Lebron has won my respect.

[Snakehead]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned that thing that he wears in his mouth.  That abomination should be at the top of anyone's list of reasons to hate Lebron James.  

Ha you must be a really angry guy.  It's about motivation and winning... what is there to hate on?

People will find any reason to hate on LeBron, it's pathetic to me.  There are reasons to if you want, I'm fine with those, but this?  At "the top of the list"?  Give me a break.

And hate on him for reading a book.  Just lots of laughs at some of you guys.

I'm actually on your side of the arguement that the hate is overblown, but yes, i do think that he is an ass in some of the things he does off the court.

One of the most polarizing and scrutinized individuals in the world is sitting in his locker, before a defining playoff moment, reading the Hunger Games.  I mean c'mon.  This is where the man goes for inspiration? Not a John Wooden book or the Art of War, but a 13 year old girl's novel?

The man is the best basketball player in the world, but he doesn't do himself any favors off it.

What's wrong with a guilty pleasure novel?

I don't get the snobbery about his choice in literature. I read pulpy sci fi all the time, LeBron just has a camera on him. I mean is he supposed to read more high brow things for his image? Or are you thinking he's reading those novels to build his brand among YA literature fans....

Thank you Faf.  God forbid he wants to get away for a minute.  He is clearly focused on the court, so who cares?

He admittedly is not a reader, said that's his first time reading since high school, so good for him for starting and if he starts with somehting "low brow", oh well.  Good to see people read these days, I don't care if its Harry Potter or Hunger Games really, it's something.

[Mr October]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned that thing that he wears in his mouth.  That abomination should be at the top of anyone's list of reasons to hate Lebron James.  

Ha you must be a really angry guy.  It's about motivation and winning... what is there to hate on?

People will find any reason to hate on LeBron, it's pathetic to me.  There are reasons to if you want, I'm fine with those, but this?  At "the top of the list"?  Give me a break.

And hate on him for reading a book.  Just lots of laughs at some of you guys.

I'm actually on your side of the arguement that the hate is overblown, but yes, i do think that he is an ass in some of the things he does off the court.

One of the most polarizing and scrutinized individuals in the world is sitting in his locker, before a defining playoff moment, reading the Hunger Games.  I mean c'mon.  This is where the man goes for inspiration? Not a John Wooden book or the Art of War, but a 13 year old girl's novel?

The man is the best basketball player in the world, but he doesn't do himself any favors off it.

What's wrong with a guilty pleasure novel?

I don't get the snobbery about his choice in literature. I read pulpy sci fi all the time, LeBron just has a camera on him. I mean is he supposed to read more high brow things for his image? Or are you thinking he's reading those novels to build his brand among YA literature fans....

Agreed. I don't care if a superstar is reading James Joyce or a kiddie comic book, as long as he brings it on the court.

[jgod213]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned that thing that he wears in his mouth.  That abomination should be at the top of anyone's list of reasons to hate Lebron James.  

Ha you must be a really angry guy.  It's about motivation and winning... what is there to hate on?

People will find any reason to hate on LeBron, it's pathetic to me.  There are reasons to if you want, I'm fine with those, but this?  At "the top of the list"?  Give me a break.

And hate on him for reading a book.  Just lots of laughs at some of you guys.

I'm actually on your side of the arguement that the hate is overblown, but yes, i do think that he is an ass in some of the things he does off the court.

One of the most polarizing and scrutinized individuals in the world is sitting in his locker, before a defining playoff moment, reading the Hunger Games.  I mean c'mon.  This is where the man goes for inspiration? Not a John Wooden book or the Art of War, but a 13 year old girl's novel?

The man is the best basketball player in the world, but he doesn't do himself any favors off it.

What's wrong with a guilty pleasure novel?

I don't get the snobbery about his choice in literature. I read pulpy sci fi all the time, LeBron just has a camera on him. I mean is he supposed to read more high brow things for his image? Or are you thinking he's reading those novels to build his brand among YA literature fans....

Agreed. I don't care if a superstar is reading James Joyce or a kiddie comic book, as long as he brings it on the court.

Haha, yeah i guess it does come off as a pretty snobby.  It's nice to actually see an athlete taking time out to read in the first place.

