Speaking of Los Knicks...the only game I see on tonight is The Knicks vs The Nets. Im sorry ive just never been a Knicks fan and still dont like them. Just from the days of old with Ewing and Mason and all those types. I guess if thats all thats on though ill suffer through and just root for the Nets.

I appreciate the love being shown for the Knicks as a (disgruntled) fan but I believe you are overestimating this team a bit. I do see them getting into the playoffs as the 7th seed but they are not going to scare the likes of Boston or Miami to a big extent. They may lose a game at MSG but they are going to have an easy time with the lack of D and chemistry that the Knicks possess.

I'd much rather play the Knicks in the playoffs if I had the choice. teams with no D never do anything.

I don't think the Knicks are a good team. A lot of the public had higher expectations than they should have after the Melo trade. They gave away a lot of their key guys and are pretty thin right now. Mid-season blockbusters like that take time for guys to gel together and it doesn't happen in the middle of the season but I think we all realize that. Maybe the average fan doesn't. BUT I'd still rather play the 76ers than the Knicks in the 1st round. They should both lose in 5 games but you never know when a guy like Melo could just go off for 45. Knicks have two guys that can take over a game. They don't play any defense... Mike D'Antoni as coach so big surprise there!!! Personally I'd just much rather play the 76ers, they've improved A LOT (Doug Collins!) but I watch a good amount of their games since I am in the Philly area and there is no way they scare anyone in the playoffs. They still have a ways to go, too much is put on Iguodala and all their scoring comes of slashing. And they need a PG upgrade, it's a guards league and they lack them. The thing that makes Knicks more scary to me than the 76ers is IF they can get it to a close game at the end, they have two guys who aren't afraid to take the big shots down the stretch and can make them. Iggy can do it too but when Melo gets an isolation he is unstoppable, he has one of the 3 best mid-range games in the NBA (Bryant, Pierce)

My bad for misreading your post a bit. I just had an argument with other fans thinking that the Knicks will magically "turn it on" during the playoffs because they will actually care more than they did before and thought you were coming from that perspective.

The rest of what you said I have no real issue with although I believe the Sixers have a deeper team which will help them in a playoff series which is more like a marathon than a sprint while the Knicks have nothing beyond the starting lineup.

How about the double header for tonight? Celtics vs Spurs and my Lakers vs Mavericks. You would think being from Texas I would at least like one of the three teams we have. Ive just never liked any of the players enough to develop any kind of fondness for the teams. There was a time when Rodman played for the Spurs I cheered them on but that was forever ago. Since ive always liked Kobe I pull for the Lakers.

Anyway anybody have any predictions on who they think will win out of the two matchups tonight? Im not up to speed on the Boston, Spurs battles. As far as who has won the last time time or any time they have have met this year. I know Boston is showing signs of kind of tapering off again kind of like they did last season at the end. I like watching Rondo play and have always been a Garnett fan as well. Again im not familiar enough with either to know how they match up as far as what type offense they run. So ill just pull for Boston I guess for now. I do know that trade they made earlier in the year could quite possibly be coming back to haunt them.

As far as the Mavericks and Lakers im sure this game should be up in the 100's. As long as Bynum puts out the effort he has been as of late and their bench keeps up with Dallas. I dont see any reason for the Lakers not to win. Kobe getting his usual 20 or 30 points with some assists and boards as well. Artest playing some good d as he has been since the break. Along with Gasol working it from the post I just dont think the Mavs are capable of matching up. Again though their strongest point to me is what they have coming off the bench. Terry may as well be starting as well as he plays along with some others. They seem to be deep at every position so if their going to stay in it or win. Thats where their going to have win it imo.

I was actually gonna mention Rodman before even reading your post. I might have ranted about him before, I can't remember. But he is one of my all-time favorites. Just the little things he did that were crazy or immature are things you'll never see again. Awesome rebounder and defender, hardly anyone took as much pride in those little things as Rodman. I love The Worm.

Man, the Boston VS Spurs matchup is really tough. Duncan, parker, and Ginobili have all been out and the Spurs have lost like 4 in a row. Boston has lost like 3 out of 4 but it should be a great game tonight. Both teams have had a few days to rest. If ANY one of Duncan, Parker, or Ginobili are hurt, I am taking Boston. I love the Spurs to win at home but they have struggled so much without those three guys. So if any one of those guys is out, I am taking Boston.

