Crowning the Wrong King
Written by Anthony, Thursday May 07 2009
The MVP was recently crowned earlier this week, and I could not help but object to the winner this season. Now I understand that Lebron is a dominant force in the NBA. Hands down he is the best finisher in the game and when he is in the open floor, he is impossible to stop. But I cannot get over the fact that the "King" plays the majority of his games in the Eastern conference.
Besides the Boston Celtics, and on a good night the Orlando Magic and Dwight Howard, the Cavaliers and James see little resistance during an 82 game season. Don't believe me? Let's take a look at the playoffs for example. They play an aging Detroit team that seemed to be pleased with being the eighth seed. During that series, the Pistons were more spectators then defenders as Lebron gashed the defense time and time again. After a 4-0 sweep, the Cavs have now moved on the play the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta is an upcoming team in the NBA, but playoff ready? Not so much. After a decent first half the King and all his men turned it on in the second half and the result was another blow out. Needless to say, the first real competition they may see this season will be in Boston or in the NBA Finals.
Now who might you ask is the real MVP? Well that is as simple as one word: Kobe. I know that many will argue the fact that Bryant is surounded by great talent and has a bench that goes four or five deep. But the point that I am making is on any given night, the Lakers must face a highly talented team in the West. From Houston to San Antonio, as well as Denver and even Utah, the Lakers are challenged. A seventh or eighth seed in the West must win at least 50 games to get into the playoffs. Put Houston or the recently bounced Jazz in the East and the outcome for the Cavs may be much different.
When Kobe was averaging over 30 points per game a few years back, he could not even sniff the MVP trophy, as many saw this play to be selfish and ego driven. Can you blame the man with the squad he was surrounded with? Now, with an improved roster and a mature game, Kobe has reduced his scoring for the best of the team. The result, two great seasons, a finals appearance, and a favorite for the championship this season. With lower season statistics then Lebron, Kobe found himself in second in the voting. Outragious if you ask me.
I understand that Lebron at any given time and drive to the rack for an explosive dunk and a foul. But can't Kobe do the same thing? When he wants to get to the bucket he does. James still has yet to refine his outside shooting where as Bryant continues to refine his perimeter game. His fade away is Jordan-esque, but if you don't believe me, take a look at the one he dropped on Lebron the second time they played in Cleveland. Finally, no other player has the killer instinct like the Black Mamba. Take a look at last nights game 2 against Houston. With a chip on his shoulder and a swagger in his step, Kobe scored at will against the "great defender" that is Shane Battier.
Lebron is a great talent, but the crown belonged on another Kings head this season.
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Yeah, like we had stated earlier they are blowing out their opponents...those being Atlanta and Detroit. Let's be honest, neither of those teams hold a candle to Houston as a worthy competitor. Are the Lakers playing below their skill set right now? Yes they are but a lot of it can be attributed to higher levels of competition in the west. Arguing T-Mac makes little sense because they are a proven better team without him and have advanced to the second round for the first time in years, without him. The team without yeah can run the floor and is much more athletic, but that is not a game plan that will fool the Lakers the rest of the series.
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The CORECT MVP was awarded this year... nearly averaging a triple-double with not as much talent around him as Kobe... He led Cleveland to the BEST record in the NBA and the cavs were what like 39-2 at home? The cavs are blowing out their opponents and not making any question about them making it to the Finals, while the lakers are 2-2 with a average Rockets team missing their 2 best players... with Yao and T-Mac healthy, It would have gone to Houston in 5. I Think D-Wade should have gotten 2nd... now he has absolutely NO talent around him other then an over the hill Jermaine O'Neal, and Rookies Beasley and Chalmers. He single handedly led the Heat to the play-offs (Even Though They Lost). Then there is Kobe... When he scored 20 & 10... they blow their opponents out... when he averages 40 & 2... they lose... where as Lebron averages 30 & 9 and are blowing everyone out. I think the King deserves his throne this year.
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I guess I lose the spelling bee, damn... If you really want to get picky, we can go through your horribly punctuated articles/comments. But since I'm not here to proofread anyone's work... Trying to argue my point with you, is like arguing with my wife. Your opinion is the only one that is reasonable, therefore you will not try to make sense of anyone else's. I didn't say you weren't talking about the future, dude, I said "If you'd like to compare future Kobe to future LeBron, that's a whole different story." What I meant by that is, I'd like to compare what has actually happened, not what might happen or possibly could happen. I'm not into the whole "if this" or "what if that." You know, if if's and but's were cherries and nuts, everyday would be a holiday. As for the off the court stuff, I didn't realize you were there to witness everything. You must have been right there, a fly on the wall, to know exactly how everything went down. Good to know. Maybe they should have interviewed you about Kobe's problems instead of his coach or teammates. I'm not saying he's innocent by any means. I'm simply implying that I don't have all the details. Can you fill me in since you seem to know everything? I guess those Duke lacrosse players were guilty too, right? Do you believe everything you read and hear? Not a good habit.
