Artest: "Cavs nothing without LeBron"

[djohn2oo8]

We already know this, but I can't help but laugh at this, Ron just being Ron

NEW YORK – Ron Artest (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/players/playerpage/139045) is always good for a laugh, even the night after the Lakers (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/LAL) lost to the Cavs for the second time this season. But in this case, he has a point.

Asked before the Lakers played the Knicks (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/NY) Friday night if the Cavs would be a playoff team without LeBron, Artest didn’t hesitate.

“Actually I thought about that [Thursday],” Artest said. “If you take LeBron off that team, no. They’re not. They’re nothing. Not that they’re nothing, they’re still human beings. But you take him off that team, no. I guess that’s why they got me, to take him out of the game. [Thursday] it didn’t work. They got us this year, so all we can do is move on from that and see what happens in the playoffs.”

Artest, who is from Queensbridge – a rough neighborhood just across the East River from Manhattan – always attracts a crowd of reporters when he plays at the Garden. He still represents one of many might-have-beens for the Knicks after the team passed on the former St. John’s star in the 1999 draft, when they picked Frederic Weis instead.

“No disrespect to Cleveland, but we need some star power here in New York,” Artest said. “We need some legit star power, so I can come down and beat up on ‘em. We still need some star power here in New York. We need one of those big-time players to come here and get a great team, and when the Lakers play the Knicks, we beat ‘em by like 40 or 50 points. It would be great hopefully one day to see a New York-L.A. championship. I don’t have any power to do that, but it would be nice.”

Don't blame me, Cavs fans. I don't make the news. I merely report it.

http://ken-berger.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/11838893/19717327?source=rss_blogs_NBA

:lol

[JamStone]

They’re nothing. Not that they’re nothing, they’re still human beings.

Profound, Ronnie.

[Allanon]

Ron's great entertainment.



"I guess that’s why they got me, to take him out of the game. [Thursday] it didn’t work"

Ron does understand he failed in his job of stopping LeBron. Taking responsibility is the first step in fixing a problem.

[baseline bum]

The sky is blue. Water is wet.

[PGDynasty24]

Lebron is different than melo and pierce,he is much faster. Kobe would've been a much better matchup on Lebron,he did good on him when he was on him. Kobe did really good on him last year. Ron Ron doesnt have footspeed to keep up with Lebron

[ClippersDynasty]

And the only reason they have Lebron is cause their franchise was so pathetic it could only muster 17 wins :lol

lmao cleveland

[lefty]

Because Lakers were good without Gasol?

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

Someone should remind Artest that the Lakers were better without him, thanks Ron :toast

[Allanon]

Ron was actually leading the DPOY candidates before that Christmas day concussion.

Ron needs more time to shake off that pretty serious injury.

[LakerHater]

WTF!?
Thats like saying Lakers are nothin w/o KoMe, Spurs are nothin w/o Tim, Mavs are nothin w/o Dirk & all the good teams are nothinw/o thier star player!! http://board.freeones.com/images/smilies/dunno.gif


.... Ron being Ron??

[leemajors]

duh

[himat]

WTF!?
Thats like saying Lakers are nothin w/o KoMe, Spurs are nothin w/o Tim, Mavs are nothin w/o Dirk & all the good teams are nothinw/o thier star player!! http://board.freeones.com/images/smilies/dunno.gif


.... Ron being Ron??

No its not because the Lakers are still a hell of a team w/o Kobe. They would still have Fisher, Artest, Gasol, Bynum, and Odom. That team could win games. The Spurs w/o Tim Duncan still have a stellar back court that could carry the Spurs to wins. Mavs would kind of suck w/o Dirk but they still have J Kidd and Marion.

The Cavs on the other hand w/o LeBron don't have much. They have Shaq and Mo Williams, who I personally think is overrated. Everyone else on that team needs someone else to help them get buckets.

[Allanon]

Without Kobe, Gasol becomes Gasoft, Odom becomes Odumb, Ron Artest becomes "Crazy Ron" and Fisher remembers he's 35 years old.

[ClippersDynasty]

No its not because the Lakers are still a hell of a team w/o Kobe. They would still have Fisher, Artest, Gasol, Bynum, and Odom. That team could win games. The Spurs w/o Tim Duncan still have a stellar back court that could carry the Spurs to wins. Mavs would kind of suck w/o Dirk but they still have J Kidd and Marion.

The Cavs on the other hand w/o LeBron don't have much. They have Shaq and Mo Williams, who I personally think is overrated. Everyone else on that team needs someone else to help them get buckets.

:lmao

He's one of the worst players in the league.

[hitmanyr2k]

Without Kobe, Gasol becomes Gasoft, Odom becomes Odumb, Ron Artest becomes "Crazy Ron" and Fisher remembers he's 35 years old.

Since Kobe won't even take a game or two off we'll never know. Fact of the matter is the Lakers still have plenty of talent without Kobe there. You didn't even mention Bynum who would probably relish getting more offensive touches which would probably make his overall game better.