That said, for me, it just kind of summarizes where lebron is at mentally.  The Hunger Games doesn't seem like a guilty pleasure - which would kind of imply that he tends to read other genres of literature.  He's 27 and i get the feeling he has the mentality of a 16 year old.  Maybe it's because he never got to enjoy his childhood as he was already a rock star in Akron, if not a wider range.

Again, i think the transformation he's made in his on-court mentality has been terrific, but i don't think that necessarilly carries over outside the lines.

[Snakehead]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned that thing that he wears in his mouth.  That abomination should be at the top of anyone's list of reasons to hate Lebron James. 

Ha you must be a really angry guy.  It's about motivation and winning... what is there to hate on?

People will find any reason to hate on LeBron, it's pathetic to me.  There are reasons to if you want, I'm fine with those, but this?  At "the top of the list"?  Give me a break.

And hate on him for reading a book.  Just lots of laughs at some of you guys.

I'm actually on your side of the arguement that the hate is overblown, but yes, i do think that he is an ass in some of the things he does off the court.

One of the most polarizing and scrutinized individuals in the world is sitting in his locker, before a defining playoff moment, reading the Hunger Games.  I mean c'mon.  This is where the man goes for inspiration? Not a John Wooden book or the Art of War, but a 13 year old girl's novel?

The man is the best basketball player in the world, but he doesn't do himself any favors off it.

What's wrong with a guilty pleasure novel?

I don't get the snobbery about his choice in literature. I read pulpy sci fi all the time, LeBron just has a camera on him. I mean is he supposed to read more high brow things for his image? Or are you thinking he's reading those novels to build his brand among YA literature fans....

Agreed. I don't care if a superstar is reading James Joyce or a kiddie comic book, as long as he brings it on the court.

Haha, yeah i guess it does come off as a pretty snobby.  It's nice to actually see an athlete taking time out to read in the first place.

That said, for me, it just kind of summarizes where lebron is at mentally.  The Hunger Games doesn't seem like a guilty pleasure - which would kind of imply that he tends to read other genres of literature.  He's 27 and i get the feeling he has the mentality of a 16 year old.  Maybe it's because he never got to enjoy his childhood as he was already a rock star in Akron, if not a wider range.

Again, i think the transformation he's made in his on-court mentality has been terrific, but i don't think that necessarilly carries over outside the lines.

I don't neccessarily disagree, but I have to question it when he is really one of the few guys who gets this treatment and scrutiny.  Everyone holds Michael Jordan up on a pedestal but the guy seems like a real jerk to me and has a terrible gambling issue.  He brought it on the court though.  That's what matter to me and most it seems.... except with LeBron.

A lot of players are probably the same way, and I think you're accurate when you point out how he grew up and how it is being that kind of public figure.  I can't imagine what it'd be like and how it would shape you in you developing teen and early 20's years especially.


As far as reading, like I mentioned he said this is the first time he's read for fun.  So give him a chance to get his feet wet with something "low brow" or whatever.  The guy has done nothing but basketball I don't expect him to be an English major.

[Finkelskyhook]

Certainly encouraging.....

I thought the only thing the messiah read was Heat and 6 when he looks in the mirror.

[jgod213]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned that thing that he wears in his mouth.  That abomination should be at the top of anyone's list of reasons to hate Lebron James. 

Ha you must be a really angry guy.  It's about motivation and winning... what is there to hate on?

People will find any reason to hate on LeBron, it's pathetic to me.  There are reasons to if you want, I'm fine with those, but this?  At "the top of the list"?  Give me a break.

And hate on him for reading a book.  Just lots of laughs at some of you guys.

I'm actually on your side of the arguement that the hate is overblown, but yes, i do think that he is an ass in some of the things he does off the court.

One of the most polarizing and scrutinized individuals in the world is sitting in his locker, before a defining playoff moment, reading the Hunger Games.  I mean c'mon.  This is where the man goes for inspiration? Not a John Wooden book or the Art of War, but a 13 year old girl's novel?

The man is the best basketball player in the world, but he doesn't do himself any favors off it.

