be fair you're a wade fan, you know what went down in the finals. They went the whole playoff run taking turns, lebron roasted the bulls to the point that revived the mj conversation going into the finals. Something happened between the bulls series and the quit game of the finals. What exactly that was is kinda unclear. There's stuff out there though.

[3ball]

the excuses for lebron are as beta as he is

[Hey Yo]

very doable if the player is sacrificing team chemistry for individual stats.. Lebron's teams have shitty chemistry, which reduces the viability of his stats.

it's no different than Iverson's stats in various series... Or Lebron's 12 minutes time of possession average in 2015 Finals - this was 50% higher than the regular season leader (John Wall's 8.2 minutes).

no team can win with 1 player hogging the ball like that, therefore Lebron's stats were meant to stat-pad more than win - any stats achieved in this manner aren't impressive.

they don't compare to stats achieved WHILE the team has great chemistry and is winning - i.e. Jordan's 41/9/6 on 51% in 93' Finals.
In 2009, Mo Williams, Delonte West both avg. more FGA in the ECF than they did in the regular season. So how was LeBron hogging the ball?

The difference is that both Mo and West 3PT% was significantly lower in the ECF and Orlando avg. higher 3PT% in the ECF than the reg. season.

[3ball]

I'm a troll


Indeed, it's true - Lebron's teams have shitty chemistry, which reduces the viability of his stats..

Stats achieved while a team has bad chemistry (Lebron's 2009 ECF, 2014 Finals, 2015 Finals, and many more)

are worth less than stats achieved while a team has great chemistry (all of Jordan's, Curry's and Bird's rings)..

[3ball]

In 2009, Mo Williams, Delonte West both avg. more FGA in the ECF than they did in the regular season. So how was LeBron hogging the ball?

The difference is that both Mo and West 3PT% was significantly lower in the ECF and Orlando avg. higher 3PT% in the ECF than the reg. season.
The team had bad chemistry, which is why they lost as the favorite in 2009 ECF, just like they did in 2011 Finals.

Lebron's teams have shitty chemistry, which reduces the viability of his stats..

Stats achieved while a team has bad chemistry (Lebron's 2009 ECF, 2014 Finals, 2015 Finals, and many more)

are worth less than stats achieved while a team has great chemistry (all of Jordan's, Curry's and Bird's rings)..

[Wade's Rings]

To be fair you're a wade fan, you know what went down in the finals. They went the whole playoff run taking turns, lebron roasted the bulls to the point that revived the mj conversation going into the finals. Something happened between the bulls series and the quit game of the finals. What exactly that was is kinda unclear. There's stuff out there though.

From what I've seen you're not a troll but that guy is so I respond to him like that.

[bluechox2]

lebron regrets it cause it would have been a cakewalk right now

[ShawkFactory]

The team had bad chemistry, which is why they lost as the favorite in 2009 ECF, just like they did in 2011 Finals.

Lebron's teams have shitty chemistry, which reduces the viability of his stats..

Stats achieved while a team has bad chemistry (Lebron's 2009 ECF, 2014 Finals, 2015 Finals, and many more)

are worth less than stats achieved while a team has great chemistry (all of Jordan's, Curry's and Bird's rings)..
Literally didn't even attempt to respond to his statement :lol

Stay clownin

[sdot_thadon]

Indeed, it's true - Lebron's teams have shitty chemistry, which reduces the viability of his stats..

Stats achieved while a team has bad chemistry (Lebron's 2009 ECF, 2014 Finals, 2015 Finals, and many more)

are worth less than stats achieved while a team has great chemistry (all of Jordan's rings).
I don't troll bro, you shouldn't either. You fvckin suck at it. I didn't engage you in the statement you made cause your shtick gets old and stomping a hole in your primitive thinking gets even older. But here you go:

You obviously didn't watch the eastern conference finals in 2009 or you're just an idiot. Either answer will do. 2009 the magic were a terrible mismatch for the cavs, Lebron gave everything humanly possible in that series. If I recall correctly it stands as one of if not the highest per for a series ever. The problem there wasn't Lebron's play, his play was the difference between a sweep and the actual results. Mo Williams underperformed to his season standards that series, don't remember the exact numbers, look it up. Also there was this thing called defense, the cavs had big problems on that end. The hedo/shard mismatch murdered the cavs wings and Mike brown thought it was ok to have delonte west guard hedo and Ben Wallace guard shard. Also to waste lebron playing off of alston. No adjustments were made by the ATG coach, the magic were HOT, the rest is history. It's nice hearing your demented spins on how lebron underachieved though, thanks for your concern.