Lakers win by 9 tonight. Lakers always turn it on at the end of the season when they have to. They know it's a televised game and everything is clicking for them right now. Bynum is an absolute beast, if he was on any other team he would easily be scoring 20+ per game and grabbing 10+ rebounds. Lakers have too much size and will get the job done. I love Dirk though, guy is a hall of famer for sure and so tough to guard but Lakers have so much size and I can't see them losing at home. At dallas i'd take the Mavs but Lakers win by 8 or 9 tonight

Yeah all three starters are playing for the Spurs. In the pregame show they were saying how the Celtic fall off is related to their age. I dont even kow how old Rondo is but I guess he's gettin up there as well. Its still really early but right now both teams are just back and forth scoring at will pretty much.

Yeah I think we had talked about Rodman before. I saw him in some intervention show where he was trying to save his marriage but I dont think it worked. I remember all the different hair color styles he use to have and his Madonna phase. Didnt he wear the dress or something? Dude was crazy and didnt give a **** who knew it thats for sure. He had more of an NFL type persona to me..basketball didnt really know what to think of him I dont think.

Well the game already started, but since all 3 are playing I am taking the Spurs. They play so well at home and Greg popovich is one of the best coaches in the league. Boston is still an elite team. They are going to the finals in my opinion. But they almost always lose back-to-back games and they definitely take games off. They are such an old team so it's understandable. They are saving energy for the playoffs. Rondo is still really young. In a few years, Boston will still be a decent team, I can see already they are piecing together guys for the future with trading for Jeff Green who is a young scorer.

Dennis Rodman lol, this man made no sense

http://www.1stweddingphotography.com...ng-dress-1.jpg

Geez...yeah he was definatly out there. I like athletes that stand out and are ****y but im not getting the whole dress thing. Im not sure if he's just....I dunno. I cant even speculate on what go's through his mind sometimes.

AS far as the game its all tied up at halftime. Did anyone see that wicked move Rondo did driving in the paint? That guys amazing!!

Celtics win..or at least Rondo won..man that dude plays out of his mind. 22 pts..5 rebounds and 14 assists

the playoff match-ups are out so I will pick em:

Conference Quarters

Spurs > Grizzlies

Lakers > Hornets

Blazers > Mavs

Thunder > Nuggets

Bulls > Pacers

Heat > 76ers

Celtics > Knicks

Orlando > Atlanta

Conference Semis

Thunder > Spurs

Lakers > Blazers

Bulls > Orlando

Heat > Celtics

Conference Finals

Lakers > Thunder

Heat > Bulls

Finals

Lakers > Heat

^ I actually completely agree with that except I'm taking the Mavs over the Blazers and Heat over the Lakers.

Probably the best defensive player in NBA history.

As far as the picks in the playoff picture im not going to try an predict every single game. I think in the end its going to be Lakers vs. Magic.

As far as The Heat im just really going off the fact that I detest them. I would hate to see them make it to the finals their first year, and win anything. I dont think they can keep up the level of play in the playoffs when every possession is 10 times more intense than the regular season. They still lack in the bench department, and Bosh will probally choke when the pressure hits.

Derrick Rose is having a phenomenol year, but he just doesnt have the help he needs around him. I like Rose and wouldnt mind a Bulls vs Lakers championship. Sadly for Derrick and company I just dont see it happening. Of course ive been wrong before.

Overall I think in the end with a Magic vs Lakers championship fans would be satisfied. They match up fairly well and could easily go 7 games to be decided. Again assuming Howard has no more tech issues, and Bynum for the Lakers stays healthy. I think the Lakers come out victorious in the end, and Kobe adds another ring to his existing 5.

I will say right now, anyone who is NOT picking the Lakers to win it all is a damn fool. I DO think Kobe is a bit over rated and their big men are under rated (well by the public casual fans anyways). People forget how bad Kobe sucked last year in the biggest game of the year (Game 7 of the Finals) but got bailed out by Gasol and Perkins getting hurt for Boston. Of course Kobe still gets all the glory, because he's Kobe... But there's my mini rant on Kobe. The media just loves riding his jock. But cmon, the Lakers have 3 great 7-footers, it's almost unfair. Kobe will take all the shots down the stretch because his ego is too big to not take them, and he'll get enough help to win another ring. There is no way anyone is stopping LA, they just dominate the boards and Kobe will probably get to the foul like 30 times each game. There is ZERO chance they don't at least win the west.