What's wrong with a guilty pleasure novel?

I don't get the snobbery about his choice in literature. I read pulpy sci fi all the time, LeBron just has a camera on him. I mean is he supposed to read more high brow things for his image? Or are you thinking he's reading those novels to build his brand among YA literature fans....

Agreed. I don't care if a superstar is reading James Joyce or a kiddie comic book, as long as he brings it on the court.

Haha, yeah i guess it does come off as a pretty snobby.  It's nice to actually see an athlete taking time out to read in the first place.

That said, for me, it just kind of summarizes where lebron is at mentally.  The Hunger Games doesn't seem like a guilty pleasure - which would kind of imply that he tends to read other genres of literature.  He's 27 and i get the feeling he has the mentality of a 16 year old.  Maybe it's because he never got to enjoy his childhood as he was already a rock star in Akron, if not a wider range.

Again, i think the transformation he's made in his on-court mentality has been terrific, but i don't think that necessarilly carries over outside the lines.

I don't neccessarily disagree, but I have to question it when he is really one of the few guys who gets this treatment and scrutiny.  Everyone holds Michael Jordan up on a pedestal but the guy seems like a real jerk to me and has a terrible gambling issue.  He brought it on the court though.  That's what matter to me and most it seems.... except with LeBron.

A lot of players are probably the same way, and I think you're accurate when you point out how he grew up and how it is being that kind of public figure.  I can't imagine what it'd be like and how it would shape you in you developing teen and early 20's years especially.


As far as reading, like I mentioned he said this is the first time he's read for fun.  So give him a chance to get his feet wet with something "low brow" or whatever.  The guy has done nothing but basketball I don't expect him to be an English major.

I guess there's not a lot of time for the simple pleasure of say, reading a book, when you're busy playing basketball all day and being interviewed about being interviewed.

As long as i don't see him reading 50 shades of grey next i guess i can give him a pass...

[Mr October]

...
I don't neccessarily disagree, but I have to question it when he is really one of the few guys who gets this treatment and scrutiny.  Everyone holds Michael Jordan up on a pedestal but the guy seems like a real jerk to me and has a terrible gambling issue.  He brought it on the court though.  That's what matter to me and most it seems.... except with LeBron.
...

I think a big part of the problem is that Lebron epitomizes the growing trend in our country of young super entitled guys. He had the chosen one tattooed across his back, even though he had a history of failing when the stakes were highest. He's been a front runner and a flopper. The decision and the welcome party through the entitled hype through the roof.

For the past 2 years he's been piled on mercilessly. What went around came around. And now on the cusp of winning his first title, he is walking the walk in the brightest of spotlights. He is growing up. I respect what he is doing big time.

[Snakehead]

...
I don't neccessarily disagree, but I have to question it when he is really one of the few guys who gets this treatment and scrutiny.  Everyone holds Michael Jordan up on a pedestal but the guy seems like a real jerk to me and has a terrible gambling issue.  He brought it on the court though.  That's what matter to me and most it seems.... except with LeBron.
...

I think a big part of the problem is that Lebron epitomizes the growing trend in our country of young super entitled guys. He had the chosen one tattooed across his back, even though he had a history of failing when the stakes were highest. He's been a front runner and a flopper. The decision and the welcome party through the entitled hype through the roof.

For the past 2 years he's been piled on mercilessly. What went around came around. And now on the cusp of winning his first title, he is walking the walk in the brightest of spotlights. He is growing up. I respect what he is doing big time.

A lot of your criticism is fair, if I don't totally agree with it.  One I don't agree with is front runner though... he played on terrible Cleveland teams for years, signed an extention with them.  I don't blame him for getting out of there when he would be wasting his prime.  You need teammates to win a championship.

I lived in Cleveland for the LeBron years too.  Watched a lot of their games.  I think Mike Brown was a poor coach (loved that the Lakers hired him and hope he stays on) and the GM was just awful.  Larry Hughes is supposed to be his Pippen?  Antwan Jamison?  (There was rumors they could have had Amare but didn't want to give up Hickson in the trade... and then they didn't play Hickson in the playoffs that year when LeBron left even though he was great for them in the regular season and now he isn't even on the team.  Would love to have this verified)

Imagine if he struggled on the Cavs for years continuing after and they kept not giving him the help he'd need.  He wouldn't win a title and the same people who tear him down now would continue to.  So to me it's a strange double standard.  He wants to win.  He took the best chance to do so.

