Top 10 Most Overused “King” Puns For LeBron James

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Somehow, LeBron James rightfully earned the nickname “King James.” It just seemed fitting for him.

People call him a “freak of nature” because of his unique style of play, especially right out of high school. Though his size automatically labels him as a forward, he controls the ball like guard, dominating every aspect of the game. His aggressiveness and arrogance made his own teammates and even the city of Cleveland worship the ground he walked on.

Recently, being entitled a “King” for James seems more like a curse.

Once free agency season struck, numerous headlines and articles have trended, utilizing various ways to play off James’ nickname. (I’m guilty of that myself).

The “King” references are hard to keep track of. There are the “wow, good ones” and the “I’ve heard that befores.”

As people like me start thinking of new nicknames for the trio in Maimi, it wouldn’t hurt to look back in our archives and rehash some of the most commonly used “King” puns for James.

10. "The King without a Ring"

He’s seen as one of the basketball gods who’s expected to go down in history like Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, Bill Russell, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

Recently, he’s been compared to the bests in the league: Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

But unlike Kobe, MJ and their likes, James, after seven years in the league, hasn’t won a single NBA championship.

Sure, he’s a two-time MVP, an All-Star player and got the honor to play for Team USA.

He’s got tattoos praising himself as the “Chosen 1” and the “Gifted Child.”

But, with such a prestigious nickname, James has nothing tangible to proclaim his authority.

9. "The Ball is in King James’ Court"

Recently, this has been used to build anticipation for his popular free agency decision.

With many possible suitors flying to the only known kingdom in America (it’s in Ohio), courting him with presentations, trying to fascinate him into joining their team, the King already had his mind set on Miami, (according to what he said on “The Decision”).

If that's true, then what were all those meetings for? Was he just sitting on his throne as people like Gar Forman, Jerry Reinsdorf, Donnie Walsh, James Dolan and even Pat Riley served as his entertainment?

8. "Heir to the throne of His Airness"

Though a king, he can’t rightfully be called “His Highness.”

He’s a king, but many writers dare not call him that in fear of disgracing His Airness, Michael Jordan.

While some believe that he’ll inherit the crown of the greatest basketball player ever, James’ recent behavior throughout the free agency process has shown that he is too naive to even sit on the right hand of MJ.

7. "All the King’s Men"

Does this jingle ring a bell?

If you've heard of Humpty Dumpty, then you're on the right track.

Taken from your childhood nursery rhyme, this phrase represents mostly James’ Cavalier teammates.

Sadly, when people think of the Cavs, they think of James and his men, caring less about their faces or names.

Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison, Anthony Parker and even Shaq were dumbed down as “King James’ men.”

They served him, protected him, danced with him and even played the imaginary world of picture-taking-make-believe with him.

But you probably won't hear this phrase anymore.

6. "Prince James"

There's a reason why this is rarely used...

Yes, most references to princes are in fairy tales. James' closest competition for this "prince" title would probably be Prince Charming.

The nickname invokes anything but intimidation.

Nonetheless, some would rather call him a prince than a king.

He has lost the title as King James, as he abandoned his own kingdom to “bring his talents to South Beach.”

Leaving doesn’t automatically demote a king down to a prince. But he sure does act like a stereotypical prince. Arrogant, egotistical, vain, pretty boy (for lack of a better term).

Not to mention, he has a tattoo on his lower left arm marked “Prince James,” but that is more of a rendition of his first son.

5. "Pretender in the throne"

Bill Simmons said it best:

“LeBron was facing one of the greatest sports decisions ever: "winning (Chicago), loyalty (Cleveland) or a chance at immortality (New York)."

"  I never thought he would pick "HELP!"

James became a wuss by choosing the Heat, taking the easy way out towards winning a title.

He displays never-before-scene talent and skill on the courts. But people saw his true colors when it comes to gut and a mental challenge. And those true colors were not the colors of royalty.

4. "Court Jester"

This free agency season has been dubbed:

“The Summer of LeBron.,” “The Decision.”

How about “The Big Joke”?

After the whole courting process, many believed that James played the world. Before, many fell for the emotional drama.

LeBron, driven by the will to win, needs to make a basketball decision that would influence his entire basketball career, and ultimately the history of the NBA.

He already knew his decision, but he sure did fool us all into believing he didn’t.

3. "The Fall of the King;" "King Dethroned"

There was only one way James could’ve kept his crown, and that was if he chose to stay in Cleveland.

His second best option would’ve been Chicago. If he had chosen New York, then he would've been branded the "Greedy King," only caring about wealth and fame.

Either way, James was going to lose his crown no matter what.

Once he announced his decision, he instantly became the guy people will love to hate (except in Miami).

And either way, he would’ve been stripped of his royalty if he didn’t choose Cleveland.