[sdot_thadon]

From what I've seen you're not a troll but that guy is so I respond to him like that.
No worries. I still wonder if the exact story will ever see the light of day though.

[Hey Yo]

From what I've seen you're not a troll but that guy is so I respond to him like that.
I contribute a hell of a lot more factual stuff to this board than you do.

[Wade's Rings]

No worries. I still wonder if the exact story will ever see the light of day though.

If it was an issue between Wade & Bron maybe never or until after they retire.

If it was between Bron and the team it might.

If it was just Bron choking, then there isn't a story.

[Wade's Rings]

I contribute a hell of a lot more factual stuff to this board than you do.

True.

[sdot_thadon]

If it was an issue between Wade & Bron maybe never or until after they retire.

If it was between Bron and the team it might.

If it was just Bron choking, then there isn't a story.
I'm thinking a combination of the 3.

[Magic 32]

Ariza was shutting down Lebron's a*s in 2009...

http://s30.postimg.org/4iaqli8jl/jklhjlk.png

http://share.gifyoutube.com/Z6PxBM.gif

[3ball]

2009 the magic were a terrible mismatch for the cavs, Lebron gave everything humanly possible in that series.


You don't realize how pathetic your excuses for Lebron sound.. I don't have to make any excuses for Bird and MJ.

[3ball]

Literally didn't even attempt to respond to his statement :lol

Stay clownin
you're just not smart, so you don't understand anything I'm saying.

who cares of delonte's fga increased - he can't do shit in the playoffs if Lebron is relegating him to play-finisher.

play-finishers on a 1-playmaker team are the most predictable and invariably get shut down in the playoffs

[3ball]

Mo Williams underperformed to his season standards that series, don't remember the exact numbers, look it up.


The supporting cast isn't at fault - Lebron's style relegated them to play-finisher status, which made them predictable and always gets shut down in the playoffs.

Other than the obvious eye test, we have statistical proof that Lebron turns teammates from playmakers into play-finishers - Mo Williams and other teammates saw their APG decrease significantly alongside Lebron, while their assisted rate increased..

This proves Lebron turned teammates from playmakers into a play-finishers.. Teams with 1 playmaker and a bunch of play-finishers CAN'T WIN in the playoffs... multiple playmaker teams > 1 playmaker teams

[Magic 32]

The supporting cast isn't at fault - Lebron's style relegated them to play-finisher status, which made them predictable and always gets shut down in the playoffs.

Other than the obvious eye test, we have statistical proof that Lebron turns teammates from playmakers into play-finishers - Mo Williams and other teammates saw their APG decrease significantly alongside Lebron, while their assisted rate increased..

This proves Lebron turned teammates from playmakers into a play-finishers.. Teams with 1 playmaker and a bunch of play-finishers CAN'T WIN in the playoffs... multiple playmaker teams > 1 playmaker teams

Not only that, he started shooting way more in the ECF for no good reason...

http://s29.postimg.org/3l0jqr3qf/dddddd.png

[sdot_thadon]

Of course he shot more, otherwise they'd have been swept. A few 4th qtrs in that series they iso'd him near the ft line and let him abuse any and everyone they put in front of him over and over. The funny thing about actually watching basketball is you learn the context of situations through experiencing them 1st hand. You fellas should give it a shot. You'd have more high quality hate to spew if you did. As of now these feeble attempts could use some work.

[warriorfan]

The supporting cast isn't at fault - Lebron's style relegated them to play-finisher status, which made them predictable and always gets shut down in the playoffs.

Other than the obvious eye test, we have statistical proof that Lebron turns teammates from playmakers into play-finishers - Mo Williams and other teammates saw their APG decrease significantly alongside Lebron, while their assisted rate increased..

This proves Lebron turned teammates from playmakers into a play-finishers.. Teams with 1 playmaker and a bunch of play-finishers CAN'T WIN in the playoffs... multiple playmaker teams > 1 playmaker teams

Yes, LeBron is unwilling or unable to share ball handling and play making responsibilities with the rest of his team. Leading to inflated statistics but also leading to a simplistic, AAU styled offense that is extremely easy to game plan against and gets shut down by strong opposing teams.

[Magic 32]

Of course he shot more, otherwise they'd have been swept. A few 4th qtrs in that series they iso'd him near the ft line and let him abuse any and everyone they put in front of him over and over. The funny thing about actually watching basketball is you learn the context of situations through experiencing them 1st hand. You fellas should give it a shot. You'd have more high quality hate to spew if you did. As of now these feeble attempts could use some work.

