Where does Lebron rank after this season?

[StrengthAndHonor]

Is he Top 10 already at the age of 28 yeard old? He's playing at his absolute prime right now and will probably stay there for 2-3 more years before we'll see some substantial drop in his efficiency. Even at 2 just championships, Lebron's last 6 seasons has been phenomenal. He absolutely destroys every player minus Jordan and Wilt in efficiency but he's a better all around player than both.



So far, assuming the Heat wins this season and truthfully, there is no other team in the East that can take them and the Western opponents does not looking promising, here are some of Lebron's accomplishments in the season.


4 X NBA MVP
2 X NBAF MVP
2 X NBA Champion
4 X NBA Finals Appearance
ROY
2 x ASG MVP
9 X All NBA Teams
5 X All NBA Defensive team
2 X Olympic Gold Medalist

Logged one of the most efficient season in league history (Top 10 in PER) Lebron has averaged a PeR of 30.25 during the last 6 years. :wow

Ranked # 1 in W/S for 5 consecutive seasons.

Career numbers in RS
49% FG 27.6 PER 65% TS
27.6 PPG 6.9 APG 7.3 RPG 1.7 SPG


Career numbers in post season (so far)
47% FG 27.1 PER 56% TS
28.3 PPG 6.7 APG 8.6 RPG 1.7 SPG


I'm not a fan of Lebron but come on, he has to be Top 10 or 9 at this point already, perhaps he can even make a case up to a # 8 spot.


He's already ahead Kobe and possibly Olajuwon in rankings at this point.

[Bynumite]

Repeating automatically puts Lebron ahead of jim imho.

[JamStone]

He's already top 10. If he wins another title and Finals MVP this year, I'd say top 5 with room for argument for higher.

[resistanze]

If he's able to get his second FMVP in a row, he's probably no lower than 6th all-time.

[BlackSwordsMan]

Just below duncan

[Blake]

He's playing at his absolute prime right now and will probably stay there for 2-3 more years before we'll see some substantial drop in his efficiency.

What makes you think there will be a substantial drop at age of 31 or 32?

If he can stay injury free, no reason not to think he can't dominate through his mid thirties.

[HarlemHeat37]

If he wins the ring this year, while playing at the same level that he has all year, he's top 5-7 on the career list IMO..

Peak-wise, he would be #2 behind Dad Killer and maybe 2000 Shaq, tbh..

[JRHernandez88]

Top 10 already and will probably retire no less than top 4. Unless he get 5 or 6 rings I don't think anyone will rank him ahead of the goat though.

[z0sa]

I speculate he will be #2 all-time at the end of his career. However, at this point I find ranking him quite difficult, as he technically hasn't won his second or repeated yet. :D

[mercos]

At this moment, he is not top ten all time. In terms of skill and talent, he may be number one right now, but accomplishment wise, he is not top ten with only 1 ring. If he wins the Finals and Finals MVP again this year, then a strong case can be made for his career being top ten. While his stats and MVPs are nice, they would have to be Wilt level for me to consider him as a top ten guy with a 1-2 record in the Finals.

With all that being said, I have little doubt that he will end up top 5 all time when his career is over, with a strong chance of being considered the best to ever play.

[TDMVPDPOY]

below duncan, above kobe

[baseline bum]

James is easily top 10 right now and easily top 5 if he wins the title this season.

[BatManu20]

Top 10 already and will probably retire no less than top 4. Unless he get 5 or 6 rings I don't think anyone will rank him ahead of the goat though.

I think he gets 4 or 5 rings. Nobody's beating Miami this year or next (barring an injury which is doubtful). That'll put him at 4. The 5th could be tricky depending on what he, Wade, and bosh do in FA next summer.

[BatManu20]

He's easily top 10 already, going to be the 2nd greatest player of all time imo when it's all said and done. He'll be pushing MJ for that #1 spot.

[HarlemHeat37]

I think he gets 4 or 5 rings. Nobody's beating Miami this year or next (barring an injury which is doubtful). That'll put him at 4. The 5th could be tricky depending on what he, Wade, and bosh do in FA next summer.