For the East, I'm not sure. Bulls have been so great all year, they will obviously be tough. Really hard for me to go against Boston given their track record and all those veterans. Heat are legit too. I don't think Magic have a chance, Dwight gets called for too many bullshit fouls and his fouls will cost them at least a game or two in a series. So, I'm going Lakers > Celtics in 7

I agree... but Ben Wallace??

He might be the most versatile. Tough to classify as the best though becuase of different positions/roles.

Perimeter Defender: Gary Payton (Pippen)
Interior Defender: Hakeem Olajuwon (Mutumbo, Russell)

Some great names right there. I'd definitely give versatility to Rodman. He could play pretty much any position and was always undersized in the post, but never backed down from anyone. You were gonna have to go through Rodman's sternum to get a bucket. Damnit I miss Dennis Rodman, he was awesome.

Two guys who might not get enough love for their defense is KG and Duncan. In my opinion two of the best post defenders of their generations. KG better guarding pick and roll type situations and Duncan better at guarding back to the basket guys in the post.

There's been a long running debate on an NBA forum I post on sometimes. Who is better: Duncan or Garnett Not specifically right now, just overall when you look at them as players and their careers, who is better? Use whatever criteria you want. It always seems to be split down the middle with opinions on this

^ It's lame, but I can't decide. I consider them equal. They're two of the best in history. I will say about Duncan though, that when I think of the word reliable, he's the first guy that comes to mind. You always know what you'll get. Of course KG is no slouch either.

a few thoughts on some contenders:

Bulls: they had a great regular season. however, they are too inexperienced(playoff-wise especially) to make it past the conference finals. really young teams don't win big in the playoffs. also, they are a jump shooting team after rose and boozer, which doesn't bode well for their chances.

Spurs: I did my picks before I knew Manu was injured. they could lose to the grizzlies if he can't play. this is another jump shooting team that will struggle to defend big teams(lakers).

Thunder: dark-horse title contender. with Perk, they match up with lakers much more favorably. the lakers still have the edge down low, but if the lakers can force Durant/Westbrook into being volume scorers, the lakers win(I assume Kobe and Artest will be able to). I know I'm being a big fat hypocrite because these are KIDS, but they went 6 with the Lakers just last year.

Heat: if LeBron doesn't have an absolutely phenomal playoff run, I would be astonished. he has the most to prove of any player considering how his last playoff series ended. the big question mark is whether or not Bosh wants to be the junkyard dog and rebound when things get tough. another is whether or not they can get bench production.

Celtics: they killed their chances with the Perk trade IMO. J O'neal is a corpse and Shaq can't give them big minutes. Big Baby will play ok, but I doubt he could shine. also, at this stage, would you really expect Boston to win the SG and SF matchups VS the Heat?

Lakers: I think they could actually win it without Bynum, because Barnes can solidly guard the 4. I would be really surprised if they don't win it.

I agree with a lot of that, but honestly I think the Bulls do have a good chance. They have solid big men in Boozer and Noah (as long as Boozer doesn't get hurt...), and obviously solid guard play mostly in Rose. Celtics did kill their chances, honestly, I think the Knicks might make it past them.

Personally I'm not a big Heat fan at all, and I doubt they'll make it past the conference finals, they're too inconsistent, and IMO too arrogant.

I'm predicting a Lakers and Bulls final, but that's just me.

I'd say having the 3rd best record with 3 good players and cast-offs in their first season together is a sign of consistency.

the media scrutiny of the MoHeatos has led people to miscalculate how good they are as a team.

what does arrogance have to do with anything?

Yep the hatred for LeBron has definitely lead people to believe things that are untrue... People in general don't give the Heat as much respect as they should get and they under rate LeBron in my opinion. Look at this dudes numbers this year, they are nuts as usual. He just makes it look so easy sometimes that I think people just expect his team to win every single game or something. Hell they got the number 2 seed.

Good thought eric, i agree with a lot of that stuff... Any thoughts on the Mavs or Magic?

