LeBron James hype is out of control (columnist goes IN)

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LeBron James hype is out of control
by Mike Bianchi

Now, maybe it will stop.

Or at least slow down.

Now, maybe we can turn on SportsCenter without hearing about how LeBron James might be the greatest thing to hit the NBA since birth control.

Hallelujah.
Now that the Magic beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 99-89 in Game 3 Sunday night at the amped-up Am maybe somebody will turn down thevolume on this limitless LeBron LeLovefest.

It's like listening to Barry Manilow singing "Mandy."

It's like listening to Stevie Wonder singing "I Just Called to Say I Love You."

It's like listening to Paul McCartney singing "Silly Love Songs."

Barf.

Yes, LeBron's a great player.

Yes, he hit a great shot Friday night in Game 2.

But from listening to all the hoopla, you'd think it was the greatest shot since William Tell split the apple sitting atophis son's head.

It's no wonder the raucous, roaring Magic fans Sunday night felt the whole world -- ESPN, Nike, the NBA -- was on LeBron's side. One fan even held up asign that said: "Magic's 6th Man: The Fans. Cavs' Sixth Man: The Refs."

Seriously, have you ever seen so many invisible fouls? Dwight Howard fouled out on a phantom call on LeBron. Hedo Turkoglu wascalled for another. During a timeout while the Magic dancers were on the floor, LeBron actually walked right through the middle of their routine. Amazingly,none of the dancers were whistled for a foul.

When asked if he wanted to comment on the imperceptible fouls on LeBron, Magic coach Stan Van Gundy replied tellingly, "No, but you can. You write acolumn. The league won't fine you $25,000. You guys see it. Write what you saw."

Give Van Gundy and the Magic credit. They are the only ones in the league who refuse to be LeBron's LeBootlicker. Gottalove Van Gundy barking at his team and telling them to quit being LeBron's "witnesses" during Game 1. Or Dwight actually snarling at LeBron whenthe two got tangled up Sunday night.

This why the Magic own the Cavs. This is why they've beaten them 10 of the last 14 times they've played. Theydon't kneel down and kiss LeBron's Nikes. They may give him his points (41 on Sunday), but they don't give him their genuflection.

Excuse me if I sound bitter about the LeBron LeBoosterism. True story: As Sentinel colleague Brian Schmitz and I were walking down an empty hallway inCleveland's arena late Friday night after Game 1, a security guard started yelling at us: "Step to the side! Step to side!"

What? … Was this some sort of medical emergency? Were EMTs rushing some fallen fan to the hospital?

Not exactly.

It was just LeBron being escorted to the media interview room. And, apparently, nobody occupies the same hallway as LeBron for fear the intruders might smush the rose petals being thrown at the king's feet.

Don't get me wrong, this is not LeBron's fault. He is an exceptional player, but the fawning fans, media and refs are making everybody sick of him. A classic case of LeBron LeBurnout.

And if you haven't caught it, it's only because you haven't turned on ESPN since his buzzer-beater in Game 2. From hearing the commentators coo over him, you'd have thought LeBron had just scored the winning goal for the 1980 U.S. hockey team. The only thing missing was Al Michaels yelping, "Do you believe in miracles!"

Do you believe in hyperbole?

On ESPN Saturday, a radio host from Cleveland was interviewed about the magnitude of LeBron's shot. He actually said the shot was the greatest thing to happen to Cleveland sports since the Browns won the 1964 NFL championship. He went on to say LeBron's shot may have lifted the curse many Clevelanders believe has befallen their sports franchises.

One shot in Game 2 of a conference final against little ol' Orlando breaks a decades-long curse? Really? Coming soon: LeBron buzzer-beater fixes foreclosure crisis.

Question: Why is it when Rashard Lewis hit a game-winner, it's a good shot, but when LeBron hits one, it's a legendary shot?

"We were able to overcome the dagger (of LeBron's shot)," Van Gundy said sarcastically after the win Sunday night.

A google search of "LeBron shot" before Sunday's game, netted headlines such as, "Has LeBron James overturned Kobe Bryant's s legacy?" Or, "LeBron hits last-second shot that rivals Michael Jordan's."

Let me see if I've got this straight: M.J. and Kobe have nine championships between them, but LeBron hits a three-pointer in Game 2 of the conference finals and suddenly he's somehow in the same class as two of the greatest champions of all-time?

Stop it.