Math isn't your strength, tbh:lol..

[BatManu20]

Math isn't your strength, tbh:lol..

LOL idk why I thought he won #2 last year. Fail. Brain fart tbh. I still think he wins at least 4 though. Hes' only 28 and Miami looks to be dominant for at least the next couple years.

[Killakobe81]

He's already top 10. If he wins another title and Finals MVP this year, I'd say top 5 with room for argument for higher.

Agreed the boy has realized his potential 2011 nonwithstanding ...
Still needs more rings though for top 5

[irishock]

LeBron needs 6 rings to pass Kobe


-lg

[StrengthAndHonor]

Great posts by everyone so far.


How does his 2 previous Finals choke comes into equation? I understand the first one shouldn't even in be in the conversation, he was what, 21 y/o at that time? The fact that he even carried that team exceeded everyone's expectations. But the second one? Will people use this against him when comparing him to Jordan? I honestly thought he's the only one player that can dethrone Jordan from that # 1 spot.

[HarlemHeat37]

Great posts by everyone so far.


How does his 2 previous Finals choke comes into equation? I understand the first one shouldn't even in be in the conversation, he was what, 21 y/o at that time? The fact that he even carried that team exceeded everyone's expectations. But the second one? Will people use this against him when comparing him to Jordan? I honestly thought he's the only one player that can dethrone Jordan from that # 1 spot.

I'm the biggest Lebron fan here, but even I'd say that the 2011 Finals will prevent him from surpassing Dad Killer on the all-time list, tbh..

It shouldn't affect him against any other players on the list, though..all the others have similar flaws..

[StrengthAndHonor]

What makes you think there will be a substantial drop at age of 31 or 32?

If he can stay injury free, no reason not to think he can't dominate through his mid thirties.

He will dominate but keep in mind his efficiency has been godly the past 6 years. He has reached the 31+ PER plateau 3 times in this time frame alone. His lowest was 27, and this was his first year with Miami where he was playing passive being careful not to step on Wade's toes. We'll most likely see a dip, but that's just an assumption obviously.

[StrengthAndHonor]

I'm the biggest Lebron fan here, but even I'd say that the 2011 Finals will prevent him from surpassing Dad Killer on the all-time list, tbh..

It shouldn't affect him against any other players on the list, though..all the others have similar flaws..

Yeah, I agree with this post so much. Sad though, I think Lebron at 6 titles should surpass Jordan considering Lebron played in a much competitive era and he's just a better player overall.

Its hard for me to say that since I was a huge Jordan fan but seriously, I don't think there has been a player as consistent, talented and much more gifted than Lebron and he also has 3 traits that further seperates him from the elite, he's a natural leader, has a strong work ethic and he takes calculated risks. Usually great players would have one or two those three traits. Lebron has them all tbh. Jordan wasn't a natural leader though he has a strong work ethic, Kobe is in the same boat except he doesn't take calculated risks. Johnson had great traits of a being a leader but he wasn;t as consistent or as talented as Lebron. Wilt, don't know about him, he seems to have the physical tools but he never had the accomplishments. Duncan's mirrors Lebron in some ways, but he never dominated in a fashion the way Lebron has.

[Killakobe81]

LeBron needs 6 rings to pass Kobe


-lg

Nah if he gets even 4 he has a case against everyone except MJ and Kareem ...probably put him over Magic when you factor how dominate he is ..

[irishock]

I wouldn't take LeBron over Magic tbh, just because LeBron's the best monkeyballer ever doesn't make him better than AIDS tbh

[Killakobe81]

Yeah, I agree with this post so much. Sad though, I think Lebron at 6 titles should surpass Jordan considering Lebron played in a much competitive era and he's just a better player overall.

Its hard for me to say that since I was a huge Jordan fan but seriously, I don't think there has been a player as consistent, talented and much more gifted than Lebron and he also has 3 traits that further seperates him from the elite, he's a natural leader, has a strong work ethic and he takes calculated risks. Usually great players would have one or two those three traits. Lebron has them all tbh. Jordan wasn't a natural leader though he has a strong work ethic, Kobe is in the same boat except he doesn't take calculated risks. Johnson had great traits of a being a leader but he wasn;t as consistent or as talented as Lebron. Wilt, don't know about him, he seems to have the physical tools but he never had the accomplishments. Duncan's mirrors Lebron in some ways, but he never dominated in a fashion the way Lebron has.