7 turnovers in the 4th and OT of game 4.

What a masterpiece.

[sdot_thadon]

The supporting cast isn't at fault - Lebron's style relegated them to play-finisher status, which made them predictable and always gets shut down in the playoffs.

Other than the obvious eye test, we have statistical proof that Lebron turns teammates from playmakers into play-finishers - Mo Williams and other teammates saw their APG decrease significantly alongside Lebron, while their assisted rate increased..

This proves Lebron turned teammates from playmakers into a play-finishers.. Teams with 1 playmaker and a bunch of play-finishers CAN'T WIN in the playoffs... multiple playmaker teams > 1 playmaker teams
Holy hypocritical hater Batman. Aren't you the same dummy that's been telling anyone willing to listen that Lebron's high output wasn't efficient enough and he should have passed more this past june.....

Only a year after saying his finals didn't have a high enough output and he should have shot more.....

And right here in this topic now you once again contradict your own feelings....

Bro you're all over the place, get it together. So which argument is it?

[sdot_thadon]

7 turnovers in the 4th and OT of game 4.

What a masterpiece.
20 pts, 6reb, 2 ast in the 4th and overtime. Only made buckets in overtime for the cavs too.

[Hey Yo]

B2B slays ^^^^

[3ball]

Aren't you the same dummy that's been telling anyone willing to listen that Lebron's high output wasn't efficient enough and he should have passed more this past june.....


Lebron didn't need to pass more in 2015 Finals - but he did need 2 things:

1) shoot a better percentage
2) achieve his stats with a normal time of possession**


** Lebron's time of possession in 2015 Finals was 12.0 minutes per game, which is a whopping 50% higher than the regular season leader (John Wall's 8.2 minutes).

Obviously, a team can't win when 1 player hogs the ball that much, which means Lebron's style was more to stat-pad than win.

A massive time of possession from 1 player ruins teamwork and chemistry, which makes Lebron's stats less impressive than stats achieved WHILE the team has great chemistry (such as Jordan's 41/9/6 on 51% in 1993 Finals).

[JohnMax]

Lebron regrets not being 2/7

[Asukal]

Lebron regrets not being 2/7

Would have broken Wilt's record and cemented bron as the choke god. :bowdown:

[Wade's Rings]

Would have broken Wilt's record and cemented bron as the choke god. :bowdown:

In '09 the Cavs lose to L.A but in '10 the Cavs beat L.A IMO

[FLDFSU]

Holy hypocritical hater Batman. Aren't you the same dummy that's been telling anyone willing to listen that Lebron's high output wasn't efficient enough and he should have passed more this past june.....

Only a year after saying his finals didn't have a high enough output and he should have shot more.....

And right here in this topic now you once again contradict your own feelings....

Bro you're all over the place, get it together. So which argument is it?

Exactly. Lebron haters are the absolute worst. Forget all the contradictory BS they said about the Heat for 4 years in order to downplay Lebron's brilliance...I literally remember one Lebron hater claiming Lebron was "a ball-hogging cancer that is afraid to shoot."

They can't even get their logic straight.

One thing about those who don't like Kobe's game...they are consistent in their criticism of him: "he is a ball-hogging chucker who was fortunate to play with the eras greatest big men who bailed him out of his bad shots."

Lebron haters on the other hand are all over the place...

[3ball]

Exactly. Lebron haters are the absolute worst.


dude... sdot is drunk... his post made no sense.

obviously, when lebron shot 17 times per game in 2014 Finals, he needed to shoot more.

he did this in 2015 Finals, but his efficiency was horrific and his time of possession was ridiculously high... What good are Lebron's stats if he shoots horrifically, and it takes him 50% longer than anyone took all year to achieve them?

his high time of possession ruined any chance at good teamwork or chemistry... And obviously, stats achieved while a team has bad teamwork/chemistry are less impressive than stats achieved while the team has great chemistry (such as Jordan's 41/9/6 on 51% in 1993 Finals).

Btw, don't call Lebron brilliant... For most of his career, he employed a losing, ball-dominant style - the only reason he won a couple rings is because he stacked his team with enough talent to offset the inferior chemistry his game fosters.

[Naero]

...

"I didn't hold up my end of the bargain in 2009 for the fans, for us, to meet in the Finals," James said Tuesday,

...



The political correctitude that LeBron tries hard to simulate...

2009 was definitely the most plausible year for that highly anticipated NBA Finals match-up, but it never materialized thanks in no small part to then-incumbent head coach Mike Brown. The playoffs are where coaching errors go under the scrutinous microscope; that was evident with how Mike Brown-coached teams

[Magic 32]

20 pts, 6reb, 2 ast in the 4th and overtime. Only made buckets in overtime for the cavs too.

