Originally Posted by
Dan Druff
We don't have one of these yet, so let's get it going.
I'll start it off with an interesting article about Lebron and his first return to Cleveland after leaving:
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/2...urns-cleveland
Lebron will go back to Cleveland for the Lakers' next game.
In that 2010 return, Lebron played a great game, and then the Cavs, which were an almost respectable 7-10 coming in, went a staggering 1-35 in the following 36 games.
BCR, what do you remember about this?
I remember it being somewhat hostile, but inside the arena is always relatively tame compared to the general sentiment. When he left, there was outright fury and pure vitriol on the streets, every bar, just part of every conversation. I watched every single Heat game hoping they’d lose. I was so fucking pissed when OKC lost that first title I recall telling the OKC homer here, I think it was Stamos, that I’ll cheer against Westbrook and Durant until they retire. That lasted until he returned. I hate Durant now again, but for entirely different reasons. For 4 years I probably watched 70 Heat games a year hoping they’d lose every one. I never downplayed his talent, I think he’s the GOAT at this point even as someone who saw MJ’s whole career, but I just wanted him to lose every game.
Totally different now. I cheer for the Lakers and for him to get a few guys to play with there. I don’t begrudge him leaving to live where he wants at this age. Leaving your hometown in your absolute prime 26-30 years was just crushing. As nice as the championship was, the greatest with the comeback over a 73 win team, and as boring as the playoffs will be now, it’s honestly just watching his brilliance night in night out in cold ass winter months that I miss most in some ways. Just a Tuesday night when you have nothing to do and it’s 12 degrees outside yet this savant is playing for your team. I’ll still watch those games, but they’re late, and it’s not the same as he’s with your team. Playoff Lebron is unreal. You’ll enjoy that. Just takes it to another level, particularly when he’s on a team like he is now where he has to carry them. These young Lakers are way worse than I thought they were. BI is a huge disappointment. Kuzma has been ok, but it looks like that promising rookie season was a bit of fools gold. Lonzo had a decent night tonight, and he may adapt and he’s a heady kid, but he’s limited as an athlete. Lebron will be at like 40/12/10 come Western Conference playoffs. As he aged, he really starts slow, and kind of isn’t engaged. He looks really to be in that mode now more than ever with the Lakers am far. It’s always amazing how good of numbers he puts up while doing that.
It was great to have him for 11 seasons. He’s unreal, and to have him born in the backyard and get drafted by the hometown team is high a hurdle is required to just get one ring when you’re such an undesirable market for professional athletes. Like I’d be just shocked to ever see the Cavs win a championship in my lifetime. Almost impossible. The Browns and Indians have far better chances as it is t as dependent on one player being so important. I actually think the Browns might get one in the next decade. I like their direction for the first time in my lifetime, and think they are an OL and a #1 we from being quite good. The Indians are well ran for the past 20 years, but no salary cap hurts as they’ll lose a lot this offseason and Lindor eventually. They’ve had two game sevens in World Series that really hurt to have lost.
Back to NBA. Really surprised how badly the Celtics are playing.
Heyward looks like he may never be the same player again, Kyrie rusty and still playing no defense, and just not meshing. Stevens is a genius, I’m sure he’ll figure it out, but they aren’t a championship team. Will be interesting to see how Sixers gel with Butler. Happy for Milwaukee fans. They look good. I always view that as the most similar market to Cleveland. Raps look good.
West is deep but the turmoil on Warriors give a glimmer of hope that egos may finally come into play. Still
huge favorites, but internal issues always take dynasties down. Portland came right back out when everyone was expecting them to regress. Lot of depth in whole conference.
Love the game.