Agree no one else has a shot ...

[Killakobe81]

I wouldn't take LeBron over Magic tbh, just because LeBron's the best monkeyballer ever doesn't make him better than AIDS tbh
That is assuming LeBron gets at least 4 rings ...at 2 or 3 I tAKe Magic

[HI-FI]

way above Rapist, still behind Duncan imho. but when it's all said and done, I think Lebron will be top 3. it really depends how many rings he wins. Even though I think rings are a stupid argument (ie Rapist) if Lebron is the main guy winning a bunch of rings, then he could end up behind MJ.

of course, if duncan wins a fifth ring, he deserves to move into the top 5 imo.

[Killakobe81]

way above Rapist, still behind Duncan imho. but when it's all said and done, I think Lebron will be top 3. it really depends how many rings he wins. Even though I think rings are a stupid argument (ie Rapist) if Lebron is the main guy winning a bunch of rings, then he could end up behind MJ.

of course, if duncan wins a fifth ring, he deserves to move into the top 5 imo.

Lol please explain still behind Duncan? Rofl

[Clipper Nation]

Dad Killer

:lol

[Killakobe81]

Rings are stupid unless Duncan gets a fifth ....

[Amaso]

We all overrate players in the moment, particularly when they win a championship as ironic as that sounds. He doesn't move into the top 5 with a win this year but maybe moves up to #8 or so? Idk, I group players by tiers and the top 10-12 players are grouped in roughly 3 tiers... I mean he's by far the best player right now but he's on a stacked team in a league of very mediocre rosters, that are injury ridden.

It's hard for me to rate Lebron tbh... the way his career has unfolded is very different than the other top 10 players. He joined 2 other superstars in their prime, took less money so they could stack the roster with good role players, and failed (particularly Lebron) miserably in their first finals appearance.

[HI-FI]

Lol please explain still behind Duncan? Rofl
just my opinion. I still give duncan more credit for overall body of work. I'll admit, I'm biased. Plus I dock Lebron points for joining up with other all stars, though to be fair, I think getting out of Cleveland was smart. But I have no problems if Lebron is ranked higher than Duncan by some, he's certainly been the most dynamic player I've seen in a long time. He's saved the league from the Rapist era, so he deserves some credit.

[HarlemHeat37]

We all overrate players in the moment, particularly when they win a championship as ironic as that sounds. He doesn't move into the top 5 with a win this year but maybe moves up to #8 or so? Idk, I group players by tiers and the top 10-12 players are grouped in roughly 3 tiers... I mean he's by far the best player right now but he's on a stacked team in a league of very mediocre rosters, that are injury ridden.

It's hard for me to rate Lebron tbh... the way his career has unfolded is very different than the other top 10 players. He joined 2 other superstars in their prime, took less money so they could stack the roster with good role players, and failed (particularly Lebron) miserably in their first finals appearance.

And if he never left, he would be criticized for not winning titles on a team with Mo Williams as the 2nd best player..

Lebron had to play GM for himself, he didn't have the luxury of having title-worthy supporting casts built for him like the other players on the all-time lists..

[midnightpulp]

The top 3 of MJ, Kareem, and Magic are pretty much set in stone. And I've always felt that 4-11 (which usually consists of Bird, Wilt, Duncan, Shaq, Russell, Hakeem, Oscar, and Kobe) are pretty much a wash. With another championship and Finals MVP, Lebron enters the "wash" tier, so depending on how you feel, that could mean 4th or 11th.

[Expert]

He doesn't move much. He joined forces with another future HOFer and a 3rd player who was a franchise player in Toronto, and a team that's been a perennial playoff contender. His successes are watered down because of it. Let's not forget that caveat we imposed on his future back when he did it.

[Expert]

Why does idiot after idiot automatically assume Jordan was a better player than Wilt or Kareem? Insane...

lol

[dunkman]

Top 10, if the Heat wins the 'ship.