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lol, first off i'm hardly sensitive (yea, that's spelled with an "i" not an "a"). Secondly, future Kobe vs. future Lebron is what my statement was about. Saying I don't think he'll be looking at any other awards or championships is looking at the future if I'm not mistaken isn't it? I mean, I can go through this slowly for you if you like, here let me help you figure this out. This year's MVP is already awarded, I can't be talking about that award could I? I clearly think this year's finals will go to Cleveland, so...not talking about the present there either am I, except in my belief that the Cavs will win this year of course. What did you think I was talking about when I said I didn't think he'd be winning any more awards? Did you think I meant this year's MVP? Did they start giving out an MVP on like, a daily basis that I should know about? Would you care to explain how you took that to mean anything but the future? In reaction to the second portion of your senseless rant, I'm not saying he's lost a step, I'm not saying his skills have gone downhill, I'm saying the competition has caught up. I wasn't aware I was going to have to spell it out for you like that. In saying that Lebron is now the best player, and will continue to be for many years now, well that means that someone used to be the best player and he passed them in my mind. He may lack consistency in his shots, but I'm okay with that, given the way he can carry a team when he needs to and is a multi dimensional player, able to play defense and offense pretty much equally well at this point, while drastically improving at both ends of the court with each passing day. That's just talking about on the court stuff, let's not get into the fact that Lebron's never been mixed up in a rape case or ran a superstar teammate out of a city. Lebron's never bitched and moaned about management, and he's never demanded a trade no matter the talent around him to my knowledge. Feel free to ask for any clarifications that you need, after all MC, despite my unfriendly demeanor, I'm really just here to help.
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Hahahaha. Nice one guys... LMAO!
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Panties in a bunch, haha, very original. If you'd like to compare future Kobe to future LeBron, that's a whole different story. What happens if one of them goes out tomorrow and blows up a knee and can never play again? Or worse, like the tragic Nick Adenhart accident... Why don't we stick to the here and now... LeBron will probably end up being the greatest basketball player ever, and then you can say "I told you so" all you want, but until then, he does need to make some improvements before it is a reality, hopefully we can agree on that. I'm going to make an a$$ out of u (and) me and a$$ume that you agree about LeBron's lack of consistency with his jump shot, seeing as how you didn't disagree. Let me quote you about Kobe, "I just believe his day is done" and "I simply don't think he'll be looking at any other awards or championships, and that his time has passed." By saying his day is done and his time has passed, doesn't that insinuate that he is over the hill? I'm confused, now you're telling me "In my comment I in no way state or even insinuate that Kobe is washed up, burnt out, or otherwise useless. In fact I state that I consider him one of the top players in the league." Make up your mind. Which one is it? Or was he just that much better than his peers a few years ago and has since lost a step? Could you maybe have just used a poor choice of words to make your point? Maybe I'm too retarded to argue my point, but at least I'm not contradicting myself. As for this playground fantasy of yours... playground ball is completely dfferent than the NBA. On the playground, I'm taking Shaq, even at his advanced age. I apologize for hurting your feelings Luke, I really do, I didn't mean to make any enemies. I didn't realize you were so sensative. My bad. I'll watch what I say from now on. I love the back and forth banter though. I hope you see it as good fun as well. It almost sounds like you might be taking at a little more serious than me... But what do I know, I'm just a nobody who is "clearly lacking in the intellectual department." Way to take the high road.