Take Lebron away from the Cavs and what do you have? An undersized SG in Mo Williams, a 38 year old center in Shaq (who's good in spurts but can't do anything with consistency anymore) and a bunch of roleplayers. I don't even think the Cavs are a playoff caliber team without Lebron.

[Allanon]

Since Kobe won't even take a game or two off we'll never know. Fact of the matter is the Lakers still have plenty of talent without Kobe there. You didn't even mention Bynum who would probably relish getting more offensive touches which would probably make his overall game better.

Take Lebron away from the Cavs and what do you have? An undersized SG in Mo Williams, a 38 year old center in Shaq (who's good in spurts but can't do anything with consistency anymore) and a bunch of roleplayers. I don't even think the Cavs are a playoff caliber team without Lebron.

38 year old Shaq, Kobe, Verajao, Mo and Delonte would win another ring.

Even if you think they can't win a ring, they would still be a #1 seed in the West.

[himat]

Without Kobe, Gasol becomes Gasoft, Odom becomes Odumb, Ron Artest becomes "Crazy Ron" and Fisher remembers he's 35 years old.

Shut up. Just admit your team is stacked. You know that's not a bad thing right?

[Allanon]

Shut up.
Fuckyou.



Just admit your team is stacked. You know that's not a bad thing right?
Don't be stupid.

[himat]

Fuckyou. Don't be stupid.

:lmao You're telling me not to be stupid? You are a dumb ass if you think your "role" players suck. Your front court is all all star caliber (Artest, Bynum, Gasol). Hell even your back up forward (Odom) is all star caliber. Derek Fisher is getting old but he is still a vet who gets the ball to the right players, plays tough defense, and knocks down big jumpers. How much better can the role players get? Last time I checked Kobe has sucked these last 2 weeks and its been his teammates who have been more efficient.

So :flipoff

[Allanon]

:lmao You're telling me not to be stupid? You are a dumb ass if you think your "role" players suck. Your front court is all all star caliber (Artest, Bynum, Gasol). Hell even your back up forward (Odom) is all star caliber. Derek Fisher is getting old but he is still a vet who gets the ball to the right players, plays tough defense, and knocks down big jumpers. How much better can the role players get? Last time I checked Kobe has sucked these last 2 weeks and its been his teammates who have been more efficient.

So :flipoff

Hahah you stupid fuck.

There are no All Stars on the Lakers outside of Kobe. You can't make up All Stars, they either are or they are not.

Even a scrub like Delonte West is > 35 year old Derek Fisher.

GTFO with this weak shit yah stupid bitch. :lmao

[LakerHater]

Yeah, I gotta agree with Allanon. I dont think the Lakers would be in 1st place let alone the playoffs w/o KoMe!

Granted, some of the role players could be starters & possibly be on an All-Star bench but, not on this KoMe lead team!

[badfish22]

:lmao come on allanon

In terms of best player on the team
CLE
Lebron
Mo
Delonte
Shaq
Moon? Verajao?

LA
Kobe
Pau
Odom
Bynum
Artest

Lebron>Kobe but every other Laker is better than all of those Cavs.

[himat]

Hahah you stupid fuck.

There are no All Stars on the Lakers outside of Kobe. You can't make up All Stars, they either are or they are not.

Even a scrub like Delonte West is > 35 year old Derek Fisher.

GTFO with this weak shit yah stupid bitch. :lmao

I said they are all star CALIBER you dumb ass. And Pau Gasol has been an all star before retard.

And even if they are not all stars they are way better than anybody in Cleveland.

And are you telling me you would rather have Delonte West run the point over Derek Fisher if a big playoff game was happening today?

You don't even back up what you say. Typical bandwagon ass Laker fan who does not know shit until L.A. becomes championship contenders once again.

Again its not bad to have good players on the team you root for.

[Allanon]

:lmao come on allanon

In terms of best player on the team
CLE
Lebron
Mo
Delonte
Shaq
Moon? Verajao?

LA
Kobe
Pau
Odom
Bynum
Artest

Lebron>Kobe but every other Laker is better than all of those Cavs.

I have one for you Badfish

Shaq>Bynum
Verajao<Pau
Lebron>Artest
Parker<Kobe
Delonte>Fisher

Is this not true?

[djohn2oo8]

The Lakers would be on Minnesota level without Kobe, but 1st round fodder with no Gasol and a healthy Kobe

[badfish22]

Shaq>Bynum


:lmao

plus you got odom on the bench

[himat]

Yeah, I gotta agree with Allanon. I dont think the Lakers would be in 1st place let alone the playoffs w/o KoMe!

Granted, some of the role players could be starters & possibly be on an All-Star bench but, not on this KoMe lead team!

They would not be in 1st place but they would still make the playoffs. Memphis made the playoffs with Pau Gasol as the star player. Yes, they got swept every year but they still made the playoffs. Cleveland would be at the bottom of the East w/o LeBron.