[FkLA]

Why on Earth would that require two separate laughs? Duncan has 4 rings as the unquestioned best player and leader of his team. He could even get a 5th or 6th before it's all said and done. We're talking currently here, though, so let's stick with that. Currently LeBron has one ring and it was playing with Wade and Bosh, who are both better than any player that Duncan has ever played with. No contest, currently Duncan is higher on the list of all-time greats.

Bosh isnt better than a prime Manu tbh. Not even close.

Also lol at KillaKobefanboy thinking 5 rings in LA are the same as 5 rings in SA.

[rayjayjohnson]

He's the GOAT.

thats it and that's all

[FkLA]

20/10 guys in the NBA are a rarity. On top of that, Bosh plays elite pick and roll defense, which is something not many big men are doing these days. Also, add to the fact Manu looked very good because he played with Duncan all of these years.

David Lee averaged 20/10. Manu beat Duncan on his way to a gold medal in 2004.


He's the GOAT.

thats it and that's all

I said this after last years Finals tbh. Ceiling is GOAT, floor is 2nd all-time imo.

[StrengthAndHonor]

Lol please explain still behind Duncan? Rofl

Agree. Lebron should be ahead of Duncan tbh.

[Monster1776]

We all overrate players in the moment, particularly when they win a championship as ironic as that sounds. He doesn't move into the top 5 with a win this year but maybe moves up to #8 or so? Idk, I group players by tiers and the top 10-12 players are grouped in roughly 3 tiers... I mean he's by far the best player right now but he's on a stacked team in a league of very mediocre rosters, that are injury ridden.

It's hard for me to rate Lebron tbh... the way his career has unfolded is very different than the other top 10 players. He joined 2 other superstars in their prime, took less money so they could stack the roster with good role players, and failed (particularly Lebron) miserably in their first finals appearance.

This. Hard to give credit when they try to buy it.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

Where would you rank this after this season?

http://i825.photobucket.com/albums/zz174/ericg320/Aggie/aggkiisclearfin2-5.png

[rayjayjohnson]

David Lee averaged 20/10. Manu beat Duncan on his way to a gold medal in 2004.



I said this after last years Finals tbh. Ceiling is GOAT, floor is 2nd all-time imo.


remember,

diaw > lee

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

We all overrate players in the moment, particularly when they win a championship as ironic as that sounds. He doesn't move into the top 5 with a win this year but maybe moves up to #8 or so? Idk, I group players by tiers and the top 10-12 players are grouped in roughly 3 tiers... I mean he's by far the best player right now but he's on a stacked team in a league of very mediocre rosters, that are injury ridden.

It's hard for me to rate Lebron tbh... the way his career has unfolded is very different than the other top 10 players. He joined 2 other superstars in their prime, took less money so they could stack the roster with good role players, and failed (particularly Lebron) miserably in their first finals appearance.
:lmao what a total crock of shit.

Kobe quit on the team that drafted him the day he was drafted so he could join a team with the a superstar just entering his prime who had already led a team to the finals. Then he demanded a trade and was ready to leave until the Lakers got him the most dominant front court in a small NBA that was completely unable to match up with the trio of Bynum/Gasol/Odom.

:lol pretending Kobe would have been any different if the best teammate he had after 7 years was Mo Williams

[Monster1776]

:lmao what a total crock of shit.

Kobe quit on the team that drafted him the day he was drafted so he could join a team with the a superstar just entering his prime who had already led a team to the finals. Then he demanded a trade and was ready to leave until the Lakers got him the most dominant front court in a small NBA that was completely unable to match up with the trio of Bynum/Gasol/Odom.

:lol pretending Kobe would have been any different if the best teammate he had after 7 years was Mo Williams

This is also why a lot of people think Kobe is a scumbag and not even close to Jordan's greatness as well.

[FkLA]

remember,

diaw > lee

Diaw> one leg Lee this next series tbh. :downspin:


:lmao what a total crock of shit.