I love Dirk. Love his game, he has a repertoire like a Pierce or Kobe. Just move after move after move depending on how you wanna play him. And Chandler has been a great addition for them, adds a big body in the post. I watch the Mavs sometimes and I think they are a good team, but something just keeps them from going to that next level. They have a top 5 or top 10 player in Dirk and from what I remember they only made it to the finals once (when Heat beat them with Shaq). Perimeter size and defense maybe? As for Magic, they are nothing when Dwight is out of the game and he's in foul trouble constantly. They aren't as good as when they went to the finals a few years back and the east is tougher than it was back then. If they weren't playing the Hawks, I'd say maybe the Magic could get upset. But the Hawks are the biggest frauds in the NBA. People look at their record and think they are good, but they are garbage. Just watch a game of theres VS a good team. I don't know how they went 7 games with Boston a couple years ago, but Atlanta on the road is especially anus.


I am going to root for the Heat and Lakers and for the Heat to win. I actually like Lebron and I would love to see him tell the rest of the fans to kiss his ass. eric is right, nobody is gonna be more motivated than LBJ to kick some ass, I expect some monster games. Because honestly, when leBron wants to go to the rim, you just can't stop him. Plus I don't like Kobe so I hope they lose. But realistically, the lakers size is just a joke. They can send a championship ring to the Grizzlies management for trading them Gasol for nothing a few years ago lol.

FUCK its the playoffs I am getting so pumped up!

1st round matchup I am really pumped for:

Celtics VS Knicks. Celts win in 5 I think but it should still be more exciting than any other eastern matchup because of all the star power.

All the west matchups except Lakers-Hornets.

Spurs have some injuries to deal with, and like eric said, they arent going that far anyways because of their lack of big men. Bonner is a soft white guy who hangs out behind the 3 point line and Blair is undersized with no hops. I really could see Grizzlies taking this. Dallas Vs Portland... Meh, more interested just to see who wins cause this could be a tough matchup for Dallas in the 1st round. Most excited for Thunder - Nuggets. Holy hell what a track meet this could be. Probably the most entertaining matchup. Gonna be a ton of points, but Thunder are gonna win. Thunder are SOO stacked right now with young talent, it isnt even funny. I love what they are doing.

:rofl::rofl: If your not a fan then your definatley going to hate Kobe. Anyone with as many championships under his belt as he has breeds hate in the hearts of competitors. Make no mistake though the numbers speak for themselves. And when he retires I venture to say he very well have a better resume than Jordan. Kobe wins trophys on his game face alone.

Reason I dont like Lebron is his shady charactor when it comes to the game. He could beat people up and drink and drive or do whatever he wanted in his spare time and I wouldnt care. The fact that he wimped his way out of Cleveland and has admitted to not wanting to be the man when games are on the line(cleveland&miami) is pathetic. The guy has awesome athletic ability and no heart. Which in my book is a recipe for chicken ****.

Does anyone else think LeBron has already established himself as one of the best of all time, or am I way out of line here?

That would be the equivilent of annointing a new stud quarterback one of the best of all time...after a couple seasons. Without him ever winning a championship. Theres no denying the fact that the guy is great and will be great for a long time. The best of all time at this point in his career not a chance. Doesnt have the numbers or the rings yet but im sure he will accomplish that before he retires. I think still he finishes just behind Kobe in stats and rings, and Kobe didnt have to abandon his team to do it...... Neither did Micheal Jordan

I respect kobe as one of the all-time greats, but I just can't stand the guy. He has this fake tough guy attitude I don't like and I've just never liked how he deals with the media. But that aside, I hate the Jordan comparisons. I used to say LBJ will be better than MJ. I laughed at people who said MJ could NEVER be topped in terms of greatness... but I've come around to join those people. You can't compare anyone to Mike, he is one of a kind. He is the true definition of competitor and winner.

Kobe's first 3 rings were mainly because of Shaq. Kobe was great, but that was Shaq's team. We will probably never see anything again like Shaq in his prime. Dwight isn't even close to being in the same conversation. And Kobe WAS the guy these past two championships, but look at all the help he had. Game 7 last year he was pathetic, one of the worst games I have ever seen him play. And they still won because of their awesome big men.

