LeBron James: Have We Become Too Dependent on "King James?"
LeBron James' ears have to be ringing.
One day after the NBA held its annual All-Star game in Orlando, players from both Eastern and Western squads boarded planes and traveled back to their respective cities to prepare for the second half of the regular season. As for the game itself, the West held off the East 152-149 in one of the best All-Star games in recent years.
On Monday, players were getting reacquainted with their teammates, but for LeBron James of the Miami Heat, his day was probably spent anywhere, except for in front of a television.
Several media outlets spent the day dissecting the All-Star Game. As usual, several analysts criticized James heavily for what he didn't do in the game. James, who scored 36 points for the East, committed a costly turnover in the closing seconds of the game. With a chance to either tie the game or take the lead with a three-pointer, LeBron attempted a cross-court pass that was intercepted by Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers). Griffin converted 1-of-2 free throws for the game's final points.
James had played brilliantly up until that point, scoring 23 points in the second half. LeBron was 15-of-23 from the field, including 6-of-8 from three-point range. It was by far the best All-Star Game of his career. James, who shared scoring honors with Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant—who also scored 36 and won game MVP honors—had a chance to be the hero. Now, we all know how much James struggles in clutch situations, but this time, the stage was set for him to finally get some of the naysayers off his back.
Matched against Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers), James had the momentum. With Bryant checking him away from the basket and daring LeBron to shoot the three, James saw his Heat counterpart—Dwyane Wade—wide open, and threw the errant pass that was picked off.
It was a bittersweet end for James. Despite his excellent game, many are criticizing him for not taking the three-pointer. Worst of all, having his main antagonist (Bryant) challenging him, only adds to LeBron's sorrows.
James is by far the game's best player, however he has had his problems when the game is on the line. His flameout in last year's NBA Finals will never be forgotten. LeBron joined the Heat in the summer of 2010, via the infamous "The Decision," which did not sit well with many fans. Miami made it to the championship but lost to the Dallas Mavericks (4-2). James averaged 17.8 points in six games, much lower than the 26.7 he averaged during the regular season.
And, who can forget his final two playoff games with the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Boston Celtics in 2010? The two-time MVP scored a dismal 15 points in Game 5, and although he had a triple-double in Game 6 (27 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists), LeBron had nine costly turnovers. Boston won the series 4-2.
The only way James is ever going to get rid of being label as a "choker," is to win an NBA title. Miami is tied with Oklahoma City for the league's best record (27-7), and the main reason is LeBron, who's having perhaps his greatest season yet. However, if the Heat don't win the championship, LeBron will go down as a failure once again.
Even though one player cannot produce a championship by himself, you can't help but asked yourself the question: Are we too dependent on LeBron James? Why is James always the scapegoat?
All of us (fans, media, and pundits) have become to dependent on him. Ever since entering the league in 2003, James has been called by many as "The Chosen One" and "King James." James relationship is a love/hate one. We love him when he does well. We hate him when he fails to perform up to his standards. The player that James has been compared to unfairly—Michael Jordan—had his failings as a player also; then again, what player hasn't failed?
Yes, LeBron could have taken the three-pointer that would have won the All-Star Game. Then again, he could have missed the shot all together. What would you have said then?
This was not the NBA Finals folks, it was the All-Star Game. James doesn't deserve the criticism this time.
But, I understand, you have to find some fault in him. You have no one else to pick on.
Shame on you.