Kobe quit on the team that drafted him the day he was drafted so he could join a team with the a superstar just entering his prime who had already led a team to the finals. Then he demanded a trade and was ready to leave until the Lakers got him the most dominant front court in a small NBA that was completely unable to match up with the trio of Bynum/Gasol/Odom.

:lol pretending Kobe would have been any different if the best teammate he had after 7 years was Mo Williams

Kobe fanboys are some of the most dishonest people Ive seen tbh. They act as if everything is equal and Kobe winning in LA is just as difficult as LeBron winning in Cleveland or Duncan winning in San Antonio. If he went to Charlotte, his success wouldnt have been any better than all the other elite guards of his era who didnt enjoy the benefits of playing in LA for the Lakers (Tmac, VC, AI, etc).

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

This is also why a lot of people think Kobe is a scumbag and not even close to Jordan's greatness as well.
While it's not as ridiculous as Kobefan glorifying Kobe for "sticking with the Lakers his entire career!" as if he was dealt some crappy hand that he made the most of, it's still a ridiculous and intellectually dishonest argument to herald Jordan for "Sticking with the Bulls!" in the Jordan v. Lebron comparisons. If after 7 years with the Bulls Jordan was surrounded by the likes of Mo Williams, Anderson Verejao, and a coach who didn't know how to draw up offensive sets, he'd have left just like Lebron left Cleveland.

[FkLA]

David Lee is a really solid player also, borderline star. He doesn't get the recognition he deserves because his game is not in your face, much the same way Duncan doesn't get the credit he deserves for the same reason.

To the point about the gold medal, it means shit basically, it isn't the NBA.

David Lee doesnt get much credit because hes the worst interior defender in the league, actually.

And not really, the gold medal is very impressive regardless of whether it was in the NBA. 2005 Manu> any year of Bosh in the NBA though.

[FkLA]

Manu was a borderline superstar in 2005. Youre wrong, bye.

[Venti Quattro]

Easily top 10. Top 5, maybe one more ring

[oh crap]

Top 10 for now.

[Monster1776]

While it's not as ridiculous as Kobefan glorifying Kobe for "sticking with the Lakers his entire career!" as if he was dealt some crappy hand that he made the most of, it's still a ridiculous and intellectually dishonest argument to herald Jordan for "Sticking with the Bulls!" in the Jordan v. Lebron comparisons. If after 7 years with the Bulls Jordan was surrounded by the likes of Mo Williams, Anderson Verejao, and a coach who didn't know how to draw up offensive sets, he'd have left just like Lebron left Cleveland.

True, but LeBron still shouldn't of taken a pay cut so he could cheat the Luxury Tax system by utilizing Florida's taxing laws.

[spurraider21]

Rings are stupid unless Duncan gets a fifth ....

Spurfan values rings very much, but Kobe fan calls them the only way to define a player since he picked up #5. Spurfan will likely bring up rings a lot more after 5 just because we know Kobefan will stfu about rings once Timmy ties him in that category and already is ahead of him in MVP's, Finals MVP's... the pinnacles of individual play. Kobefan likes granting team accomplishments as the only way to define players

[Monster1776]

Spurfan values rings very much, but Kobe fan calls them the only way to define a player since he picked up #5. Spurfan will likely bring up rings a lot more after 5 just because we know Kobefan will stfu about rings once Timmy ties him in that category and already is ahead of him in MVP's, Finals MVP's... the pinnacles of individual play. Kobefan likes granting team accomplishments as the only way to define players

Finals MVP is largely decided on team play.

[HarlemHeat37]

16, 4 and 4 sure has superstar written all over it.

His playoff numbers were easily superstar-esque, tbh..

Spurs needed him to play at that level, especially with Duncan's feet limiting his impact(compared to his usual elite production) and Parker having a horrible playoffs..

Ginobili was the best perimeter player in the 2005 playoffs, along with being a solid defensive player..

[Monster1776]

His playoff numbers were easily superstar-esque, tbh..

Manu will always be a superstar relative to being a bench player

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

True, but LeBron still shouldn't of taken a pay cut so he could cheat the Luxury Tax system by utilizing Florida's taxing laws.
:lmao are you really criticizing a player for taking a pay cut? Is that serious?

