LeBron James

[Mdog1]

LeBron recruited in the early days. The problem was he didn't have clout to recruit anyone.

Who's this kid, sort of thing. Yes everyone knew he was exceptional, but he had not won an MVP, or a ring. Now he is a 4x MVP, and 2x champ, he has all sorts of pull with everyone in the NBA.

Truthfully, it was pointless for him to recruit. 2005 pretty much proved that, and in 2009 when Ariza was interested, he wouldn't give Ariza any assurances he was going to be here.

A lot of things made him a bad recruiter, now a lot of things make him the best selling point in the league. From the roster to his respect level.

 

[Chris]

I actually watched that Orlando highlight video.

Amazing that he's arguably a better player today than he was then. We're in for a treat.

 

[col63onel]

LeBron recruited in the early days. The problem was he didn't have clout to recruit anyone.

Who's this kid, sort of thing. Yes everyone knew he was exceptional, but he had not won an MVP, or a ring. Now he is a 4x MVP, and 2x champ, he has all sorts of pull with everyone in the NBA.

Truthfully, it was pointless for him to recruit. 2005 pretty much proved that, and in 2009 when Ariza was interested, he wouldn't give Ariza any assurances he was going to be here.

A lot of things made him a bad recruiter, now a lot of things make him the best selling point in the league. From the roster to his respect level.

Which are valid points, but he all of the sudden became a very willing recruiter when he left.

 

[Redzone]

That's a great highlight montage!


Throwback: Lebron James 2009 Playoffs East Finals Series Highlights vs Orlando Magic (HD 720)

Seems like yesterday. I was at the game and after Lebron made this three pointer, I turned around and hugged Andy V's large brother. One of my favorite moments in Cleveland sports history that I witnessed.

Too bad Stern allowed Rashard to tear us apart despite failing two drug tests. The failing tests were not announced until the following year, as were the suspensions. I think Stern wanted LeBron out of Cleveland, and Rashard going off helped his plan.

 

[The Edge]

Seems like yesterday. I was at the game and after Lebron made this three pointer, I turned around and hugged Andy V's large brother. One of my favorite moments in Cleveland sports history that I witnessed.

Too bad Stern allowed Rashard to tear us apart despite failing two drug tests. The failing tests were not announced until the following year, as were the suspensions. I think Stern wanted LeBron out of Cleveland, and Rashard going off helped his plan.

Coach Brown having Ben Wallace covering him on that last second shot did'nt help matters.

 

[Lyst]

 

[DoubleG]

Does anyone think these back issues are anything to be worried about? I know he had back spasms early in his career and I think it was bothering him early last year as well. From the interview, it sounded like he said it was something he expects early in camp because he’s not in game shape yet, so hopefully I’m just being paranoid. Back issues are not something to mess around with though.

 

[ssopata]

Does anyone think these back issues are anything to be worried about? I know he had back spasms early in his career and I think it was bothering him early last year as well. From the interview, it sounded like he said it was something he expects early in camp because he’s not in game shape yet, so hopefully I’m just being paranoid. Back issues are not something to mess around with though.

He did say that he can still go full go and not hold back so that's a positive

 

[oracio]

Sam The Bullshit Whisperer's opinion regarding Lebron's back (of course he is not a doctor ):

It's not a concern whatsoever. He played with it last season and it was worse.

 

[Mdog1]

Which are valid points, but he all of the sudden became a very willing recruiter when he left.

Oh absolutely, but the shape our roster was in was certainly a big factor too. How many ring chasers are going to choose Mo and LeBron over KG, Allen, and Pierce. When he went to Miami that was the new it spot in the league. It was a guaranteed title, or as close as possible.

We never had that, now we do.

 

[AZCavs]

The weight loss will help with the back pain. He will also spend less time in the post, which will help reduce the chance of injury due to contact.

I also think this is his way of avoiding playing many minutes in the preseason, if he plays at all.

 

[CavsHomer]

 

[winner0274]

God is it going to be a blast to watch this all year.

 

[KilgoreTrout]

Seems like yesterday. I was at the game and after Lebron made this three pointer, I turned around and hugged Andy V's large brother. One of my favorite moments in Cleveland sports history that I witnessed.

Too bad Stern allowed Rashard to tear us apart despite failing two drug tests. The failing tests were not announced until the following year, as were the suspensions. I think Stern wanted LeBron out of Cleveland, and Rashard going off helped his plan.

I get so upset about that, when I think about it. That was so dirty.

 

[Redzone]

Rashard was allowed to play in the playoffs and averaged 19 points in the playoffs despite already flunking two drug tests, known by Stern but not reported until after the playoffs. Talk about cover up.

He tested positive for the testosterone-producing performance-enhancing steroid known as DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone). He was the most prominent NBA player suspended to drug use.

After the ten game suspension the beginning of the following year, his stats nose-dived and I believe he was only a shadow of his drugged up self from 2009.

I'm surprised the media did not make this a bigger issue than it was--especially the Cleveland media. He just killed Cleveland in the playoffs. Imagine if this were allowed to happen today?