[Russell0WestbrookParticipant]

 I’m creating this topic before it starts this summer. We don’t know if LeBron is considering switching teams this coming offseason but if he does it would be the 2nd time he has done such. My question is how do you guys feel about him being an all-time great if he switches teams again?

IMO I don’t think he should be an all-time great because I can’t consider someone who has to go find a certain team to win. I didn’t like him going to Miami but to do it twice would show he has to JOIN someone to win. Also no other player considered an all-time great has done this. I will say I will change my thoughts about him if he goes to a team in the west which he would never do because that’s a task I don’t believe he’s up 2. These are my thoughts based on him leaving Miami 

[B-ball fanParticipant]

 Not an all-time great?  How many players do you consider all-time greats?  LeBron is clearly a top-5 player in the history of the NBA.  

That said, I doubt LeBron leaves Miami.  He is in a good place and switching teams would only make it more difficult to contend for more titles, as he would have to get acclimated to playing with completely new teammates and a new coaching staff.  I would be quite shocked if he left Miami, which has shown its ability to build an elite team around him.  He doesn’t "have to go to a certain team to win" because he is already on that team.

[B-ball fanParticipant]

 Not an all-time great?  How many players do you consider all-time greats?  LeBron is clearly a top-5 player in the history of the NBA.  

That said, I doubt LeBron leaves Miami.  He is in a good place and switching teams would only make it more difficult to contend for more titles, as he would have to get acclimated to playing with completely new teammates and a new coaching staff.  I would be quite shocked if he left Miami, which has shown its ability to build an elite team around him.  He doesn’t "have to go to a certain team to win" because he is already on that team.

[Russell0WestbrookParticipant]

^^^ what makes him top 5 already?

 I’m not comparing him to old school guys I’m talking great players for the free agency period… I hope he stays but I’m saying if he does leave does he really deserve to be mentioned with the Kobe’s, Duncan’s, Jordan’s, Russell’s, Magics, Birds etc? I’m saying I can’t consider him an all-time great if he’s going to play with guys instead of them coming to play with him.

[Russell0WestbrookParticipant]

^^^ what makes him top 5 already?

 I’m not comparing him to old school guys I’m talking great players for the free agency period… I hope he stays but I’m saying if he does leave does he really deserve to be mentioned with the Kobe’s, Duncan’s, Jordan’s, Russell’s, Magics, Birds etc? I’m saying I can’t consider him an all-time great if he’s going to play with guys instead of them coming to play with him.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

LeBron is on the MOUNT RUSHMORE line with Mike, Magic, Larry, Duncan, Kobe, Big O, and those great centers.  Where do you rank each guy?  Well, LeBron ain’t done yet.  A third title would give him a threepeat (hello Jordan, Kobe/Shaq, and Russell territory) with four finals appearances in a row. 

LeBron would then have 3 rings as the main guy (probably three Finals MVPs), along with 4 MVP awards.  To me, that would put him past Kobe.  Right now, LeBron and Kobe are tied for Finals MVP awards and each has back to back rings as the main guy.  So I guess you could make a case for either guy right now.  But, LeBron has more left in the tank than Kobe.

In terms of Finals MVP’s and regular season MVP awards, LeBron could pass Kobe and Bird soon, with Magic and Mike then next guys on his list. 

When all is said and done, LeBron will give Mike and Magic a run for their money as the best non-center in NBA history.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

LeBron is on the MOUNT RUSHMORE line with Mike, Magic, Larry, Duncan, Kobe, Big O, and those great centers.  Where do you rank each guy?  Well, LeBron ain’t done yet.  A third title would give him a threepeat (hello Jordan, Kobe/Shaq, and Russell territory) with four finals appearances in a row. 

LeBron would then have 3 rings as the main guy (probably three Finals MVPs), along with 4 MVP awards.  To me, that would put him past Kobe.  Right now, LeBron and Kobe are tied for Finals MVP awards and each has back to back rings as the main guy.  So I guess you could make a case for either guy right now.  But, LeBron has more left in the tank than Kobe.

In terms of Finals MVP’s and regular season MVP awards, LeBron could pass Kobe and Bird soon, with Magic and Mike then next guys on his list. 

When all is said and done, LeBron will give Mike and Magic a run for their money as the best non-center in NBA history.

[juves4783Participant]

i think discrediting lebron’s personal achievements because he left for the heat is ridiculous on so many fronts.  what do all the guys you listed have in common?  they all won championships because they were on great teams.  alot of those teams were lucky enough to do it through the draft with the exception of kobe, but that should show how well their respective gms are too.

cleveland started shaq, jj hickson, anthony parker and mo williams when lebron left.  what was he supposed to do?  realistically, that team would never compete with the celtics.  in order for the team to ever be champs, they would of just unloaded their roster until they could bring a big name to play next to lebron.  then haters would probably say the same thing…

the stats say it all for me.  11 years in the league…10x all-star, 4x mvp, 27.5 ppg, 7 rpg, 7 apg.  if he was on such a great team, you’d think his stats would drop with so much talent, right?