And this goes for anyone... If you like Kobe and hate Lebron YOU NEED TO STFU ABOUT HIM DITCHING CLEVELAND. Kobe wanted out of LA in 2007 when the lakers wouldn't trade Bynum for jason Kidd :bonkhead: He was ready to skip town after Shaq left because he didn't think the team was trying to be competitive. He was gonna do the same thing, only he had way more talent on his squad than Lebron. LBJ had NO help at all in Cleveland. he gave them 6 years of being amazing and got fed up with them not putting guys around him.

Thom Yorke, yes I do think LBJ has already made himself into one of the all-time greats. His numbers are just sick. And people want to always point to rings... Jordan and Kobe couldn't have won a championship with that team around LBJ in Cleveland. Does anyone disagree? It's like people hate on the guy for taking a terrible team to the NBA Finals and consistently being one of the best in the league. WTF?? LeBron has already put in pretty much the best 7 years of basketball to start a career you could ask for. He's for sure going to be one of the greatest, I already have him penciled in. Even if he would suddenly die, he'll still be looked at as an all-time great.

Yeah I put no stock into rings. That's a team thing. Remember that series vs. the Magic that the Cavs lost (forget what year it was)? James had one of the most ridiculous series ever, but his team dragged him down yet again. If you're going to go by team stats the Cavs went from 66-16 and 61-21 with James to 19-63 without him.

I can say with confidence that he is the most talented player of all time, but you have to put up a bunch of excellent seasons to build up a body of work to really be considered an all-time great. I think he's done that though. What he's doing in today's game is more impressive than what Oscar Robertson did.

first of all, I'm a huge Kobe fan. he's been my favorite player to watch for some time now. he's such a complete player.

comparing him to MJ? Kobe has no case. just take a look at their playoff stats.

I'd much rather take LeBron as he is. there's too many wife-beaters and drunk drivers around as it is.

he left cleveland because their management did a laughably terrible job in free agency and the draft. I don't blame him at all.

I don't recall him ever saying he didn't want the ball in his hands with the game on the line. not everyone can be Kobe. if LeBron would ever improve his game(jumper, post offense, and lock-down 1v1 defense) he could be the most dominant ever, but he seems to be content doing what he has been his entire career.

let me show you a pic of a player with no heart:
http://www.clipperscurse.com/wp-cont...ncecarter1.jpg

now let me show you LeBron's career averages:
27.7ppg / 7apg / 7.1rpg / 1.7spg / .8 bpg

he has heart.

granted, his effort was questionable last year in the playoffs because he already knew he was gonna be a MoHeato...

I'm not saying they're not a good team, and I'm not saying they don't have great players. But I don't think they're championship bound THIS year, will they win a championship or multiple championships together? Probably. Will they this year? I don't think so. And while they do have an impressive record and even more impressive stats especially in LeBron, they're record against the elite teams, the other main playoff contenders, isn't honestly that impressive.

And what does arrogance have to do with it? Any basketball player knows, I know from personal experience, if you go into a game with arrogance instead of just confidence, you won't do as well as expected. Possibly such as the Heat recently losing to the Cavs? One of the worst teams in the NBA. Granted, it was obviously an extremely hostile environment, they should of won that game. And I don't know for sure, but I have a pretty good feeling that especially LeBron and D-Wade "knew" they were going to win that game easily going in.

I don't hate the Heat, and I don't under rate LeBron. I just don't think they operate well enough together yet to win it all.

Of all time? really? Now were just jumping him all the way to the top in front of Jordan without history under his belt? Wow...id say thats a reach definatley. Well your entitled to your opinion but in my mind and the minds of many fans and super star althletes of old...Jordan...Barkley...to name a couple. All the talent in the world doesnt cover up the fact he sold out and abandoned his team. Basketball is a team sport yes and sometimes you dont have the team around you to win the championship every year. However imagine how much more commendable it is upon winning one. Once you do put all the pieces in place, and didnt have to sell your legacy to do it. Im not questioning Lebrons talent or ability merley pointing out what turned me off as a fan. For me to not like an athlete is really an unusual thing. Considering all the outcasts and radical personas I tend to root for. However the desire to win and want the ball is something they all had in common. I cant say the same for Lebron giving the history lesson right from his own mouth.
As far as rings go maybe I can see a lil of your point there. But they do sweeten things a lil when making a case for the best of all time. I mean does Kobe or Jordans name hold the same clout if you take away their rings? Either way time will tell and maybe Lebron will develop his attitude to a want to win mentality. Till then id say he has a long way to go before he's labeled the best player of all time.