How he did it was handled very poorly, no question.

 I don't think it's fair to criticize him for taking the best option available.  Who wouldn't?  If we were all in his shoes I'd love to see how we would handle it.

I do think he's growing up regardless though, you're right.  I've always liked him but am very impressed this year.  There's no denying he shied away from taking real control of playoff games even if he did play well, but not this year.  Just a force of nature.

I guess there's not a lot of time for the simple pleasure of say, reading a book, when you're busy playing basketball all day and being interviewed about being interviewed.

As long as i don't see him reading 50 shades of grey next i guess i can give him a pass...

LOL if he reads that book I'll be his biggest critic.

[Loyalist]

I am a Celtics fan from Boston 4life. I will never respect LeBron...just sayin

[Fafnir]

Okay I'll say this again, stop with the "insert qualifier" then you're not a real Celtics fan. Its against our specifc and general site rules. Final Warning.

•Respect each other at all times.

•Do not label fellow posters in a way that is likely to provoke a negative response.  Dependent upon context, examples include, but are not limited to, "fake fan", "bandwagon fan", "not a real fan", "hater", "homer", "koolaid drinker", etc.

[LarBrd33]

Nice post, LarBrd33,

You are clearly a big fan of Lebron James.

  I've spent the good part of the last two weeks delicately explaining my thoughts on the guy to my fellow Seattleites while trying not to get punched.   

   

I'm guessing that you end up spending much of your time trying to get people to want to punch you and then trying to talk your way out of it. 

So, that's not just a quality of yours in the virtual world?

LOL.... that was rather rude.  I was using hyperbole.  You're a funny kid.

And no.  It's more like I was talking about the THunder/Heat with my fellow Seattleite best friend (he was a hardcore Sonic fan)... I am rooting against the Thunder as well for the same exact reasons... but I had to admit that I actually DO like Kevin Durant.  It's really tough to hate Durant.  I explained my reasons why we shouldn't really blame Durant for it... eventually my best friend agreed.  Good news is not everyone is thick and stubborn when it comes to petty grudges.   My friend's compromise:  "Yes... Kevin Durant is incredible.  It's hard to hate him.  In all seriousness, if he wins the title this year... it's not unthinkable that 15 years from now we'll be calling him the best of all time.  It makes me sick how good he is.  But I hate the Thunder... so hopefully he blows out both knees"

[LarBrd33]

Nice post, LarBrd33,

You are clearly a big fan of Lebron James.

I'm actually not.  I love this league and I'm a hardcore Celtic fan.  I don't feel much different about LeBron as I do Kevin Durant.  I think Durant's an unbelievable player...  extremely gifted... very fun to watch.  I admire his talent.  I admire how accomplished he is for such a young age (back-to-back-to-back scoring titles... made the finals at age 23).  And if everyone globally hated Kevin Durant for a bunch of petty crybaby jealous nonsense, I'd be showing some support as well.  And for what it's worth... on some level, I do.  I live in Seattle.  Most of my friends absolutely loath Durant simply for who he is playing for.  I've spent the good part of the last two weeks delicately explaining my thoughts on the guy to my fellow Seattleites while trying not to get punched.  Hating Durant is just as petty.  The kid is awesome.  Shame I can't root for him, but I recognize talent when I see it. 

I'm always singing praises of players on other teams.  I've probably posted about Steph Curry and Kyrie Irving a dozen times each on here.  That doesn't make me a Golden State or Cleveland fan.  Likewise, I absolutely adore Rajon Rondo, but I've admitted countless times on this forum that I see Chris Paul as being a better player.  I don't particularly consider myself a fan of Chris Paul... I'm just tellin it like it is.  If I admit a player is good, does that automatically make me his fan?  Interesting.  Didn't know that.       

You strike me as the kind of guy who enjoys hyping up players of other teams just to be different around here, and heap all the negatives on our own players.  I was floored to read that you "adore" Rondo.  All of your assessments of him have been quite negative for the last year on this forum.