 

 

[juves4783Participant]

i think discrediting lebron’s personal achievements because he left for the heat is ridiculous on so many fronts.  what do all the guys you listed have in common?  they all won championships because they were on great teams.  alot of those teams were lucky enough to do it through the draft with the exception of kobe, but that should show how well their respective gms are too.

cleveland started shaq, jj hickson, anthony parker and mo williams when lebron left.  what was he supposed to do?  realistically, that team would never compete with the celtics.  in order for the team to ever be champs, they would of just unloaded their roster until they could bring a big name to play next to lebron.  then haters would probably say the same thing…

the stats say it all for me.  11 years in the league…10x all-star, 4x mvp, 27.5 ppg, 7 rpg, 7 apg.  if he was on such a great team, you’d think his stats would drop with so much talent, right?

 

 

[OhCanada-Participant]

 You guys are ungrateful. Lebrons a legend. I may not like his actions all the time but he is the best player weve seen play in a while. His skillset was unfathomable when Bird, and Johnson were in thier prime. Show some respect to the best player in the sport at this time.

[OhCanada-Participant]

 You guys are ungrateful. Lebrons a legend. I may not like his actions all the time but he is the best player weve seen play in a while. His skillset was unfathomable when Bird, and Johnson were in thier prime. Show some respect to the best player in the sport at this time.

[Russell0WestbrookParticipant]

 I’m not taking anything away from what LeBron has done but at the same time will you guys feel the same about him if he leaves Miami instead of continueing to build there? I would give him more credit for sticking it out and winning with whomever decides to play with him after Wade deteriorates that shows greatness more than leaving and joining perfect situations. There isn’t one excuse he could have for leaving Miami 

[Russell0WestbrookParticipant]

 I’m not taking anything away from what LeBron has done but at the same time will you guys feel the same about him if he leaves Miami instead of continueing to build there? I would give him more credit for sticking it out and winning with whomever decides to play with him after Wade deteriorates that shows greatness more than leaving and joining perfect situations. There isn’t one excuse he could have for leaving Miami 

[FourParticipant]

To expand on what Canada has to say not only are fans ungrateful but a lot of the greats who criticized Lebron were, in my opinion, hypocrites.  Barkley said he would never join forces with a star to chase a ring.  Then why did you force a trade out of Philly to play with KJ and Chambers?  And why did you then join Hakeem and Drexler in Houston?  Magic said he would never have done that either, but that is easy to say when you are on a team that included Kareem, Worthy, Scott, Wilkes, Nixon, etc. 

Lebron CARRIED a terrible Cavs team to the finals, honored his contract and then exercised his right to be a free agent.  And he was willing to join someone else’s team because winning was more important to him than personal stats.  I know it isn’t a popular opinion but I find that admirable.

[FourParticipant]

To expand on what Canada has to say not only are fans ungrateful but a lot of the greats who criticized Lebron were, in my opinion, hypocrites.  Barkley said he would never join forces with a star to chase a ring.  Then why did you force a trade out of Philly to play with KJ and Chambers?  And why did you then join Hakeem and Drexler in Houston?  Magic said he would never have done that either, but that is easy to say when you are on a team that included Kareem, Worthy, Scott, Wilkes, Nixon, etc. 

Lebron CARRIED a terrible Cavs team to the finals, honored his contract and then exercised his right to be a free agent.  And he was willing to join someone else’s team because winning was more important to him than personal stats.  I know it isn’t a popular opinion but I find that admirable.

[WolfRobParticipant]

 Shaq left a couple teams… Forced his way out. 

[WolfRobParticipant]

 Shaq left a couple teams… Forced his way out. 

[PHXSUNDREAMPICK13Participant]

I see all the love for Lebron in this thread and think he is one of the best players….in this generation.  But hasnt got the third title just yet to even be considered among the greatest.  D. Wade has more championships and won in 2006 with a comparable team that the cavs had with Lebron.  Really, i think D. Wade is more accomplished than Lebron is to this point.  He did it all for a long while and in spectacular fashion.  Sometimes, King James thinks hes the best player ever but gets reminded he is as good as everyone else’s best player.  Finally, he could show some better sportsmanship than just walking out of the building after a series loss and should except defeat in this latest little loss.  (Viewer discretion advised) 

http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2014/04/09/morning-shootaround-april-9-2/#lakers

[PHXSUNDREAMPICK13Participant]

I see all the love for Lebron in this thread and think he is one of the best players….in this generation.  But hasnt got the third title just yet to even be considered among the greatest.  D. Wade has more championships and won in 2006 with a comparable team that the cavs had with Lebron.  Really, i think D. Wade is more accomplished than Lebron is to this point.  He did it all for a long while and in spectacular fashion.  Sometimes, King James thinks hes the best player ever but gets reminded he is as good as everyone else’s best player.  Finally, he could show some better sportsmanship than just walking out of the building after a series loss and should except defeat in this latest little loss.  (Viewer discretion advised) 

http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2014/04/09/morning-shootaround-april-9-2/#lakers

[ThenilonatorParticipant]

 The Miami heat 2006 roster was comparable to the cabs 2006 roster, are you kidding?

even though a few of the heat players were past their prime, give me shaq, mourning, Payton, j-Williams, Antonine and posey over gooden, ilgauskas and larry Hughes at any age!!