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once again watching someone who otherwise would have the ability to type a halfway decent post descend into childish insults, it's sad. After stating I considered him in the top ten, I went on to say that if I were picking players he wouldn't be my first choice. What I mean by top ten is that if I were picking players to start a team with, he would probably be in my top ten, I can think of at least 5 players off the top of my head I'd take over Kobe. In answer to your question regarding his age, what I said had very little to do with his current age, although it's a great factor to bring up. He's 30, that's not too old right now, okay. At thirty he's likely to peak, well, now or soon. In a few years, likely the next 4 to 5 he will begin to slowly decline in talent level. Now, clearly everyone is in agreement that Lebron and Kobe are relatively comparable in talent level at this point correct? Forget that I believe Lebron is better and let's move forward on the assumption that they have equal ability at this point. Lebron is 24, most players have not yet hit their peak at 24, Kobe didn't, other comparable players that jumped from high school like KG, or even Moses Malone didn't, I think we can safely assume Lebron hasn't either. Although most not "retarded" people would have an easy time following where I'm going with this MC, let me break it down for you in case it's confusing in some way. If Lebron and Kobe are similar in talent level now, and Lebron will likely continue getting better as Kobe levels off and eventually declines well ahead of Lebron then...mmhmmmm that's right, Lebron will continue to not only be better than Kobe, but significantly so. Now once again, let's refer back to the comment that seems to have gotten your panties in a bunch shall we? In my comment I in no way state or even insinuate that Kobe is washed up, burnt out, or otherwise useless. In fact I state that I consider him one of the top players in the league, I simply don't think he'll be looking at any other awards or championships, and that his time has passed. You're welcome to come away with the impression that I'm retarded, or anything you like. It's my opinion that anyone that finds themselves unable to hold their end of a debate without descending into the childish fits and name calling is clearly lacking in the intellectual department and attempting to make that up via their little string of insults, so don't worry, I don't really expect any sort of intelligent reply out of ya. Therefore don't worry when all you manage to come back with is "well I think you're retarded" you aren't really disappointing anyone as that's really the best those of us who have read more than one or two of your comments/stories expect out of you at this point.
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Luke, I tried to bite my tongue for as long as I could, but your comments about Kobe are absolutely absurd. You are obviously not a fan, and that's okay. Top ten in the league? Are you retarded? I'm not saying you are, but your ideas border on insanity. There are valid argements for both players being the best, and as for Kobe's "days being done," the dude's only 30 man. You're telling me, at 30, you're done? Haha, lay off the crack pipe. I've said all along Wade does more than anyone in the league with less. He didn't even have J. O'Neal for the whole season, now there's someone who is on the backside of his career. Top ten... wow, people cease to amaze me. LeBron will have the "Best in the league" title when he can hit a jump shot consistently. You can't be the best if part of your game is severely lacking. Who would you rather take a jumper with :01 left on the clock? Nevermind, I know your answer, keep it to yourself. Top ten... ROTFLMFAO!!!!!!!!!
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Lebron also gets better every year. It took Kobe several years to figure out that he has other teammates and that he can pass to them, Lebron is growing by leaps and bounds every game and year. I'm just saying that my call is Kobe never wins another title or MVP. Maybe All Star MVP, and certainly all star teams and the like, but nothing like a title or MVP. I understand there are changes, and I understand many have considered him the best player in the league for a while now. While I can't deny he's skilled, and is one of the top ten players in the league, if I were a captain on a playground picking teams, he wouldn't be my first choice, Lebron would, and Kobe wouldn't have been my first choice last year, or any of years he's played either for that matter.
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Sam, I agree with your thoughts about Lebron and his mentality on the game and the "freindliness" he portrays with his teammates. But winning championships is not based off your ability to get all to like you, if they are competitors then they all want to win at the same cost. I feel that Kobe may come of a bit brash and arrogant, but that attitude spreads throughout the team in a positive way. They want to carry their wait and show they are worthy of playing with Kobe and contributing.
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Weighing in on the Kobe and LeBron issue, I think that LeBron will eventually take over the King's role in the NBA. I think Kobe is the NBA's king right now, but we may be witnessing a changing of the guard. I can't really speak on who should have been this years MVP because I don't know the stats for each in the regular season but I suspect that the NBA may have given the MVP crown to LeBron because Kobe has been there and done that before. I also suspect that Wade may have been the real MVP this season if not for the Heat's first round playoff departure. Wade's supporting cast is horrible except for Jermaine O'Neil and far worse than what Kobe and LeBron are working with. I think any of these guys still have the opportunity to win a Championship including Kobe. One small piece of help can make any of these guys serious contenders for the NBA's ultimate crown. Kobe and Wade have already proven that they can get there with that help and LeBron seems to be well on his way *this season* to do the same.
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Yeah Luke, but you forget that Kobe gets better every year. He could very well have another 8 seasons left to play. And dynasties are so phenomic -especially now, with the infussion of expansive monetary incentives to change team allegiances- that it's incredibly possible for Kobe to win another ring. Let's hope he doesn't do it a la Gary Payton.