I am not arguing that Kobe is insignificant. He is arguably the best player in the NBA, but to say he doesn't have a great supporting cast is ignorant.

Even Kobe himself said he is lucky to have a better supporting cast than LeBron, Wade, etc. I'll find the quote.

[Allanon]

I said they are all star CALIBER you dumb ass. And Pau Gasol has been an all star before retard.

Look fuckstick. They are not All Stars. Pau was an All star before, and Shaq is a 10+ time All Star. This is 2010. Pau is NOT an All Star and neither is Shaq. I'd take 38 year old Shaq any day over 30 year old Pau Gasol. Stern would be engraving the LOB right now if Kobe had Shaq again and the Lakers would be having 83 win Ecstasy.



And are you telling me you would rather have Delonte West run the point over Derek Fisher if a big playoff game was happening today?

Today = Regular Season. We're talking about regular season.

In the regular season, Delonte > Fisher.



You don't even back up what you say. Typical bandwagon ass Laker fan who does not know shit until L.A. becomes championship contenders once again.

Whatever dumbshit. Pisonfan wishing it was 2004 all over again. :lol

[Allanon]

:lmao

plus you got odom on the bench

Did you not see Shaq own both Pau and Bynum on Thursday?

Is this true or not?

Shaq>Bynum
Verajao<Pau
Lebron>Artest
Parker<Kobe
Delonte>Fisher

[himat]

I have one for you Badfish

Shaq>Bynum
Verajao<Pau
Lebron>Artest
Parker<Kobe
Delonte>Fisher

Is this not true?

You are such a dumb fuck. You have to explain how MUCH better each player is.

Shaq is SLIGHTLY better than Bynum especially later in the season when Shaq will start to break down.

Pau is WAY better than Verajao. If you don't think that you are a dumb ass.

Artest is MUCH better than Anthony Parker. He hits shots, but is a game changer on defense.

Kobe and LeBron...for now lets say they cancel each other out.

Delonte West is SLIGHTLY better than Fisher.

Odom, Shannon Brown, Farmar, Walton is WAY better than Mo Williams, Gibson, and Ilgauskas.

And lastly Phil Jackson >>>>>>>Mike Brown.

[Allanon]

You are such a dumb fuck. You have to explain how MUCH better each player is.

Hahah, you little bitch.

Making excuses now for the King?

Typical Pistonfan is full of excuses as usual. :lol

[djohn2oo8]

You are such a dumb fuck. You have to explain how MUCH better each player is.

Shaq is SLIGHTLY better than Bynum especially later in the season when Shaq will start to break down.

Pau is WAY better than Verajao. If you don't think that you are a dumb ass.

Artest is MUCH better than Anthony Parker. He hits shots, but is a game changer on defense.

Kobe and LeBron...for now lets say they cancel each other out.

Delonte West is SLIGHTLY better than Fisher.

Odom, Shannon Brown, Farmar, Walton is WAY better than Mo Williams, Gibson, and Ilgauskas.

And lastly Phil Jackson >>>>>>>Mike Brown.

LeBron proved that, huh?

[himat]

Look fuckstick. They are not All Stars. Pau was an All star before, and Shaq is a 10+ time All Star. This is 2010. Pau is NOT an All Star and neither is Shaq. I'd take 38 year old Shaq any day over 30 year old Pau Gasol. Stern would be engraving the LOB right now if Kobe had Shaq again and the Lakers would be having 83 win Ecstasy.



Today = Regular Season. We're talking about regular season.

In the regular season, Delonte > Fisher.



Whatever dumbshit. Pisonfan wishing it was 2004 all over again. :lol

Shaq had a very good game when Cavs faced the Lakers, but he is not the same Shaq as before. Right now he is barely averaging double digits (10.7 ppg)

Okay lets say we're talking about regular season. Don't all you Laker fans argue that Kobe is >LeBron because he has 4 rings and LeBron has none? As far as regular season goes LeBron is tied with Kobe in MVP's and he's about to get another one this year if he keeps his play up. That's not supporting cast that is LeBron just being better than Kobe.

But let me guess you are now going to bring up playoff shit. But remember we are ONLY talking about regular season. Okay.:lol

[Allanon]

Shaq had a very good game when Cavs faced the Lakers, but he is not the same Shaq as before. Right now he is barely averaging double digits (10.7 ppg)

Okay lets say we're talking about regular season. Don't all you Laker fans argue that Kobe is >LeBron because he has 4 rings and LeBron has none? As far as regular season goes LeBron is tied with Kobe in MVP's and he's about to get another one this year if he keeps his play up. That's not supporting cast that is LeBron just being better than Kobe.

But let me guess you are now going to bring up playoff shit. But remember we are ONLY talking about regular season. Okay.:lol

Why are you changing the subject? Fix this first so that Lebron has weaker players with him:

Shaq>Bynum
Verajao<Pau
Lebron>Artest
Parker<Kobe
Delonte>Fisher

By my count, that's 3 positions in favor of the Cavs.