[resistanze]

:lmao are you really criticizing a player for taking a pay cut? Is that serious?
:lol cheating the system by taking less money

Joe Johnson is a god damned saint.

[spurraider21]

Finals MVP is largely decided on team play.
And yet is still an individual award

[Monster1776]

:lmao are you really criticizing a player for taking a pay cut? Is that serious?

I know the irony is stifling, but willingly taking a contract that's way below your value so you can move to a team that can fill it with a championship roster seems slimey to me; the Heat holding a pre championship parade before the season starts leads me to believe that they knew exactly what the fuck they were doing. Now Durant or Westbrook taking a pay cut so they can keep Harden with them seems straight to me or any other franchise so that they can keep their team together; I don't know if that seems backwards or not so you tell me.

[Monster1776]

And yet is still an individual award

How many times do you see the award go to the losing team?

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

I know the irony is stifling, but willingly taking a contract that's way below your value so you can move to a team that can fill it with a championship roster seems slimey to me; the Heat holding a pre championship parade before the season starts leads me to believe that they knew exactly what the fuck they were doing. Now Durant or Westbrook taking a pay cut so they can keep Harden with them seems straight to me or any other franchise so that they can keep their team together; I don't know if that seems backwards or not so you tell me.
So basically your criteria is such that it's somehow bad when Lebron takes a paycut for the good of the team, but in the event players on the thunder take a paycut it's good. I'm sure this carefully designed set of rules you've created for when paycuts are ok was not in any way influenced by the fact you're a thunder fan or your frustration about okc losing harden because chimp was a greedy monkey who demanded the max. That's all prolly just a coincidence.

[spurraider21]

How many times do you see the award go to the losing team?

In recent history, outside of Shaq vs Pistons, I don't recall the last time the best performer in the finals wound up on the losing side

[Phillip]

I'm the biggest Lebron fan here, but even I'd say that the 2011 Finals will prevent him from surpassing Dad Killer on the all-time list, tbh..


which is awful logic tbh, considering at least he was able to get to the finals.

MJ had his share of poor series and moments, only his came in the earlier/first rounds of the playoffs, so maybe they weren't as noticeable, but doesn't make them any less bad.

[DMC]

Repeating automatically puts Lebron ahead of jim imho.

Not being on trial for rape puts him ahead of your hero.

[DMC]

In recent history, outside of Shaq vs Pistons, I don't recall the last time the best performer in the finals wound up on the losing side

I think Jerry West was the last to get the Finals MVP on the losing team. 1969

[DMC]

I know the irony is stifling, but willingly taking a contract that's way below your value so you can move to a team that can fill it with a championship roster seems slimey to me; the Heat holding a pre championship parade before the season starts leads me to believe that they knew exactly what the fuck they were doing. Now Durant or Westbrook taking a pay cut so they can keep Harden with them seems straight to me or any other franchise so that they can keep their team together; I don't know if that seems backwards or not so you tell me.

Wow. It's not slimy to choose winning over money. It's also not slimy to take max salary at the detriment to the team's success chances. One player sees his fortune in winning and the other sees his in his salary. Lebron will make more by winning than a team could possibly pay him to lose.

There's no sliminess in signing a contract for less than you made last year so you can be part of a winning organization. It happens all the time in the private sector.

There is a questionable ethics issue in regards to competition, however that's not Lebron's problem. It's up to the NBA to offer a good product. Miami is offering the best product, other franchises need to step up their game and offer a decent product instead of D league call ups and overrated monkeys.

[LnGrrrR]

Surely top 10. Too early to say top 5, but likely.

[ElNono]

True, but LeBron still shouldn't of taken a pay cut so he could cheat the Luxury Tax system by utilizing Florida's taxing laws.

http://i.minus.com/ibkyPSSF3cONlm.gif

[Monster1776]

So basically your criteria is such that it's somehow bad when Lebron takes a paycut for the good of the team, but in the event players on the thunder take a paycut it's good. I'm sure this carefully designed set of rules you've created for when paycuts are ok was not in any way influenced by the fact you're a thunder fan or your frustration about okc losing harden because chimp was a greedy monkey who demanded the max. That's all prolly just a coincidence.