I didn't say I thought he was THE best of all time, but one of the best. I definitely think he's the most talented though. He's just a freakish blend of talents.

I really don't get the hate for him leaving Cleveland. It's up to him where he wants to play. Anybody (and I literally mean anybody) could have built a 50+ win team in Cleveland if they had James on the roster. It's unbelievable how little they gave James to work with there.

Comparing Kobe to Jordan isnt that far fetched of an idea. Yes I will take a look at playoff stats as you should take a look at the all team leading sportss scorers. Jordan not that far ahead of Kobe in that department. Im not saying that at this time Kobe is the better player but if a case is to be made. Kobe could be the only one with enough credentials to even consider it at this time.



Personally the end of that video I could care less about. The arrogance and selfishness doesnt bother me at all. The lack of desire to win or not be the man does. Big time players make big time plays...for all its complexity in the game of basketball that simple statment rings true for every sport. You keep Lebron and keep calling yourself a Kobe fan though.

I dont think this is a Lebron favoritism thing as much as it is a strength in numbers against me thing. Which is fine...unlike Lebron ill stick around to debate my end of the argument despite the enevitable. Dirty I do at least respect the fact that you just plain dont like Kobe and thats your opinion. I dont like Lebron and as far as Kobe wanting out of Los Angelos fact remains he didnt leave. There were also issues with him and Phil Jackson as well but those were resolved.
As far as the first three rings with Shaq who is say they woudnt have won any without him? Its a good thing that rings dont matter as well that way at the end of the season they can just call it quits and go home. Its not like that has anything to do with the amount of work they put in during the season. That would probally be right up Lebrons alley...that way he wouldnt have to worry about choking come crunch time and dishing the ball to someone else. So they could be the one to take the heat of losing. Yeah rings dont matter what so ever in sports they are just for television marketing purposes.*sarcasm*

If Kobe would have been a free agent he probably would have left. He spent days going on radio shows bashing how own management and demanded a trade. But Lakers management knew exactly what they were doing and sure enough, Bynum is now awesome. And for the rings he won with Shaq, I am saying Kobe would have never sniffed those rings without Shaq.Shaq won the MVP of those Finals all 3 times and had the highest scoring average for a center in the finals EVER. Cmon, Kobe was still good back then but he was a totally different player and Shaq was the one carrying the team on his back. MJ never had anyone else carrying the load for him. It was ALWAYS on his back and he always delivered. There is NO way in hell those Laker teams would have even made the finals without Shaq.

Tons of players leave their teams for better teams in hopes of winning a title. I never hear Shaq catch any shit. Carmello publicly said he wanted of Denver for months, and he was viewed as a hero or something for leaving. Amare left Phoenix for New York... I mean cmon it's happened with superstars for generations. This hate for LeBron is just absurd and ridiculous. He is the most hated guy in basketball for wanting to have a better chance at winning a championship and taking less money to do it lol. Makes no sense to me.

And also the LeBron isn't clutch stuff makes no sense to me. Again, LBJ haters just hating instead of being realistic and appreciating. The guy scored like 22 points in a row VS the pistons a few years ago in the playoffs, but instead they wanna diss him for not being able to win a championship with a bunch of bums as team mates. I just don't get why LeBron is so under appreciated. We are probably never going to see a player like this ever again. Don't hate, appreciate!

Ill give that on the MJ point you made definatley. Mj did have a good squad around him but never the likes of a Shaq. Still if I had to pick a player to make a case with it would be Kobe not Lebron. Shaq was awesome no doubt but Kobe was no slouch back then either.

As far as all of the hate that Lebron gets for leaving. I think its because whether he realized it or not he was the next in line to be a Jordan or Kobe. I mean he was called King James out of highschool wasnt he? They were crowning him best ever before he set foot on an NBA court. I think he was loving every minute of it and rightfully so but just didnt realize the frusrations and pressure that entails. Jordan was 28 years old before he won a title. Its not all a fairy tale when you get to the pro's. Thats just my opinion but ive never won **** in any athletic competition. Lets take a look at what the best player to ever play the game says about the whole thing. Also make note of who he mentions would be good competition out of the players of today.