[Pero]

Look fuckstick. They are not All Stars. Pau was an All star before, and Shaq is a 10+ time All Star. This is 2010. Pau is NOT an All Star and neither is Shaq. I'd take 38 year old Shaq any day over 30 year old Pau Gasol. Stern would be engraving the LOB right now if Kobe had Shaq again and the Lakers would be having 83 win Ecstasy.


Wow, just wow. No one in his right mind would rather have Shaq than Gasol right now. Swap Shaq with Gasol and the Cavs become the number one favourite while the Lakers would be happy to get out of the first round.

[Allanon]

Wow, just wow. No one in his right mind would rather have Shaq than Gasol right now. Swap Shaq with Gasol and the Cavs become the number one favourite while the Lakers would be happy to get out of the first round.

You keep calling him Gasol. He's Gasoft right now.

Shaq owned BOTH Pau and Bynum on Thursday.
Shaq has played 38 games
Pau has played 25 games

Give me Shaq any day.

[himat]

Hahah, you little bitch.

Making excuses now for the King?

Typical Pistonfan is full of excuses as usual. :lol

Hey pussy I personally like Kobe more than LeBron because Kobe, from what i've seen, is a much harder worker and LeBron has had all of his success mainly due to his natural ability.

I would love to say that LeBron has a better supporting cast, but Kobe manages to beat him anyways but thats just not true. You are a FOOL to believe the Cavaliers have a better supporting cast.

Just think about it. Its the L.A. freaking Lakers. You guys can pay up and get anyone you want. Cleveland, before LeBron was there, was a 15 win team. A joke.

Typical Pistons fan? Lakers fans are the epitome of bandwagoners who don't know what the hell they are talking about. And why would I make excuses for LeBron. I don't care about him or his team. I was glad when Orlando schooled him last year. But facts are facts and Kobe's teammates> LeBron's teammates.

[Allanon]

And why would I make excuses for LeBron. I don't care about him or his team. I was glad when Orlando schooled him last year. But facts are facts and Kobe's teammates> LeBron's teammates.

Facts are facts and you can't even change these simple arrows around without making excuses?

Shaq>Bynum
Verajao<Pau
Lebron>Artest
Parker<Kobe
Delonte>Fisher


Hey pussy I personally like Kobe more than LeBron because Kobe, from what i've seen, is a much harder worker and LeBron has had all of his success mainly due to his natural ability.

I would love to say that LeBron has a better supporting cast, but Kobe manages to beat him anyways but thats just not true. You are a FOOL to believe the Cavaliers have a better supporting cast.

Don't be an ignorant ass.

You are a FOOL to think the Cavs are a weak team. Swap teams for LeBron and Kobe and the Lakers would be #1 in the West an LeBron would be #1 in the East.

BOTH guys have enough of a team to win a championship...let's not pretend that LeBron is playing with Smush, Kwame and Luke.

[himat]

Why are you changing the subject? Fix this first so that Lebron has weaker players with him:

Shaq>Bynum
Verajao<Pau
Lebron>Artest
Parker<Kobe
Delonte>Fisher

By my count, that's 3 positions in favor of the Cavs.

Will you listen to me? It's not just he is better than him. How much better a player is matters too.

For instance, don't just say Shaq>Bynum and Pau>Verajao and make the score 1 to 1.

If you say: the Lakers big men vs. the Cavaliers big men its Bynum/Pau>Shaq/Verajao because Shaq>Bynum but Pau way >>>>> Verajao.

[Allanon]

Will you listen to me? It's not just he is better than him. How much better a player is matters too.

For instance, don't just say Shaq>Bynum and Pau>Verajao and make the score 1 to 1.

If you say: the Lakers big men vs. the Cavaliers big men its Bynum/Pau>Shaq/Verajao because Shaq>Bynum but Pau way >>>>> Verajao.

And you say you don't make excuses for the King?

Show me ANY other lineup where you need to make excuses like this.

Only the King gets the benefit of lineup excuses :lol

[himat]

Facts are facts and you can't even change these simple arrows around?

Shaq>Bynum
Verajao<Pau
Lebron>Artest
Parker<Kobe
Delonte>Fisher



Don't be an ignorant ass.

You are a FOOL to think the Cavs are a weak team. Swap teams for LeBron and Kobe and the Lakers would be #1 in the West an LeBron would be #1 in the East.

BOTH guys have enough of a team to win a championship...let's not pretend that LeBron is playing with Smush, Kwame and Luke.

Yes both teams have enough to win a championship but Kobe has more. Maybe I exaggerated about Cleveland being at the bottom but they would barely make the playoffs. And the only reason they would is because the 7th and 8th seed in the Eastern Conference are both sub .500 teams.

I really hope L.A. makes Kobe rest just to see how well your team does w/o him. Yes they would lose more, but they would still be a solid team.

[himat]

And you say you don't make excuses for the King?

