Here's something that WILL tick you all off.

[celticmaestro]

"LeBron is better than Larry Bird" - Jeff Van Gundy
"LeBron will definitely be the best SF to ever play the game" - Marc Jackson

Seriously? Better than Bird? I don't see it. I'm not being a homer, but we're talking about (probably) a top 2 or 3 player ever in Larry Bird. LeBron has that ceiling? Potentially, the sky is the limit for him. But better now? Or to say he "definitely will be better"?

[RebusRankin]

I heard it too and wanted to punch both those turkeys. They deify this guy too much.

[twistedrico]

The guy is 24 and hasn't won crap. No he is not better than larry Bird.

[BigAlTheFuture]

No way is he better now. But he could reach Bird's status someday. Larry Legend is probably the second best player to ever play the game.

[Rondo_is_better]

Bull.

But totally expected.

National Media = an extension of Stern.

Stern has had his mouth on LeBron's... um... his...um, nevermind.

Stern sure does like LeBron and Kobe. That's why they get calls like the blocking foul on Pierce. You know, the one where there wasn't any contact?

[Kwhit10]

In the end I hate to say it but it may be so, but as of now not even close, he hasn't won jack yet. Also one thing is certain he will never ever ever be the shooter Larry was.

[Celtics17]

Titles and playoff performances aside, didnt Larry lead boston to an average of 60 victories a year in the regular season for like 8 or 10 years or at least average that many per season. Lebron hasnt done that once yet.

[Who]

LeBron James is currently playing at a level worthy of being in that conversation with Larry Bird as to who is the best small forward of All-Time.

Personally, I wouldn't say Bron is better because Bird played at that level for a long time while LeBron has only just reached this peak.

[cordobes]

Better now, I don't think he is, although I think it's arguable. But James has GOAT potential, he's a brilliant player.

[SShorefan 3.0]

I love Larry as much as the next guy (probably more so), and I do not think Lebron is at Larry's level...........yet.

There's a [dang] good chance that he will indeed be recognized as being a better player than Larry when it's all said and done.

[Andy Jick]

meh, it's the nature of sports...people tend to forget the past, or belittle it calling it out for a perceived lack of athleticism.  i guess HD makes guys look like they play better.

afterall, these celtics were just anointed, in the eyes of many, the greatest celtics team ever assembled...so i'm not surprised by anything i hear.

i would have liked to see lebron matched up against bernard king, or have michael cooper guard him...or see lebron try to shut down kiki vandeweghe...

[Neurotic Guy]

Van Gundy's and Jackson's opinions do not tick me off at all.  

Larry was great; Lebron is great. Which is perceived as greater doesn't really matter. Lebron has a combination of skills and strength that I've never seen before.  He is absolutely among the greatest ever. He took a mediocre group of teammates to the finals 2 years ago, and now seems to be on a contender that is made up of him and a group of solid support players . They have depth, but the C's have 3, maybe 4 players who would be the second best player on today's Cavs.  Larry operated alongside DJ, McHale and Parish.   Larry was as skilled and smart as they come.  Bird is a top ten, Lebron will end up top 3.  Of course, that's just an opinion, not fact -- just a point of view.  

[dark_lord]

i wont be popular.....but he will be better than both i think.  but he isnt there yet.

[BrickJames]

Put Larry Bird in LeBron's body (or LeBrick in Bird's) and there's no comparison.

[dark_lord]

Put Larry Bird in LeBron's body (or LeBrick in Bird's) and there's no comparison.

but that's not the case.  give the guy his due, he is an outstanding player, and phenomenal for his age.  if he continues to improve his game and remain healthy, he may be the greatest to play. he can score, pass, rebound, play d, lead a team, and make his teammates better.  even someone who doesnt like the guy has to see that.