5-12 from the field. 7 turnovers.

Majestic efficiency.

No way his teammates could have done better.

[Bankaii]

5-12 from the field. 7 turnovers.

Majestic efficiency.

No way his teammates could have done better.
20 points on 12 shots in 4th+OT is bad now?:oldlol:

How does Kobe do in pivotal games against Finals teams?:roll:

[Mr Feeny]

5-12 from the field. 7 turnovers.

Majestic efficiency.

No way his teammates could have done better.

Did a Kobe fan boy just knock someone's efficiency?:roll:

[aj1987]

5-12 from the field. 7 turnovers.

Majestic efficiency.

No way his teammates could have done better.
That's 61% TS, you dolt. 42% FG%. Kobe, for his career, averages 40% FG% in the Finals.

Kobeturds shouldn't talk about efficiency. Like ever.

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

Bron would've ran roughshod against Kobe and the Lakers.

Nobody on LA could defend him so in that respect, I can see why LeBron has regrets. Kobe should thank his stars, because dude would've been outclassed if they had ever played H2H on that stage.

[sdot_thadon]

[B]Lebron didn't need to pass more in 2015 Finals - but he did need 2 things:
2) achieve his stats with a normal time of possession**
So, tell me dunce king how in the hell else would you expect him to lower his time of possesion? The more you post the more stupid you sound bro. See you in the next thread I think we're done here. :coleman:

[game3524]

Bron would've ran roughshod against Kobe and the Lakers.

Nobody on LA could defend him so in that respect, I can see why LeBron has regrets. Kobe should thank his stars, because dude would've been outclassed if they had ever played H2H on that stage.

And who is guarding Kobe? Delonte and Parker.:oldlol:

The Cavs would have gotten swept in 2009 and lost in six in 2010. For Lebron's legacy, it is a good thing they never met.

Better to lose to Duncan since no one cares then it is to lose to Kobe.

[Wade's Rings]

And who is guarding Kobe? Delonte and Parker.:oldlol:

The Cavs would have gotten swept in 2009 and lost in six in 2010. For Lebron's legacy, it is a good thing they never met.

Better to lose to Duncan since no one cares then it is to lose to Kobe.

The 2010 Cavs swept the Lakers and matched up well with them unlike the previous year. Assuming Bron doesn't choke or quits the Cavs more than likely win the series.

[game3524]

The 2010 Cavs swept the Lakers and matched up well with them unlike the previous year. Assuming Bron doesn't choke or quits the Cavs more than likely win the series.

And? Orlando swept LA in the regular season in 2009 and looked what happened in finals. The Lakers were the better overall team, both Kobe and Lebron would have gotten theirs(honestly it could have been the best mano-mano matchup we have had since AI and VC in 2001). But the Lakers had an advantage in the front court even though the Cavs added Shaq.

[stalkerforlife]

Bran lost to the Magic while being the favorite.

He choked on purpose to avoid that Mamba bite.

[AlphaWolf24]

Btw, don't call Lebron brilliant... For most of his career, he employed a losing, ball-dominant style - the only reason he won a couple rings is because he stacked his team with enough talent to offset the inferior chemistry his game fosters.


added.....and he still couldn't 3 peat...


which to add insult to injury....Lebron Gauranteed 8 championships....then made fun of Dirk for coughing....( while being Wade's B!tch).

[Dragonyeuw]

The 2010 Cavs swept the Lakers and matched up well with them unlike the previous year. Assuming Bron doesn't choke or quits the Cavs more than likely win the series.

Not sure thats the best metric to use. The 2007 Cavs swept the Spurs during the regular season, and we all know how the finals turned out.

[AI09]

After reading this article I see
Kobe to LeBron is what Goku is to Vegeta

[Wade's Rings]

And? Orlando swept LA in the regular season in 2009 and looked what happened in finals. The Lakers were the better overall team, both Kobe and Lebron would have gotten theirs(honestly it could have been the best mano-mano matchup we have had since AI and VC in 2001). But the Lakers had an advantage in the front court even though the Cavs added Shaq.

The Cavs played the Lakers better a year later and matched up better. It showed to me that they stood a better chance than in '09.

[Wade's Rings]

Not sure thats the best metric to use. The 2007 Cavs swept the Spurs during the regular season, and we all know how the finals turned out.

Lebron didn't play like garbage vs the Spurs in the Regular Season.