I don't think your posts have original thought.  You come in here with the intention of disagreeing with people and that skews your true thoughts and feeling of the subject at hand.  If people here dislike LeBron, you will intentionally go out of your way to defend him.  If people here are praising Rondo, you will intentionally go out of your way to list his flaws.  That's just the type of guy you are, you don't like to go with the flow here.

It's just too bad because we'll never know your true feelings on any subject here in this forum without yourself being swayed by other people's opinions.  My guess is you thrive not on the topic itself but by other people's reactions to your words.  Because of this I generally ignore what you have to say around here, whether I agree with you or not.

Employee8.  Thanks for your opinion.  You're essentially calling me a troll... which is actually pretty off base.  I post my thoughts/opinions on a wide range of subjects here.  Some people agree with me.  Some don't.  It's pretty impossible for me to have a single thought/opinion that is exclusive to me. 

Think about what you're actually saying to me.  You're saying that if I share a thought that admits something like, "You know, Kyrie Irving seems to be rather underrated... 19 years old... 11 College games removed from high school and he managed to put up averages of 18.5 points, 5.4 assists, 1.1 steals in 30.5 minutes while shooting ridiculous percentages of 47%, 40% from three and 87% from the line ... That's almost unheard of.  Considering he's playing the hardest position to learn and was the main target of opposing team's defense... it's not a stretch to think he's going to be a phenom" ... that it somehow qualifies me as "intentionally disagreeing" to be provocative.  Nah.  That's silly.   You're essentially saying I'm a troll if I admit that a 3-time MVP is exceptionally gifted and has my respect as a basketball player... or if I admit that Steph Curry is a better shooter than Rajon Rondo.  He IS a better shooter.  That's as close to fact as you can get. Sharing facts is within the guidelines of this website... lol.       

You were misinterpreting my overall point.  I'm saying that my positive opinions of opposing players isn't limited to LeBron James.  I have positive opinions of players who have absolutely nothing to do with the Boston Celtics (Kyrie Irving and Steph Curry, for example). 

For what it's worth, there are players of opposing teams that I absolutely despise:  Kobe Bryant (obvious reasons), Dwight Howard (i think he's a dirty punk with a poor mentality), Joaquim Noah (can't stand him).  But... if some misguided homer starts telling me that E'Twaun Moore is going to be better than Kobe Bryant... I'm going to call him out on it.  Before you say that's "stretch", I want to remind you that one of the posters here once had the audacity to say Kendrick Perkins was a better fit for the 2008 Celtics than Hakeem in his prime.  By your definition, disagreeing with that nonsense made me a troll. 

Also, for what it's worth... there are countless examples of me praising players on this team.  I was quick to defend Paul Pierce early this year when people called him "washed up".  I pointed out he was still getting into shape and would be fine.  When people suggested we should downgrade from Pierce to Danny Granger/Rudy Gay/etc, I was quick to explain (my opinion) of how this would fail to benefit us.  I have also drooled over Kevin Garnet's play since February endlessly on this forum.  I think he was a serious MVP candidate and the primary reason we overachieved in the playoffs.  I don't believe I've ever had anything negative to say about Brandon Bass... which is probably notable, because my dislike for Glen "Obese" Davis was pretty obvious (glen was exceptionally overrated by homers while he played here... and not surprisingly he's pretty forgotten and unmissed now that he's gone.  When's the last time someone posted a "Bring back Glen Davis" thread?... In retrospect, I think I was on the winning side of the Obese Davis debates) 

Different mentality.  I don't particularly mind the blind homers who instantly think every random basketball player who wears a Celtic jersey is "omg the best player evvaaa"... but don't get bent out of shape when I disagree.

I absolutely love Rajon Rondo.  He is my favorite player to watch on the Celtics.  Definitely one of the best point guards in the league.  But Chris Paul is better.  I'm not ashamed to have that opinion.  It's true.  And I'm definitely not the only person who believes it (note the fact that Chris Paul was 1st team All-NBA... Rondo, despite his best season was still ranked 3rd team behind Russell Westbrook and even Tony Parker.  It's not like I'm arguing an insane thought).  A mob of angry fellow Celtic fans isn't going to bully me out of hiding that opinion.  If hearing truth is that painful, just skip over my posts.    Thanks again for your opinion. 

