Miami Heat's LeBron James Is Still the Best Whether You Love Him or Hate Him
So, that’s what the Miami Heat can really do?
The Heat traveled to Los Angeles Christmas Day and finally proved how dangerous they can truly be.
The Heat have been fantastic in December, going 14-1 including the 96-80 Christmas Day win over Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron James led the charge with a triple double. He scored 27 points on 8-for-14 attempted shots. He made 5-of-6 attempted three-pointers and all six of his free throws. He grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out the rock 11 times.
It was evident prior to the opening tip-off that LeBron James was ready and determined to prove doubters wrong. He was ready to take control of the Miami Heat and take it to Kobe Bryant in his house with everyone around the world watching.
James dominated the Phoenix Suns two nights prior, but that was just an appetizer. On Christmas afternoon, James was ready to feast.
He was as explosive as we have seen him thus far this season. He had an extra pep in his step and Kobe Bryant was visibly bothered.
The Heat controlled the entire game from the opening minutes—Kobe Bryant and the Lakers didn’t even know what hit them.
Perhaps Bryant and head coach Phil Jackson were too nonchalant heading into the game. Bryant declared that the game was meaningless to the overall picture of the season, which doesn’t truly begin to take shape until the spring. Phil Jackson aggressively voiced his displeasure about playing on Christmas Day, again.
Maybe Jackson has a point. Bryant clearly does.
Still, on this day, this was the premiere game. There’s a reason they play the games. This was one of those “measuring stick” games. The Heat proved they can beat quality teams and not just the bottom dwellers that made up most of their 12-game winning streak, which was snapped by Dallas last week.
As we all know, it’s certainly not a one-man LeBron James show in Miami like it was in Cleveland.
And that’s the scary part.
We’ve seen what LeBron James can do by himself: an NBA Finals appearance and the best record in the entire NBA with a rather average team.
Partners in crime Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh were also great against the Lakers. Wade returned from a bothersome knee and scored 18 points with six assists and five rebounds. Bosh was dominant as well, scoring 24 points and pulling down 13 rebounds.
It was all about James though.
In Kobe’s world, James didn't just take over. He dominated. He was the shining star. The spotlight began on Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Phil Jackson, Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol.
It ended solely on LeBron James. Whether he is your hero or the most despised man in the Association, LeBron James is the best this league has to offer. The most talented man in the game is the true catalyst to the Miami Heat winning an NBA Championship. LeBron James has now shown that he can lead this Heat team to dominance over one of the most successful squads in the league.
Things are about to pick up in the NBA.
LeBron James and the Miami Heat are out for blood. They’re gunning for the No. 1 spot in not just the Eastern Conference, but the entire Association.
When people said James, Wade and Bosh have a target on their backs, they were right. They forgot to mention, though, that James, “The Villain,” also has a target on everyone else’s back. Nobody is safe. When James played the “happy, humble hero,” he won two MVP awards. Now James is angry. He’s focused and determined to unleash his anger and vengeance on anybody who stands in his way. Unluckily enough for the opposition, James has the size, speed, intelligence and talent to accomplish his goals.
LeBron James and the Heat look to continue their rampage when they take on Amar’e Stoudemire’s New York Knicks Tuesday, December 28.
