LeBron James: Still not making friends

Matt Moore

Nov 7, 2010, 10:37 AM EDT

8 Comments

LeBron James is already a polarizing figure. He was becoming one prior to “The Decision,” and then his little TV special pushed things to a different stratosphere. But it’s not just those big events, or his Game 5 meltdown, or not shaking hands with the Magic after the Cavs’ 2009 elimination, or Kobe Bryant fans’ inability to let go of the claim of “best player in the league” that has him such a salty subject these days.

Kevin Garnett is a perfect example of someone who acts like a jerk to people who he doesn’t like or respect (sometimes to too far of a degree), but who his friends love passionately. He’s considered an institution around the league, and greeted warmly by many. James, on the other hand, seems to make more enemies wherever he goes, and he’s picking them up with his words and actions.

And last night he fanned the flames once again.

One person who isn’t a an of LeBron James? Terrence Williams. The Nets hung with the Heat for a half Saturday night, with Anthony Morrow filling it up. But in the third quarter, the Heat absolutely took over, and blew the Nets out. In the midst of their dunking and high flying antics, Terrence Williams got a little sick of it and decided to send a message.

Just a little something to put a foot down and tell James he didn’t appreciate it. James told the New York Post that it wasn’t a dirty play. The Nets certainly didn’t feel it required the flagrant foul it received.

Not only did Williams level the foul, but he told the Post that James was being a, forgive me, drama queen about it to a degree.

“Falling all into the stands was a little much, I think,” Williams said.

James, not so much with the agreeing:

“For me, exaggerate a fall, never. I’ve never been a flop guy. I love contact. I didn’t exaggerate anything,” James said. “It didn’t send much of a message because we went on an 8-0 run after it.”

BURN. James did in fact score on consecutive possessions following the foul. But dang, King. Was that really necessary? Just another example of James not really giving a crap about who he offends these days, since he’s managed to anger just about 90% of the United States and parts of Canada.

But James wasn’t done! No, no!

Okay, so that could be pointed at any number of players, from Derrick Rose to Rajon Rondo. Probably Rondo. But was it really necessary? We all know CP3 and James are close, but that seems like a pretty pointed declaration at folks who would be considered int he conversation.

King James may be trying too hard to be a villain, but at least he’s selling it whole-heartedly.

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8 Comments (Feed for Comments)

zackd22 - Nov 7, 2010 at 11:50 AM

“I’ve never been a flop guy.”

Right, except every time there’s contact he goes straight to his mouth with three fingers looking for ‘blood’

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zackd22 - Nov 7, 2010 at 11:52 AM

Was that Lebron on twitter? Or was it his marketing company?

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david8726 - Nov 7, 2010 at 2:34 PM

Matt, I realize LeBron is an easy target these days, but this post is just full of faux-outrage.

If you really found LeBron’s response to Williams “offensive,” I’d say you need to re-evaluate what offends you. Because you’re being over-sensitive.

I don’t think there is a single NBA star who wouldn’t defend himself if someone accused them of flopping. And saying “It didn’t send much of a message because we went on an 8-0 run after it” is about as benign as it gets from a trash-talking stand point.

To paint LeBron’s twitter post like he’s somehow taking a shot at the other PGs in the league is silly. Players have many times said that “X player is the best Z in the league” and it doesn’t get interperated as being “pointed at other players of the same position.”

He isn’t bashing on other PGs. Why would he? He’s giving a complement to a close friend of his, and he’s allowed to do that.

Furthermore, you can say that 90% of America hates LeBron, but that doesn’t make it true. ESPN’s scientific poll on this subject that was recently done showed that roughly half of those surveyed still thought positively about LeBron.

We all know that LeBron was a huge douche for doing an hour special to announce his decision. But he still hasn’t committed any crime and remains an unselfish player on the basketball court. I think you should save the “villain” talk for those who actually deserve it.

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- fouldwimmerlaik - Nov 8, 2010 at 6:15 PM
  
  Well said david, and I’m not even an LBJ fan.
  
  @Matt: Piece of advice, kindly proofread and revise your column before posting them. As a professional writer (you DO get paid for posting, right?) I expect more from you to write properly. Typos are inexcusable.
  
  Cheers!
  
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cordae - Nov 7, 2010 at 4:18 PM

“It didn’t send much of a message because we went on an 8-0 run after it.”

thats offensive? Its not offensive if its the truth. I dont think he “cares less” about offending people these days, he’s just more verbal now that LEASH is off his neck. Is that so bad? And truth be told, CP3 IS the best point gaurd in the league, he was before he got hurt and he is now. Rondo lacks a jumpshot, and Derrick Rose isnt the leader like CP3 is. So you’re telling me that if Paul Pierce claims (which im pretty sure he does) That Rondo is the best PG in the league, then its also “Un-necessary”? No, you only gave this comment the light of day because……….LeBron said it.

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thestudiokida - Nov 7, 2010 at 7:25 PM

There is no discussion. Watch CP3 and you will believe.

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secdominance - Nov 7, 2010 at 9:00 PM

Uh, Chris Paul is one of Lebron’s best friends. Of course Lebron is gonna give his boy props. As far as the trash talking, go hard or go home

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silencegooddoer - Nov 10, 2010 at 12:46 PM

I find it offensive that Pat Riley said a couple of weeks ago that the Heat need to “upgrade” thier point-guard position. SERIOUSLY PAT??? Why not a center too??? So much for the three amigos! There is alot of DRAMA in south beach; nothing else. Would a team of “SUPERS” loose to the Jazz in double-overtime? Kobe would have stuck the dagger in! We were all WITTNESS!

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