Why did Lebron James become one of the worst defensive players in the NBA?
SteemSports Presenter:@scottybuckets
SteemSports Editor:@theprophet0
It has been an up and down post season for Lebron James and the Cavs. They were forced to a game 7 in the first round and barely escaped the Indiana Pacers. But then they swept the #1 seeded Toronto Raptors with ease. Now they find themselves down 0-2 against the Boston Celtics. The series is far from over and I still think Lebron James will guide the Cleveland Cavs back to the NBA Finals. But I want to discuss something else today.
LEBRON JAMES PLAYS ZERO DEFENSE!
There are only 2 players that get compared to the all time greatest basketball player, Michael Jordan. One was Kobe Bryant, who mimicked his entire career off of MJ. And the other is Lebron James. But there is one extremely glaring problem when comparing Lebron and MJ. In MJ’s final season in a Chicago Bulls uniform in 1998, he led the Bulls to their 6th NBA Championship. MJ was 34 years old. Not only was MJ still the best offensive player in the NBA, he also was on the ALL NBA DEFENSIVE 1st TEAM. He played defense just as hard as he attacked the rim.
Lebron James plays no defense. In fact, he was one of the worst ranked players in the entire NBA this year in defense efficiency. Lebron James is 33 years old by the way.
Lebron James is in phenomenal shape. He might be the best athlete in the NBA. So why does he only care about one side of the court? He is more than competent of being a lock down defender. But now he refuses to and looks like he simply doesn’t care.
A few years back when Lebron was in Miami, they faced the Chicago Bulls in the playoffs. Dereck Rose, of the Bulls, was an MVP and was the best in the NBA in attacking the rim. He was unstoppable. But then Lebron guarded him. He slapped the floor, got in front of Rose, and completely shut him down. The Bulls never had a chance against the Heat with Lebron on Rose. But those times are long gone.
It has been embarrassing to watch Lebron James refuse to play defense even during these playoffs. This is not an example of him taking it easy during the 82 game regular season grind. This is him being lazy and being a terrible leader and teammate. Jeff Van Gundy, an announcer on TV, even went off about Lebron’s lack of effort last night on the defensive end. He doesn’t hustle, he doesn’t rotate, and he never even puts a hand up on an open jump shooter. If he isn’t going to give full effort while chasing a title, what does that say about him?
Lebron James and the Cavs may very well come back in this series and win. But there are two certainties that I know. The Cavs will have no shot in hell at beating the Warriors in the NBA Finals, and the comparison between LJ and MJ should be completely over.
Thank you for following @steemsports and you can find me @scottybuckets
i agree with the assessment of LBJ playing no defense.. I don't think he is alone in this aspect. James Harden also doesn't play defense but he don't get the same flak as LBJ.
Yeah for sure, Harden definitely doesn't play D.
It's a reason LeBron doesn't play much defense in year 15. As big of a fan as I am of both, Jordan was never asked to do as much as LeBron, ever. LeBron has to initiate the offense, lead in them scoring, clean the glass, lead them in assist, and play lock down defense. I know we all marvel at the way he takes care of his body. But at some point that heavy lifting will take its toll on anyone.
I Don't Believe a worst defensive player, but is real he didn't play defense these playoffs, but is not only him, all CLEVELAND don't play defense right now!!