Lebron James...Over rated?

[jordan23]

Let's see how far he goes this year with the Heat.....from watching his games against the Pacers in the post-season he never has a big 4th quarter or does much to help the team when it matters the most

[24redsfan]

Come on. We aren't going to give him much deserved credit because he played with Shaq? If we're going to be like that, you can also say that Jordan played with the likes of Rodman and Pippen for a couple titles. Some of those guys on that list shouldn't even be in the same breath as Kobe. If you want to argue guys like Wilt, MJ, and Russell, that's fine, but Duncan and Bird shouldn't even be considered ahead of Kobe. With Magic it's tough because you have to think about how much better his numbers, which are already impressive, would've been if his career wasn't cut short.

Jordan was the leader of the team though, Kobe wasn't. Shaq carried the team.

Why should Duncan and Bird not be "ahead" of Kobe? Both were the leaders of the team and won championships while producing HOF stats. You could make a case for Kobe > Duncan, but Bird is Top 5 worthy.

I would like to see your reasoning on why you think Kobe is 2nd.

[hawk2618]

I just checked the 3 championships boxscores from 2000,01,02 finals.I'll give Shaq a huge nod in 2000 with pts being 228 to 78 for Kobe,but 2001 and 2002 were pretty close statwise 165 to 123 and 145 to 107 pts respectfully.I also believe the rest of the players on those teams played huge rolls.They hardly get credit that is well deserved.I say this because Shaq and Kobe were together 4 yrs with no rings until 2000.Ohhhhhhhhh...I forgot the most important piece to the puzzle.Some guy named Phil Jackson.I give him huge credit for all 3 championships.
~~Dave C.

[Kutzy]

Shaq made those championships, I dont think there is any doubt about it. However the serious lack of respect for Kobe is astonishing. The guy is one of the best and every matrix you choose proves that.

[baseballboy2]

Jordan was the leader of the team though, Kobe wasn't. Shaq carried the team.

Why should Duncan and Bird not be "ahead" of Kobe? Both were the leaders of the team and won championships while producing HOF stats. You could make a case for Kobe > Duncan, but Bird is Top 5 worthy.

I would like to see your reasoning on why you think Kobe is 2nd.

Most people wouldn't agree that he's 2nd, although I think otherwise, but he has to be in the top 5. Just look at everything he has done. Another number that I found astonishing was that last night was his 87th 30 point playoff game of his career. 87! That just shows how dominant and clutch he has been. I can't understand why so many people aren't giving him the credit he deserves. He has also managed to acheive all of his accolades with one franchise which I think goes a long way as far as his legacy goes. That's the main reason why Lebron needs to win something with this Heat team, otherwise his legacy will be far more tarnished than him just leaving Cleveland.

[24redsfan]

Most people wouldn't agree that he's 2nd, although I think otherwise, but he has to be in the top 5. Just look at everything he has done. Another number that I found astonishing was that last night was his 87th 30 point playoff game of his career. 87! That just shows how dominant and clutch he has been. I can't understand why so many people aren't giving him the credit he deserves. He has also managed to acheive all of his accolades with one franchise which I think goes a long way as far as his legacy goes. That's the main reason why Lebron needs to win something with this Heat team, otherwise his legacy will be far more tarnished than him just leaving Cleveland.

What exactly has he done by himself? He played sidekick to Shaq for a few championships and then demanded for Shaq to be traded. Didn't win anything until he was spoon fed Pau Gasol. Kobe has yet to win anything without him having a side kick or being a side kick. Duncan and Bird proved they could win without a 1B option.

I would expect Kobe to have that many 30+ games because he carried into the playoffs.

Kobe is not top 5. MJ, Kareem, Shaq, Wilt and Bird are all better than him. You also have Duncan, Hakeem, and Oscar Robertson who can make a case over Kobe.

[gladdyontherise]

What exactly has he done by himself? He played sidekick to Shaq for a few championships and then demanded for Shaq to be traded. Didn't win anything until he was spoon fed Pau Gasol. Kobe has yet to win anything without him having a side kick or being a side kick. Duncan and Bird proved they could win without a 1B option.

I would expect Kobe to have that many 30+ games because he carried into the playoffs.

Kobe is not top 5. MJ, Kareem, Shaq, Wilt and Bird are all better than him. You also have Duncan, Hakeem, and Oscar Robertson who can make a case over Kobe.

Pau Gasol is no "1B option", plus Memphis got Marc Gasol, who is very, very good, so it's not like Memphis got nothing for Pau.

And for the record, Duncan has Parker and Ginobili.

[24redsfan]

Pau Gasol is no "1B option", plus Memphis got Marc Gasol, who is very, very good, so it's not like Memphis got nothing for Pau.

And for the record, Duncan has Parker and Ginobili.

Gasol very well is a 1B option. He is just VERY incosistent. At the time, Memphis got KWAME BROWN and a pick that couldn't help them that season. That was a spoon feed.

I am not talking about right now, when he won it in 1999 and 2003 he was the main option on offense. In 2005, Manu was becoming a star and Parker was still unproven and growing, playing with Duncan as the main scorer. Only in 2007 was Duncan NOT the best player for the Spurs, when Parker won Finals MVP.

[Trueduckfan]

Hi everyoone...
I'm a huge fan of Lebron James and all...But is it a possiblity he is overrated? Think of it. With little or none NBA expierence, he is one of the highest played NBA players!whats gonna happen if he turns out to be a Ryan Leaf of the NFL?Please share your views with me, and liek I said i'm a fan of Lebron and wish him the best!

who cares how he might turn out at this point? He is dominating, a hell of an athlete and very fun to watch! I dont even watch that much basketball anymore but can respect what talent he is. Just because hes not winning Championships yet doesnt meant everyone should call him a bust.
Winning championships takes a full team and a little luck to get it done. I dont care who you are.

[Kutzy]

Pau Gasol and Tony Parker are both future Hall of Famers

Manu has a chance