This LeBron LeBuildup is akin to Tim Tebow times 10. Like Tebow, we all recognize James as a great player and a good guy, but do we really need to hear the hyperbole ad nauseum? Remember when Fox announcer Thom Brennaman crooned during the national championship game, "If you're fortunate enough to spend five minutes around Tim Tebow, your life is better for it."

Gag.

The LeBron LeLovefest is even more out of control.

Except there is one difference between LeBron James and Tim Tebow:

Tebow has actually won a championship.

http://www.orlandosentine...,0,7685033.column?page=2

Let me know if I'm late with this one.
 
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at the title

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Originally Posted by Th3RealF0lkBlu3s

This why the Magic own the Cavs. This is why they've beaten them 10 of the last 14 times they've played. They don't kneel down and kiss LeBron's Nikes. They may give him his points (41 on Sunday), but they don't give him their genuflection.

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I figured this was from a Orlando writer, but I somewhat agree. It would be even better if it came from neutral city writer.
 
One shot in Game 2 of a conference final against little ol' Orlando breaks a decades-long curse? Really? Coming soon: LeBron buzzer-beater fixes foreclosure crisis.
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Was still a great shot, and a great moment, but in a sense, dude is right here. That shot only has meaning if they win the series right? If the Magic winthis series, then that shot is only a single moment for Lebron's legacy, not for the Cavs. Does that make sense?
 
I swear i have said this on this board the last week or two i told ya'll all this slurpin would backfire and ppl would get tired of hearing bout bron
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Question: Why is it when Rashard Lewis hit a game-winner, it's a good shot, but when LeBron hits one, it's a legendary shot?


ppl starting to realize how espn and the nba are gassin dude
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btw, this should be relevant to this thread...

LeBron James who has already broken Dwyane Wade's record in Free Throw Attempts in a Playoff series, is now looking to break another Playoff Free Throw Attempt record, this one held by Shaquille O'neal.

James, averaging 13.7 FTA these Playoffs, is on pace to break O'Neal's Playoff record for Total FTA this season, and get this... in FEWER GAMES!

O'Neal, with a Playoff FTA record of 296 FTA after 23 games, is closely followed behind James' 151 FTA after only 11 games! As of May 25th, at the pace James is heading, and assuming he makes it to the NBA Finals, it will only take him a total of 22 games (1 game less than O'Neal) to break O'Neal's nine-year old Playoff record.

James already has set the record for FTA in a Playoff Series with 19.3 FTA against Pistons; a record previously held by Dwyane Wade in 2006 against the Mavericks at 16.2 FTA.

James, in his young career, is also closely placed 2nd behind O'Neal in Playoff Career FTA at 10.5 per game, with O'Neal holding the top spot at just 11.2 per game; just 0.7 attempts ahead of James.

sorry, Wade, but "The King" has taken your crown.

the name 'D-Whistle' has now been officially passed on to 'LeWhistle.'

it's sad how Lebron is getting more foul calls than a guy who was INTENTIONALLY hacked every time he touched the ball...
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Good article...seems like he's the first media member to speak the truth.
 
The funny part is you have Cleveland fans moaning and crying about the FT differential, but as Skip Bayless (of all people) pointed out yesterday on FirstTake, a good portion of those fouls are straight hacks on D12.....same strategy used in the "hack a shaq" method....

the name 'D-Whistle' has now been officially passed on to 'LeWhistle.'

it's sad how Lebron is getting more foul calls than a guy who was INTENTIONALLY hacked every time he touched the ball...


co-sign, Downtown....
 
Originally Posted by DOWNTOWN43

btw, this should be relevant to this thread...

LeBron James who has already broken Dwyane Wade's record in Free Throw Attempts in a Playoff series, is now looking to break another Playoff Free Throw Attempt record, this one held by Shaquille O'neal.

James, averaging 13.7 FTA these Playoffs, is on pace to break O'Neal's Playoff record for Total FTA this season, and get this... in FEWER GAMES!

O'Neal, with a Playoff FTA record of 296 FTA after 23 games, is closely followed behind James' 151 FTA after only 11 games! As of May 25th, at the pace James is heading, and assuming he makes it to the NBA Finals, it will only take him a total of 22 games (1 game less than O'Neal) to break O'Neal's nine-year old Playoff record.

James already has set the record for FTA in a Playoff Series with 19.3 FTA against Pistons; a record previously held by Dwyane Wade in 2006 against the Mavericks at 16.2 FTA.

