In 2007, he scored his team’s last 25 points in an overtime playoff win over the Pistons. I repeat: HE SCORED HIS TEAM’S LAST 25 POINTS. This was before we decided he was not a winner. I was there, and I’ve never seen anything like it. The Pistons had won a championship and nearly won another with their defense. Tayshaun Prince, one of the brightest players in the league, was guarding him. And LeBron looked like a cyborg.
The legacy of Michael Jordan colors our view of LeBron, in ways we probably don’t even realize. It was Jordan who convinced us (through his play) that in basketball, the best player is supposed to win the championship. He made us believe that the best player is supposed to take the last shot, because he hit so many of them; this is why people mostly forgive Kobe Bryant for forcing so many shots late in games, while we rip James for passing too much. Sure, Bryant hurts his team, but … he cares! Well then, you should know: James is younger than Michael Jordan was when Jordan’s Bulls won their first title. Well then, you should know: James is younger than Michael Jordan was when Jordan’s Bulls won their first title.
I don’t think James will win six, because most players won’t win six. Jordan’s sidekick, Scottie Pippen, was younger than Jordan; Wade and Bosh are both older than James. The NBA is too deep now, with too many star talents, for James to win six titles in eight years like Jordan did.
I hope he wins one, though. I hope it because, while James may be a bit narcissistic, there are a lot of narcissists in the world, and while he may be a bit insecure, there are many more insecure people, and while I hated The Decision, there are a lot of lousy television shows in this world. There is only one guy on the planet who plays basketball like this. Enjoy him
Article first appeared:http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/michael_rosenberg/05/21/lebron/index
This Article Appeared in The Black Truth News Volume 3 Issue 6 June 2012