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as far as competition goes, let's face it, Kobe and Lebron are so good it doesn't matter if the lower ranked west teams are slightly better than the lower ranked east teams, Lebron would beat up on the lower ranked west teams just as badly as he does the east, and vice versa for Kobe. It's not even that I'm not a huge fan of Kobe, I just believe his day is done. Like I said, don't expect him to win anything else, he'll go into the playoffs every year, be in the top 5 in scoring for a while, but I don't expect him to win anything else at all that matters.
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Sorry buddy, but you're wrong. Don't get me wrong, though; Kobe's great and he's definitely jordanesque in the sense that he's a playing legend with ever-developing talents. That's scary. But Lebron is a king who leads in a populist manner that doesn't only involve spreading the ball around. He makes players better. Lebron is that guy whom everybody likes. Take a look at how role players like Varejoa and Ilgauskus have propelled the Cavs' success -they've become formidable players. Sure, the Cavs need Lebron, but his feet on the floor alone don't secure wins, his mentality does. Kobe might make sacrifices to the talent on his team for the sake of success, but Lebron is cerebral, cool, and genial in a 'Forrest Gump' way that screams "I genuinely want your friendship." He's the eminent leader in the NBA.
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Jedg, you are mostly right. Unfortunately, the NBA loves to play the "oh, you haven't won an MVP yet, so here's your trophy" game. How does that factor into your calculations? Sure, Cleveland would be nothing without LeBron, but the Heat might not win 10 games without Wade. And about Kobe, you're one of the few that are still butt hurt about that situation huh? I'm sure there's no chance that she lied to get cash out of Kobe, huh? I'm sure no pro athlete has ever had someone lie to try and get their money, oh wait... Yes, they settled out of court, but that doesn't mean he's guilty of anything besides adultery. The way our pathetic judicial system works, in a he says, she says case, she always wins if there is no proof either way, c'mon playa.
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Gentlemen, I'll keep this short... MVP = most valuable player. Inherent in the calculation is how much the winner means to his franchise. While I think the relative strength of the conference is a factor in the calculus, one must give precedent to the fact that without King James, Cleveland goes no where. Should Kobe be punished for having a better surrounding cast?...No... but I think he would rather have another ring then an MVP anyways. Besides, Kobe lost all of my support after he slept with one of the few girls at that Colorado resort who wouldn't consent... come on playa.
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Fair enough, I just feel that the competition throughout the west, not just when the top three or four teams play each other, but when any of the teams in the west play it is a tougher match-up then the four seeded Hawks or fifth seeded Miami Heat. You're not a fan of Kobe so that's understood, but his talent is still superior to almost the entire league which gives him great chance to compete with the likes of Lebron and the Celtics for titles and rings.
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true, but the top three teams in the east are three of the top four in the league, unarguably as well. And I wasn't saying you wrote an article, I thought I recalled you writing in a comment something about a stronger west, and furthermore I made it clear that I simply thought it was you, and wasn't sure. Lastly, mark my words, he won't win another title or trophy of any sort.
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First of all, before accusing someone of writing an article, you should read the part that says written by. This is actually my first time touching base on this subject, not the second. For you to say Kobe is on a downward spiral makes no sense. Has his numbers fallen off? How about the production? Not quite. I believe he was named MVP last year, not too bad considering he is "spiraling" downward. Besides the top three teams in the East, there is a serious drop off. None of those teams see the playoffs if they play in the West, something we all can agree on.
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This is the second time, but must be the same person that I've seen the idea that the Western Conference is stronger argued. Are you kidding me? For the majority of the season it has been widely agreed that the Celtics when healthy, the Cavaliers, and the Lakers were on a whole other level, with the Lakers being almost unchallenged in the West. The prevailing thought most have had was that the Magic were approaching the top three, but then after the Magic there was a huge fall off in talent, leaving three of the four most talented teams in the NBA in the East. It blows my mind that here you are again trying to argue that the West is the stronger conference. The only team you have that could play with the Cavs, a healthy Celtics team, or Orlando is LA...maybe. Depth wise, the West may run a little deeper, but the East is surely heavier at the top than the West. On top of that, I'm looking for the end of season numbers, but East teams won more often than lost to West teams as well this year. Kobe's time is passed, the downward spiral began the year he chased Shaq out of town. I'll be amazed if he ever wins another title, and I expect that for the next few years he will be playing third fiddle to Lebron and Wade, and then eventually will fall off behind the likes of Durant, Rose, Gay, and younger players like that as well. You Kobe fans, you're gonna have to start getting used to being second or third best.