[FourParticipant]

Shaq averaged 20 and 9 on 60% shooting while commanding a double team for that Heat team – that alone is better than the rest LBJ’s cast.

[FourParticipant]

Shaq averaged 20 and 9 on 60% shooting while commanding a double team for that Heat team – that alone is better than the rest LBJ’s cast.

[ThenilonatorParticipant]

 The Miami heat 2006 roster was comparable to the cabs 2006 roster, are you kidding?

even though a few of the heat players were past their prime, give me shaq, mourning, Payton, j-Williams, Antonine and posey over gooden, ilgauskas and larry Hughes at any age!!

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

Basketball is a team game. Nobody wins a playoff series by themselves. Lebron joined a a really good Heat team. But setting himself aside, is that team that stacked? Is it better than OKC? Is it better than the Spurs? Jordan was the GOAT, but he probably wouldn’t have won many championships without a running mate as good as Pippen. And he certainly wouldn’t have won the last three championships without Pippen,  Rodman and Kukoc. You need teamates to win playoff series. The Cavs are a poorly run franchise in a not great city. Leaving was an easy call. 

But Lebron isn’t leaving Miami anytime soon. He might build in some player options to opt out. He can certainly command that if he asks for it. But he is going to continue to run with the guys that they’ve got. 

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

Basketball is a team game. Nobody wins a playoff series by themselves. Lebron joined a a really good Heat team. But setting himself aside, is that team that stacked? Is it better than OKC? Is it better than the Spurs? Jordan was the GOAT, but he probably wouldn’t have won many championships without a running mate as good as Pippen. And he certainly wouldn’t have won the last three championships without Pippen,  Rodman and Kukoc. You need teamates to win playoff series. The Cavs are a poorly run franchise in a not great city. Leaving was an easy call. 

But Lebron isn’t leaving Miami anytime soon. He might build in some player options to opt out. He can certainly command that if he asks for it. But he is going to continue to run with the guys that they’ve got. 

[torukParticipant]

 going to a third team might not help lebron`s legacy too much, but coming back to cleveland and winning a championship there would really take his legacy to another level.

[torukParticipant]

 going to a third team might not help lebron`s legacy too much, but coming back to cleveland and winning a championship there would really take his legacy to another level.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

I don’t think it’s a lock LeBron will stay in Miami. I mean, look at the roster… 

Allen is 38, Anderson is 35, Battier is 35, Beasley is a pot head, Bosh is 30, Chalmers isn’t that good, Cole is OK, Haslem is 33 and looks done, Oden has 35 year old knees and D. Wade’s days look numbered. 

Unless D. Wade/Bosh opt out and restructure their deals to take less and Miami can bring in some more help for LeBron, I think he’ll definitely consider leaving. 

 

 

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

I don’t think it’s a lock LeBron will stay in Miami. I mean, look at the roster… 

Allen is 38, Anderson is 35, Battier is 35, Beasley is a pot head, Bosh is 30, Chalmers isn’t that good, Cole is OK, Haslem is 33 and looks done, Oden has 35 year old knees and D. Wade’s days look numbered. 

Unless D. Wade/Bosh opt out and restructure their deals to take less and Miami can bring in some more help for LeBron, I think he’ll definitely consider leaving. 

 

 

[Rip255]

They’re getting old but Lebron attracts other veterans who want to play with him. And I don’t buy into any supporting casts arguement because a good one is mandatory and all those championship teams had them. I’m gonna go watch a youtube clip of robert horry right now actually. 

Bosh at 30 is ok, he’ll play well until he’s 34. Battier, Anderson, Allen are replaceable by other savvy vets chasing rings. Wade will be fine for 2 more years. The Heat are great and their worries are minor.  

Lebron’s the easiest guy to build a team around in the league. He’s gonna get more rings, including one maybe this year. 

[Rip255]

They’re getting old but Lebron attracts other veterans who want to play with him. And I don’t buy into any supporting casts arguement because a good one is mandatory and all those championship teams had them. I’m gonna go watch a youtube clip of robert horry right now actually. 

Bosh at 30 is ok, he’ll play well until he’s 34. Battier, Anderson, Allen are replaceable by other savvy vets chasing rings. Wade will be fine for 2 more years. The Heat are great and their worries are minor.  

Lebron’s the easiest guy to build a team around in the league. He’s gonna get more rings, including one maybe this year. 

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Wade will be fine for two more years? Are you sure? His knee will never get better… It’ll only get worse since he’s bone on bone with no meniscus. He’s dealt with knee, ankle, back and hamstring issues this season… His body is breaking down. 

There’s no way he’ll be fine another two years. 

 

 

 

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Wade will be fine for two more years? Are you sure? His knee will never get better… It’ll only get worse since he’s bone on bone with no meniscus. He’s dealt with knee, ankle, back and hamstring issues this season… His body is breaking down. 

There’s no way he’ll be fine another two years. 

 

 

 

[Author]

Posts