Show me ANY other lineup where you need to make excuses like this.

Only the King gets the benefit of lineup excuses :lol

Let me reiterate how much I love seeing LeBron lose in the playoffs because the NBA wants him to win so bad. Saying LeBrons teammates are not as good as Kobe's is not an excuse. Its just the truth. That doesn't mean LeBron's teammates suck it just means that the Lakers players are just that good.

[Allanon]

Saying LeBrons teammates are not as good as Kobe's is not an excuse. Its just the truth. That doesn't mean LeBron's teammates suck it just means that the Lakers players are just that good.

It's just a myth that everybody is buying into without looking at it.

The Cavs supporting cast is just as good or better than any other team minus their main guy.

[Lars]

Its interesting how much his demeanor has changed in one year.

Last year with Houston he took a microphone in game six of the playoffs and asked the crowd to give a round of applause for Portland for playing thier butts off.

This year he is bad mouthing other teams? To me this speaks about the general attitude of certain clubs in the league.

[MateoNeygro]

If I were a GM and I could chose which teams lineup i'd want. I'd definently pick the Lakers any day of the week. Not saying the Cavs are bad but The Lakers are fuckin stacked.

[MateoNeygro]

And I fuckin hate the Lakers and the Cavs...

[DAF86]

It's just a myth that everybody is buying into without looking at it.

The Cavs supporting cast is just as good or better than any other team minus their main guy.

Everybody knows that the Lakers role players >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Cavs role players. The journalists know it, the fans know it, the players know it (Artest on this article for example), the only person in the world that doesn't seem to get it is you.

[himat]

It's just a myth that everybody is buying into without looking at it.

The Cavs supporting cast is just as good or better than any other team minus their main guy.

Okay I'll admit that I exaggerated how much better the Lakers supporting cast is, but at the end of the day it is still slightly better.

I can't find the stats right now but LeBron averaged a lot of points, boards, assists, etc. against Orlando and managed to lose. Kobe just put in the usual points, assists, etc. he normally does and his team managed to almost sweep Orlando.

Yes the Cavs now have Shaq, but the guy is 38. At some point its going to catch up to him.

[Allanon]

Everybody knows that the Lakers role players >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Cavs role players. The journalists know it, the fans know it, the players know it (Artest on this article for example), the only person in the world that doesn't seem to get it is you.

You hate Kobe.

I get it. :lol

[MateoNeygro]

The Lakers players are waaay better, but to be fair. I bet if they asked if The Lakers were a Championship team without Ron, he'd say no way. That guy is a fucking nutcase.

[Allanon]

Okay I'll admit that I exaggerated how much better the Lakers supporting cast is, but at the end of the day it is still slightly better.


As you said, it's not THAT much better and we can compromise on that.

I also believe the cast is better, but I'm a Lakerfan and I'm not going against my team.

There's really no point in arguing further than that.

[DAF86]

You hate Kobe.

I get it. :lol

You're a Kobe fan, not a Lakers fan.

I get it. :lol

[MateoNeygro]

I really hate Kobe, I know he's a great player though. However his supporting cast is much better and that's not a bad thing. James needs to go to the Nuggets and fuckin run shit.

[DAF86]

You're a Kobe fan, not a Lakers fan.

I get it. :lol

Besides, Does stating the truth make me a Kobe hater?

[Allanon]

You're a Kobe fan, not a Lakers fan.

I get it. :lol

I'm actually a Klomar fan. :lol

[MateoNeygro]

I'm actually a Klomar fan. :lol

lol

[himat]

As you said, it's not THAT much better and we can compromise on that.

I also believe the cast is better, but I'm a Lakerfan and I'm not going against my team.



Your previous posts did not sound like that. At all. That:

Shaq>Bynum
Pau>Verajao
LeBron>Ron
Kobe>Parker
Delonte>Fisher

crap was really pissing me off. :lol

[MateoNeygro]

^ me too!

[MateoNeygro]

I meant i'm a KLomar fan...Lol.

[Allanon]

Your previous posts did not sound like that. At all. That:

Shaq>Bynum
Pau>Verajao
LeBron>Ron
Kobe>Parker
Delonte>Fisher

crap was really pissing me off. :lol

All good himat. :lol

Cavs starting 5 is actually better. Klomar really is what makes up the difference. Not much different than the Championship Spurs and Manu.

If Lamar plays great, the Lakers are unbeatable. if he doesn't, the Lakers are not much different than most good teams.

[himat]

That what makes MJ so great. The Bulls are insignificant in the NBA except the Jordan era.

The Lakers have dominating basketball for a while. The Kobe era is a big one, but its one of many.

If LeBron is as good as all the hype at some point he will make the insignificant Cavs a great team in this decade. I personally think he will win 1 or 2 championships but thats it. If he is the next Jordan he would find a way to win multiple championships in spite of the Cavs history of sucking.

[Allanon]

I meant i'm a KLomar fan...Lol.