[Mr October]

...
I don't neccessarily disagree, but I have to question it when he is really one of the few guys who gets this treatment and scrutiny.  Everyone holds Michael Jordan up on a pedestal but the guy seems like a real jerk to me and has a terrible gambling issue.  He brought it on the court though.  That's what matter to me and most it seems.... except with LeBron.
...

I think a big part of the problem is that Lebron epitomizes the growing trend in our country of young super entitled guys. He had the chosen one tattooed across his back, even though he had a history of failing when the stakes were highest. He's been a front runner and a flopper. The decision and the welcome party through the entitled hype through the roof.

For the past 2 years he's been piled on mercilessly. What went around came around. And now on the cusp of winning his first title, he is walking the walk in the brightest of spotlights. He is growing up. I respect what he is doing big time.

A lot of your criticism is fair, if I don't totally agree with it.  One I don't agree with is front runner though... he played on terrible Cleveland teams for years, signed an extention with them.  I don't blame him for getting out of there when he would be wasting his prime.  You need teammates to win a championship.

I lived in Cleveland for the LeBron years too.  Watched a lot of their games.  I think Mike Brown was a poor coach (loved that the Lakers hired him and hope he stays on) and the GM was just awful.  Larry Hughes is supposed to be his Pippen?  Antwan Jamison?  (There was rumors they could have had Amare but didn't want to give up Hickson in the trade... and then they didn't play Hickson in the playoffs that year when LeBron left even though he was great for them in the regular season and now he isn't even on the team.  Would love to have this verified)

Imagine if he struggled on the Cavs for years continuing after and they kept not giving him the help he'd need.  He wouldn't win a title and the same people who tear him down now would continue to.  So to me it's a strange double standard.  He wants to win.  He took the best chance to do so.

How he did it was handled very poorly, no question.

 I don't think it's fair to criticize him for taking the best option available.  Who wouldn't?  If we were all in his shoes I'd love to see how we would handle it.

I do think he's growing up regardless though, you're right.  I've always liked him but am very impressed this year.  There's no denying he shied away from taking real control of playoff games even if he did play well, but not this year.  Just a force of nature.

I guess there's not a lot of time for the simple pleasure of say, reading a book, when you're busy playing basketball all day and being interviewed about being interviewed.

As long as i don't see him reading 50 shades of grey next i guess i can give him a pass...

LOL if he reads that book I'll be his biggest critic.

I have no problem with Lebron leaving the Cavs. That was a terribly managed/coached team. My problem with the decision was how he went about it - the show, the celebration in Miami. He became vilified by even casual fans by those couple of days of bad judgement.

A for my front runner comment. Let me clarify. A front runner superstar yucks it up and clowns people when he is winning, but yet shies away from the spotlight when the tides turn. That was what i meant.

[Celtics18]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned that thing that he wears in his mouth.  That abomination should be at the top of anyone's list of reasons to hate Lebron James.  

Ha you must be a really angry guy.  It's about motivation and winning... what is there to hate on?

People will find any reason to hate on LeBron, it's pathetic to me.  There are reasons to if you want, I'm fine with those, but this?  At "the top of the list"?  Give me a break.

And hate on him for reading a book.  Just lots of laughs at some of you guys.

Lebron is a beast. The Celtics have been his Detroit Pistons... he's overcome that obstacle and I honestly wouldn't be surprised if he wins 3 of the next 5 titles (like Barkley suggested).

I also don't think it's out of the question for Boston to sneak one in there as well.

If Lebron James "wins 3 of the next 5 titles,"  do the rest of his teammates get championship rings?

.... didn't see this yet either... what does this even possibly mean?  Have you seen a superstar player that plays less selfishly?  He's right there with KG on that.

That wasn't anger, my friend.  It was meant more as a joke.  Sometimes you just fall flat, I guess.

[Celtics18]

By the way everyone, I'm 43 years old and have an English degree, and I absolutely loved The Hunger Games.