James, in his young career, is also closely placed 2nd behind O'Neal in Playoff Career FTA at 10.5 per game, with O'Neal holding the top spot at just 11.2 per game; just 0.7 attempts ahead of James.

sorry, Wade, but "The King" has taken your crown.

the name 'D-Whistle' has now been officially passed on to 'LeWhistle.'

it's sad how Lebron is getting more foul calls than a guy who was INTENTIONALLY hacked every time he touched the ball...
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Originally Posted by DoubleJs07

The funny part is you have Cleveland fans moaning and crying about the FT differential, but as Skip Bayless (of all people) pointed out yesterday on First Take, a good portion of those fouls are straight hacks on D12.....same strategy used in the "hack a shaq" method....

the name 'D-Whistle' has now been officially passed on to 'LeWhistle.'

it's sad how Lebron is getting more foul calls than a guy who was INTENTIONALLY hacked every time he touched the ball...


co-sign, Downtown....


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We agree on something?!?! The single most ANNOYING ******** fanever.. and your truly actually agree on something!?!?!


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Originally Posted by dreClark

Mike Bianici is quite possibly the saltiest, homerish writer out there.
Yep. I have yet in my life seen a writer quite like him.

Absolutely terrible.
 
Originally Posted by Th3RealF0lkBlu3s

Originally Posted by dreClark

Mike Bianici is quite possibly the saltiest, homerish writer out there.
Are you implying this article is without merit?
Please point out where I said that?

But no, I'm not implying that at all.
 
Originally Posted by Th3RealF0lkBlu3s

Originally Posted by DOWNTOWN43

btw, this should be relevant to this thread...

LeBron James who has already broken Dwyane Wade's record in Free Throw Attempts in a Playoff series, is now looking to break another Playoff Free Throw Attempt record, this one held by Shaquille O'neal.

James, averaging 13.7 FTA these Playoffs, is on pace to break O'Neal's Playoff record for Total FTA this season, and get this... in FEWER GAMES!

O'Neal, with a Playoff FTA record of 296 FTA after 23 games, is closely followed behind James' 151 FTA after only 11 games! As of May 25th, at the pace James is heading, and assuming he makes it to the NBA Finals, it will only take him a total of 22 games (1 game less than O'Neal) to break O'Neal's nine-year old Playoff record.

James already has set the record for FTA in a Playoff Series with 19.3 FTA against Pistons; a record previously held by Dwyane Wade in 2006 against the Mavericks at 16.2 FTA.

James, in his young career, is also closely placed 2nd behind O'Neal in Playoff Career FTA at 10.5 per game, with O'Neal holding the top spot at just 11.2 per game; just 0.7 attempts ahead of James.

sorry, Wade, but "The King" has taken your crown.

the name 'D-Whistle' has now been officially passed on to 'LeWhistle.'

it's sad how Lebron is getting more foul calls than a guy who was INTENTIONALLY hacked every time he touched the ball...
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also.. anyone find it interesting how Lebron NEVER seems to be in foul trouble? that is very, very strange for a forward in the NBA. especially when Lebron inparticular hacks like %#%% on defense (just watch him play, not even Cavs fans can deny that he stays reaching and hacking at dudes), and he charges into thelane with his shoulder down everytime he touches the ball.

even great defenders like Battier (he is probably the best in the league at playing defense without fouling) have had 4/5 fouls in a couple games in theplayoffs, if i recall correctly. i can't imagine how Lebron, who is certainly an inferior defender to Battier, only averages 1.3 fouls per game in theplayoffs.. and he's guarded guys like Josh Smith, Hedo, and Rashard Lewis who are slashers.

either Lebron does not try at all on defense (and thus does not deserve his all-D reputation), or he is the greatest defender in the history of the league.Lebron can't be that good of a defender, can he?

this is a good read:

http://www.nba.com/bulls/...ith_090525.html?rss=true

We're not quite halfway to Kobe-LeBron I with the Lakers doing their part, ahead 2-1 on the Denver Nuggets, while the Cavs fell behind 2-1 with Sunday night's loss to the Orlando Magic. I'm not one who believes these things are manipulated. Not when the Spurs and Nets played in the NBA Finals.

But the NBA has erred in a big way in that famous appearance of a conflict of interest. ESPN is a full partner with the NBA, not only in televising games, but with the TV networks able to dictate scheduling of the playoff games. So here is the NBA on its web site promoting a one hour special ESPN has been running called "Dream Season: 23 & 24," which is clearly about Bryant and James meeting in the NBA Finals. It's supposedly a documentary focusing on the pair's basketball careers. But there are obvious comparisons made with Wilt and Russell and Magic and Bird and having an opponent in the Finals who defines you.