:lol

[mystargtr34]

:lol Allanon. You have made my day with your takes in this thread. Thank you sir.

[Allanon]

:lol Allanon. You have made my day with your takes in this thread. Thank you sir.

Lots of bullshit mingled with convenient truths...you're welcome sir :lol

[mystargtr34]

The Lakers cast are obviously much more talented than the Cavs cast - but LeBron raises the level of his team mates more so than Kobe and his style of play is suited more to having guys around him who dont need the ball as much to be effective. I think in Kobe's case, you want guys who can create their own offense because Kobe's offensive game isnt conductive to getting others involved. He likes to operate in his own spots and go one-on-one, often without a drive, meaning he doesnt draw defenders and allow others to get open.

You put Kobe on the Cavs, where he is surrounded by spot up shooters, they would struggle to get as many good looks as LeBron gets them, but Kobe would still get his. You put LeBron on the Lakers, the numbers of guys like Pau and Bynum probably get better and more efficienct, but i dont think LeBron's game is as effective, and his numbers arent as dominant.

[himat]

What I like about Kobe is that even though he is "not as good as making his teammates better than LeBron" he is a no-nonsense sort of player. LeBron can be such an idiot at times. His antics such as dancing in the game against the Bulls this season are so annoying. Kobe just goes out and tries to win games. Although he can be selfish at times while doing this, it works for the most part.

[djohn2oo8]

What I like about Kobe is that even though he is "not as good as making his teammates better than LeBron" he is a no-nonsense sort of player. LeBron can be such an idiot at times. His antics such as dancing in the game against the Bulls this season are so annoying. Kobe just goes out and tries to win games. Although he can be selfish at times while doing this, it works for the most part.

See, 2005-2007

[DazedAndConfused]

The Lakers cast are obviously much more talented than the Cavs cast - but LeBron raises the level of his team mates more so than Kobe and his style of play is suited more to having guys around him who dont need the ball as much to be effective. I think in Kobe's case, you want guys who can create their own offense because Kobe's offensive game isnt conductive to getting others involved. He likes to operate in his own spots and go one-on-one, often without a drive, meaning he doesnt draw defenders and allow others to get open.

You put Kobe on the Cavs, where he is surrounded by spot up shooters, they would struggle to get as many good looks as LeBron gets them, but Kobe would still get his. You put LeBron on the Lakers, the numbers of guys like Pau and Bynum probably get better and more efficienct, but i dont think LeBron's game is as effective, and his numbers arent as dominant.

I'd love to know how holding onto the ball for 20 seconds and then proceeding to either jack up a jumpshot or drive to the hoop makes your teammates better.

If you ask me it's a disgrace to watch what Lebron has turned basketball into. That's not team basketball. It's a one man show.

[DAF86]

What I like about Kobe is that even though he is "not as good as making his teammates better than LeBron" he is a no-nonsense sort of player. LeBron can be such an idiot at times. His antics such as dancing in the game against the Bulls this season are so annoying. Kobe just goes out and tries to win games. Although he can be selfish at times while doing this, it works for the most part.

Kobe's "big balls" dance is pretty annoying too.

[DAF86]

I'd love to know how holding onto the ball for 20 seconds and then proceeding to either jack up a jumpshot or drive to the hoop makes your teammates better.

If you ask me it's a disgrace to watch what Lebron has turned basketball into. That's not team basketball. It's a one man show.

Are you fucking serious? With the exception of Duncan and Garnett I can't think of another superstar at his peak as unselfish as Lebron.

[DAF86]

Without considering the PGs of course. (Paul, Nash, Kidd, etc.)

[DazedAndConfused]

I'd advise you all to go watch highlights from last night's Knick game. Kobe had a wide open breakaway moment and when he went up to dunk the ball he couldn't even palm the ball to dunk it. That's how bad his fingers are right now and he's still battling through it and helping his team to victories.

Lebron sat out 6 games because of an injury to his pinky finger on his NON-SHOOTING hand. That, IMHO, is the difference between the two players and the reason why Lebron is ringless thus far into his career. He just doesn't have the killer instinct that Kobe does. He's more content to act like a clown with his pre-game antics than focus on improving every aspect of his game like Kobe has in his career. Lebron has skirted by thus far with his insane athletic ability, but once that goes so will his dominance.

He simply won't have the career Kobe and MJ have had in their 30's.

[DazedAndConfused]

Are you fucking serious? With the exception of Duncan and Garnett I can't think of another superstar at his peak as unselfish as Lebron.

Explain to me how holding onto the ball for 20 seconds and then proceeding to jack up a jumpshot or drive to the hoop makes your teammates better?

Is that the way basketball was intended to be played?

[hitmanyr2k]

Explain to me how holding onto the ball for 20 seconds and then proceeding to jack up a jumpshot or drive to the hoop makes your teammates better?

Is that the way basketball was intended to be played?