I probably didn't word it right since I was writing this out on my phone over lunch. I take issue with players leaving teams and joining up to win championships; I feel like a championship team should be crafted through smart and some times lucky draft picks, intelligent managing and trading, and proper coaching and training instead of a few select guys choosing to work a system.

I personally wish Durant and Westbrook would of taken a hit in their contract since they should make tons more through endorsements so we could keep Harden; I know it may sound hypocritical or self-reightous but that's just how I feel about it personally. Not saying it's how it should be, just personal opinion.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

I probably didn't word it right since I was writing this out on my phone over lunch. I take issue with players leaving teams and joining up to win championships; I feel like a championship team should be crafted through smart and some times lucky draft picks, intelligent managing and trading, and proper coaching and training instead of a few select guys choosing to work a system..
So you take issue with how Lebron's team is built but oddly enough think your team was built :crythe right way:cry.

That's a convenient coincidence, tbh.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

Wow. It's not slimy to choose winning over money. It's also not slimy to take max salary at the detriment to the team's success chances. One player sees his fortune in winning and the other sees his in his salary. Lebron will make more by winning than a team could possibly pay him to lose.

There's no sliminess in signing a contract for less than you made last year so you can be part of a winning organization. It happens all the time in the private sector.

There is a questionable ethics issue in regards to competition, however that's not Lebron's problem. It's up to the NBA to offer a good product. Miami is offering the best product, other franchises need to step up their game and offer a decent product instead of D league call ups and overrated monkeys.
:lol DMC bullying niggas

Just to add to the part about the paycut.....Lebron, Wade and Bosh each made over $17,000,000 a year this year. Monster1776 must have been methed out when he said Lebron took a significant paycut. The paycut Lebron, Wade and Bosh took was a few million a pop so they could sign Mike Miller that same off season. It didn't change anything the following off season as their salaries increased enough to put Miami over the cap where they have the MLE to work with regardless.

[Latarian Milton]

OKC can't afford to pay luxury tax which's why they made that trade imho. bird rights allow them to keep everyone they have as long as they're willing to pay the tax, but to teams who're based in small markets, financial health sometimes matters more than the team's competitiveness imho.

[DMC]

I probably didn't word it right since I was writing this out on my phone over lunch. I take issue with players leaving teams and joining up to win championships; I feel like a championship team should be crafted through smart and some times lucky draft picks, intelligent managing and trading, and proper coaching and training instead of a few select guys choosing to work a system.

I personally wish Durant and Westbrook would of taken a hit in their contract since they should make tons more through endorsements so we could keep Harden; I know it may sound hypocritical or self-reightous but that's just how I feel about it personally. Not saying it's how it should be, just personal opinion.

As a fan I want the highest quality product I can possibly get, but I weigh my fan loyalty against the desire to see great basketball. That's why I am a Spurs fan. I won't ever see a stacked team the likes of the Heat, the Celts of a few years ago or the Lakers, but I see good basketball and take comfort in rooting for a group of guys I don't hate as individuals. I don't hate Lebron, quite the opposite actually, so I can understand how he could do what he did and get away with it. There are players in the league who could not get away with it. The fact that you take issue with it speaks volumes to Lebron's greatness. No one would criticize Carlos Boozer if he joined up with Wade. Lebron is far and away the best in the league, and plenty thought he could win a ring in Cleveland. He didn't because they didn't put anyone around him to make the team good enough to win a ring. Dan Gilbert was milking Lebron's greatness for every penny he could get, but he's too fucking stupid to do anything to keep Lebron in that city. Shaq, really? That was his answer to needing someone... about to retire Shaq.

Meanwhile in OKC you guys have one of the best 1st round picks in the past 30 years. You put a team around him and you've done well. Let Durant go a few more years without ringing and see what choices he makes. Then come back and talk to us about joining forces.

[TIMMYtoZO]

:lol OKC fan posting in a thread about Lebron's greatness. Then he scolds Lebron for "cheating" the luxury tax. Such hate for the icon of the NBA.