It's one thing for Nike to be running these ads with James and Bryant puppets. We know what they are selling. But for the NBA to be cooperating with its partner to feature Bryant and James this way is shocking and leads to just what the NBA tries to fight all the time: The idea that it manipulates series for the best television and ratings matchup.

Especially coming after disgraced referee Tim Donaghy alleged something similar, suggesting referees make calls to favor the stars in the playoffs, the thinking being if they please the league and a better matchup occurs, the referees will get the choice Finals assignments and thus much more pay. I believe it's nonsense and I also have found the many referees I know to have high levels of integrity.

So I cannot believe the NBA would not ask ESPN to at least hold off until after the conference finals on this kind of thing. I know the NBA has influence in its contract with what ESPN can say regarding certain issues. Remember when all the ESPN experts after the Palace brawl suggested the Pacers were provoked, and then after David Stern "talked" to them they decided it was an outrage. Dwight Howard, who fouled out of Game 2 after an obvious missed foul call for James, who shot a stunning 24 free throws in Game 3, was asked after Sunday about the league and ESPN featuring Kobe and LeBron and said all they could do was try to win the game.

Yes, Howard fouled out for the third time in the playoffs and has been in foul trouble virtually all series against the Cavs. James, who was voted first team all-defense and was runner up to Howard in defensive player of the year, again is being called for the fewest fouls of any of the top players in the playoffs.

James, who is averaging almost 14 free throws per game in the playoffs and only just started to defend Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu after hiding early in the series on Rafer Alston, is averaging 1.6 fouls per game in the playoffs and never has been in foul trouble with a three fouls the most he's been called for in any game.

It's still hard to believe.

Bryant is averaging 2.6 fouls and has had four fouls four times. Carmelo Anthony is averaging 3.9 fouls per game and five times has had five and fouled out once. Howard is averaging more than four fouls per game and has fouled out of three playoff games and had five fouls three times. James is great. There's no doubt. Better than Kobe, as Jerry West said? Better than Jordan eventually? as some suggest. Who knows. But just that someone is in the debate is remarkable. We've never seen a player like James, the amazing combination of power and skill. James' dramatic game winner in Game 2 was an alltime great shot, in many ways better than Jordan's series winner against the Cavs in 1989 because less time was remaining and it was a far longer shot.

It wasn't a series clincher, so it was in some respects like the Bulls/Celtics playoffs this season. Perhaps the best series ever but hardly the most significant. Jordan's shot was way more significant because of the circumstances. But you can't be in the middle of everything as James is on a team that relies on one player like perhaps no other conference finals team ever-OK, maybe the 1989 Bulls-and be called for so few fouls.

I know. They said it was the same way with Jordan. He got every call.

OK, let's go to the record book.

In that 1989 series against the Cavs when Jordan was last at his most one man gang, Jordan actually fouled out of Game 4 and averaged four fouls per game in that opening series against the Cavs. Five more times in those playoffs as the Bulls beat the Knicks in six and lost to the Pistons in six Jordan had five fouls in a game. It's the playoffs. The play is rougher than the regular season. You get involved in tougher matchups, though James does rest on defense a lot other than when he is chasing guys from behind for highlight blocks. But Jordan always had a high number of playoff fouls. The season before when the Bulls beat Cleveland in five games, Jordan fouled out of Game 4 in Cleveland. In 1991 when the Bulls won their first championship, Jordan was in foul trouble with five in two of the five Finals games. It simply defies logic to see James at the free throw line so much and virtually never being called for a foul.


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Its funny how you NTers go and say:

"o the lebron hype is overrated aha huhha dhdjfeksfhjsdjbnsdjkbs"

But yet you guys continuesly post LEBRON stuff on NT.

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Originally Posted by dreClark

Originally Posted by Th3RealF0lkBlu3s

Originally Posted by dreClark

Mike Bianici is quite possibly the saltiest, homerish writer out there.
Are you implying this article is without merit?
Please point out where I said that?

But no, I'm not implying that at all.
Well, you see... when you imply something you're not directly saying it.

imply: to indicate or suggest without being explicitly stated: His words implied a lack of faith.

So, no, I won't point out where you said that because I can't.

But your statement had absolutely nothing to do with the article at hand.

So what was your point in posting?
 
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