That's what Mike Brown wants. Spread the floor, Lebron at the top of the key. He either takes a shot, drives and scores, or draws the defense and kicks it to an open shooter. Simple. Mike Brown isn't much of a coach so that's his gameplan...especially late in the game.

[DAF86]

Explain to me how holding onto the ball for 20 seconds and then proceeding to jack up a jumpshot or drive to the hoop makes your teammates better?

Is that the way basketball was intended to be played?

He rarely does that, but when he does, is 'cause the play is designed that way (having Lebron go one on one and create something), he allows teammates to create for themselves a lot more than most superstars (a lot more than Kobe for sure)

[DazedAndConfused]

That's what Mike Brown wants. Spread the floor, Lebron at the top of the key. He either takes a shot, drives and scores, or draws the defense and kicks it to an open shooter. Simple. Mike Brown isn't much of a coach so that's his gameplan...especially late in the game.

Maybe. It's still a disgrace to basketball to watch that though.

Watching him do that against the Magic last season in the playoffs was just sad. That's not how you play basketball at the professional level. It's simply not and I'm glad that style of play hasn't been rewarded with a championship. Today's NBA generation has lost sight of the fundamentals and team aspect of the game.

[DAF86]

I'd advise you all to go watch highlights from last night's Knick game. Kobe had a wide open breakaway moment and when he went up to dunk the ball he couldn't even palm the ball to dunk it. That's how bad his fingers are right now and he's still battling through it and helping his team to victories.

Lebron sat out 6 games because of an injury to his pinky finger on his NON-SHOOTING hand. That, IMHO, is the difference between the two players and the reason why Lebron is ringless thus far into his career. He just doesn't have the killer instinct that Kobe does. He's more content to act like a clown with his pre-game antics than focus on improving every aspect of his game like Kobe has in his career. Lebron has skirted by thus far with his insane athletic ability, but once that goes so will his dominance.

He simply won't have the career Kobe and MJ have had in their 30's.

I'm sure that the fact that he never had a sorrounding cast even 3/4 as good as Kobe had has nothing to do with that.

[DazedAndConfused]

I'm sure that the fact that he never had a sorrounding cast even 3/4 as good as Kobe had has nothing to do with that.

He plays in the JV league we call the Eastern Conference and is still ringless.

[badfish22]

Maybe. It's still a disgrace to basketball to watch that though.

Watching him do that against the Magic last season in the playoffs was just sad. That's not how you play basketball at the professional level. It's simply not and I'm glad that style of play hasn't been rewarded with a championship. Today's NBA generation has lost sight of the fundamentals and team aspect of the game.

Lol at calling simple isolation plays "a disgrace to basketball"

[DAF86]

He plays in the JV league we call the Eastern Conference and is still ringless.

So? you still have to beat a western team to win it all, besides name the best 4 teams in the league the last two years.

[KidCongo]

Laker fans just because he doesn't go to Hakeem for 2 hours once in the off-season doesn't mean he's not working on his game.

[Allanon]

That's LeBron's problem. Too proud to go ask for help from the greats.

If he did, maybe his post game wouldn't be so awkward...he looks like Chuck Hayes in the post.

[j.dizzle]

Sons who cares if Lebron doesnt have a post game. Actually i take that back, if he had a good post game it would be a lot easier for Cle to beat Boston..Its not as easy driving in on Perk & KG..Im lookin forward for a healthy celtics vs cle series.

[duhoh]

The sky is blue. Water is wet.

Lies!

[mystargtr34]

Maybe. It's still a disgrace to basketball to watch that though.

Watching him do that against the Magic last season in the playoffs was just sad. That's not how you play basketball at the professional level. It's simply not and I'm glad that style of play hasn't been rewarded with a championship. Today's NBA generation has lost sight of the fundamentals and team aspect of the game.

As opposed to an individual taking 25 shots a night on 45% shooting. LeBron averages 30 points a night, and its not even the most enjoyable part of his game to watch. If you have watched any Cavs game this season, you will know that the 2004-2007 LeBron who pounds the ball at the top of the key for 20 seconds is almost as rare as Kobe shooting +50% in a game. He's working off the ball alot more which is a reason hes above 50%+ for the first time in his career, despite taking over four three point shots a night.

In terms of scoring, Kobe has a prettier game, more fundamental, more sexy... all those things Kobe fans hang on to when comparisons with LeBron are brought up - but the fact is LeBron has become a better and more efficient scorer than Kobe, which is supposed to be Bean's forte and trump card in the comparison.

Its pretty strange your usings selfishness as an argument for Kobe over LeBron when one guy is averaging 8 assists a night, and the other less than 5. Fact is its much, much easier to build a team around LeBron than it is Kobe. One guy require's shooters to be successful, dime a dozen in the NBA. The other requires dominant post players who need to create the majority of their offense off their own back. A much harder skill to find.

[MiamiHeat]

Laker fans would rather shit all over every single Laker player in order to defend "Kome"

Has anyone ever seen a fanbase shit all over their entire championship team, save for 1 player before?