Well I can understand Kobe being closest to MJ because I think Kobe does have a killer instinct type of mentality that LeBron lacks. Even though I think sometimes Kobe goes into fake-tough guy mode or something. Thank you for that video though because I just love hearing Michael Jordan speak lol. Does anyone else feel this way? I've never heard a Jordan interview and thought "man this guy is bullshitting." Sorry, I just love MJ. Him and Ken Griffey jr. are my absolute sports heroes, they are gods to me lol.

But ok, enough with the MJ comparisons talk... Ok, to me the reason we will never see another LeBron is because he was on the Sports Illustrated cover as a high schooler and hyped to be an all-time great before he even set foot on the NBA court. Like I can't think of a single athlete who has ever had close to as much hype as Lebron at that age... It's a ridiculous amount of pressure and expectations, and he somehow surpassed all of them. It's just insane lol. To be 18 and have the pressure on you to save a franchise and be one of the best players in the game, and he turns a last place team into a first place team within a couple of seasons and wins back to back MVPs. And unlike most people, I do think LeBron is a pretty humble and gracious guy. I do wish he had a killer instinct and played more pissed off, and I wish he would work on the stuff eric talked about. Like his shooting, post offense and 1 on 1 defense. But he is still the best player in the league, I mean nobody is absolutely perfect.

Ok I guess I just really appreciate greatness and try to put it into context while it's happening. Like I realize LeBron is someone my grandkids will marvel over. Same with guys like Kobe and Shaq. Same in other sports with Pujols. And for lebron I just don't feel like he is appreciated for how awesome he is. I mean, cmon the lockouts and stuff in sports should give fans a wake up call that sports are a business and there doesn't have to be loyalty in sports, there hardly is. I just don't get the big deal as to why it's like the worst thing ever that LBJ ditched shitty Cleveland for Miami. Yeah of course Jordan and Bird and those guys didn't want to leave, their franchises put great teammates all around them. Bird played on a team of hall of famers and Jordan was playing with the best rebounder in the league, 2 of the best defenders in the league, and perfect role guys. The only thing I can knock LeBron on so far was the playoffs last year, when he definitely checked out. He just seemed disinterested or something, it was weird to see.


Also, eric you are completely right about Vince Carter. In that case, heart was the difference between good and great.

Ok well at least we can agree to disagree man. You stand by your guy and thats definatley respectable. Like I said I know Lebron has the talent and the ability to be great. I dont wish any ill on the dude just doesnt command respect from me is all. Im sure that he sets up at night and worries about that as well.lol. All of these guys are phenomenol athletes and make the game exciting to watch. In a perfect world I guess we would all love every player and every team.

I'll hold off on more detailed thoughts until the first round series are over. But the Bulls look terrible, they could have easily lost both games so far to the Pacers. That's what has stood out to me the most so far.

But stuff like tonight is what makes me hate Kobe. He complains and cries all game to the refs as usual, plays terrible, then gets praise from everyone. If LBJ would have played like Kobe did tonight, everyone would be all over him. But since it's Kobe, he gets this free pass to play terrible that other superstars dont get. Granted, they won but it wasn't because of Kobe. I would like nothing more than a Heat VS Lakers finals. I want LBJ to get a ring so bad now. Just watching the Lakers boils my blood and makes me hate Kobe.

Kobe still blows. Worst player to ever be seriously compared to MJ.

Shaq was the best player on the team when he won his first three rings, and Pau Gasol is the best player on the team now. Kobe could never carry a team to a championship by himself. He's an annoying rich kid that the rest of the Lakers have to drag along to the games and hoist him on their shoulders. He's gotten lucky most of his career and had a supporting cast that is more than capable of winning without him.

The true Kobe:


Holds the ball, throws it up fading away when he's triple teamed. Had plenty of time to pass it to either of the 2 open teammates right in front of him, but no. Let's just take the worst shot a professional basketball player can take and get bailed out by my teammates again, I'll still get all the credit anyway....

What a ****ing douche.

news flash, no player has ever single handedly carried a team to a championship by himself.

every player has ups and downs.

what about game 1, where he was absolute gold?