No love for Gasol, who made them champs, no love for Fisher who just recently won another game for the Lakers with another game winning 3 pointer....no love for Odom who re-signed with LA to play on the bench even though he could start for other teams....

[himat]

Laker fans would rather shit all over every single Laker player in order to defend "Kome"

Has anyone ever seen a fanbase shit all over their entire championship team, save for 1 player before?

No love for Gasol, who made them champs, no love for Fisher who just recently won another game for the Lakers with another game winning 3 pointer....no love for Odom who re-signed with LA to play on the bench even though he could start for other teams....

:toast
I don't get it. I wasn't arguing that LeBron was better than Kobe. All I was saying is that Kobe has a better supporting cast. And why is that a bad thing? It has helped L.A. win even more championships.

[Indazone]

The Lakers might be better than the other teams vs the Cavs vs other teams but the current cast of the Cavs is designed with only one thing in mind. Defeat the Lakers.

If Christmas Day was any indication. Yeah Lebron and Co have a pretty good chance of doing that.

[JoeTait75]

That what makes MJ so great. The Bulls are insignificant in the NBA except the Jordan era.

The Lakers have dominating basketball for a while. The Kobe era is a big one, but its one of many.

If LeBron is as good as all the hype at some point he will make the insignificant Cavs a great team in this decade. I personally think he will win 1 or 2 championships but thats it. If he is the next Jordan he would find a way to win multiple championships in spite of the Cavs history of sucking.

:tu

[Allanon]

LeBron's at a crossroads.

He's on the best Cavaliers team of his life but will come up short of a championship once again.

Does he jump ship after this season and start all over with a rebuilding team or stick with this one and hope DWade comes?

[mystargtr34]

LeBron's at a crossroads.

He's on the best Cavaliers team of his life but will come up short of a championship once again.

Does he jump ship after this season and start all over with a rebuilding team or stick with this one and hope DWade comes?

Which team is such a lock to prevent him from doing so.

[Allanon]

Which team is such a lock to prevent him from doing so.

Defending Champions.

[mystargtr34]

Defending Champions.

:lol didnt you watch the last two games.

[Allanon]

:lol didnt you watch the last two games.

:lol Don't you know championships are not won in January?

[Laker-fan-in-SanAnto]

It's still January!!!

[mystargtr34]

:lol Don't you know championships are not won in January?

Of course they are not. Your statement implied LeBron has ZERO chance at winning a ring, because he has ZERO chance of beating the Lakers - even though he has done it twice in two games.

[mystargtr34]

:lol Don't you know championships are not won in January?


So you must also be of the opinion that the Celtics > Lakers, and if they met in the Finals the Celtics would win - since they dominated the last matchup in the Playoffs?

[Allanon]

So you must also be of the opinion that the Celtics > Lakers, and if they met in the Finals the Celtics would win - since they dominated the last matchup in the Playoffs?

Healthy Celtics > Injured Lakers.

I agree.

[mystargtr34]

Healthy Celtics > Injured Lakers.

I agree.

Injury card. But you agree those two regular season wins the Lakers had over the Celtics mean nothing in terms of proving who's better?

[Allanon]

Injury card.

Truth.

The Celtics won fair and square, you don't take anything from their win.

However, to look back upon it, you have to realize the Lakers would have been better if they weren't injured.

[poop]

LOL at downplaying everybody on the lakers to try to make sound like your team isnt completely stacked and capable of getting whoever they want every time and nudged along by the league/media who will not allow the Los Angeles Lakers to go more than a couple seasons at a time without being a top contender.

ive always liked Kobe but his teammates are VASTLY SUPERIOR in EVERY CONCEIVABLE WAY to lebrons...trying to argue that clevelands team and starting lineup (lol!) is 'just as good' as LA's (which IS filled with ALL STARS) is fucking disgusting and laughably pathetic.

[TheManFromAcme]

Laker fans would rather shit all over every single Laker player in order to defend "Kome"

Has anyone ever seen a fanbase shit all over their entire championship team, save for 1 player before?

No love for Gasol, who made them champs, no love for Fisher who just recently won another game for the Lakers with another game winning 3 pointer....no love for Odom who re-signed with LA to play on the bench even though he could start for other teams....

Beleive it or not, there are still some true Laker fans that don't pay homage to all things Kobe. But yeah, I've seen that dynamic in action.

[hater]

Artest is dumb

[The Gemini Method]

What? Did you think Artest was going to speak about how the U.S. was a major backer in Papa Doc's reign of terror in Haiti? You know every time the guy opens his mouth, it is likely to be something short of amazement. Good ol' zany Artest...

[Basketballgirl25]

well duh Cavs are nothing without Lebron, same can be said about Lakers without Kobe, Heat with Wade, Mavs without Dirk.

lol, only time I don't think I can say a team is nothing without a Star player is Nets without Kidd the year they trade him since they actually got better that year when they traded him. Not saying anything about this year just that year and maybe last season as well