NBA- OU players and general (this thread only)

[jmizzy4ou]

My Lakers have been eliminated...rather easily I might add. While it was no doubt a subpar series for AR, the bottom line is the Lakers not having anything close to a low-post presence. I was a kid when Wilt Chamberlain played, but I could swear he just came back to earth as Rudy Gobert. The Davis - Doncic trade was going to be a bust unless LA had a plan for Davis' spot. They initially did, but the trade to Charlotte for their center Mark Williams was voided after he failed a physical...and that was the beginning of the end of the Lakers season.

They gotta rebuild the roster around Luka. The current roster would have been much better with a healthy AD, as they were playing their best basketball right before the trade. Luka needs a rim runner in the middle he can throw lobs to. The defense was possibly the worst I've seen. The LeBron era is coming to a close soon, so they gotta revamp in a way that features Luka dominating the ball, with shooters and athletic bigs.

 

[CMSOONER]

They gotta rebuild the roster around Luka. The current roster would have been much better with a healthy AD, as they were playing their best basketball right before the trade. Luka needs a rim runner in the middle he can throw lobs to. The defense was possibly the worst I've seen. The LeBron era is coming to a close soon, so they gotta revamp in a way that features Luka dominating the ball, with shooters and athletic bigs.

Yep time to let go of LeFlop. Or continue in mediocrity for another probably 2 years.

 

[BoulderSooner]

Yep time to let go of LeFlop. Or continue in mediocrity for another probably 2 years.

with an actual center on the roster .. the Lakers will be back in the mix next season ... and they actually have some space to add players and make trades ..

we will also see how much lebron wants to win ... he can cut his pay and give the Lakers access to the full mid level if he wants to

 

[CMSOONER]

with an actual center on the roster .. the Lakers will be back in the mix next season ... and they actually have some space to add players and make trades ..

we will also see how much lebron wants to win ... he can cut his pay and give the Lakers access to the full mid level if he wants to

I agree with this. I'd almost guarantee he won't take a pay cut, he has zero loyalty to anyone but himself and Bronny. He knows as soon as he retires it's bye bye Bronny. I just dislike LeBron with such a passion that I'd love to never see him play another NBA game. He is the epitome of fake tough guy and the catalyst for this entitled generation of NBA players. My hope is this new generation of SGA, ANT, Tatum and others are making the turn back to a tougher generation. When your superstars are soft, the league is soft. There will always be floppers but the superstars set the tone for the league. As Lebron, Harden, CP3, Draymond, Embiid, etc age out I think the tone starts changing with SGA, ANT, Tatum, etc. Luka and Trae may always be floppers but maybe as the game toughens so does their game when the gettin's not good anymore.

 

[BoulderSooner]

I agree with this. I'd almost guarantee he won't take a pay cut, he has zero loyalty to anyone but himself and Bronny. He knows as soon as he retires it's bye bye Bronny. I just dislike LeBron with such a passion that I'd love to never see him play another NBA game. He is the epitome of fake tough guy and the catalyst for this entitled generation of NBA players. My hope is this new generation of SGA, ANT, Tatum and others are making the turn back to a tougher generation. When your superstars are soft, the league is soft. There will always be floppers but the superstars set the tone for the league. As Lebron, Harden, CP3, Draymond, Embiid, etc age out I think the tone starts changing with SGA, ANT, Tatum, etc. Luka and Trae may always be floppers but maybe as the game toughens so does their game when the gettin's not good anymore.

I am a life long Laker fan AND i don't like lebron .. but he has brought up the idea of taking less if the Lakers could sign someone ..

 

[CMSOONER]

I am a life long Laker fan AND i don't like lebron .. but he has brought up the idea of taking less if the Lakers could sign someone ..

I'll believe it when I see it. Lol! The only scenario where I see him taking less is if no one wants to sign him at his asking price.

 

[BoulderSooner]

I'll believe it when I see it. Lol! The only scenario where I see him taking less is if no one wants to sign him at his asking price.

he has a 50mil option he can opt into ..

 

[jmizzy4ou]

I agree with this. I'd almost guarantee he won't take a pay cut, he has zero loyalty to anyone but himself and Bronny. He knows as soon as he retires it's bye bye Bronny. I just dislike LeBron with such a passion that I'd love to never see him play another NBA game. He is the epitome of fake tough guy and the catalyst for this entitled generation of NBA players. My hope is this new generation of SGA, ANT, Tatum and others are making the turn back to a tougher generation. When your superstars are soft, the league is soft. There will always be floppers but the superstars set the tone for the league. As Lebron, Harden, CP3, Draymond, Embiid, etc age out I think the tone starts changing with SGA, ANT, Tatum, etc. Luka and Trae may always be floppers but maybe as the game toughens so does their game when the gettin's not good anymore.

I respect your opinion, but I don't agree with most of it..... the game changes from generation to generation. The Bad Boys, old Celtics, and Lakers thought MJ was soft, and a crybaby, and most of his teammates thought he was selfish. The same was said about Kobe early in his career. Narratives about both of them have changed since they left the game. IMO, MJ is the worst of the lot. He has no character and treats his family like trash. I dislike him more than almost any other athlete.

Kobe will always be my favorite Laker, along with Magic/Kareem. I don't put Lebron on the same level as MJ or even Kobe, but I respect him as a player. I appreciate him more for his character. He had all of the reasons most inner-city athletes fail, with no father and a drug addicted mother, but he chose the right path. He has zero scandals and seems to be a good family man. He has always been compared to MJ, and the fact that people feel the need to announce he's not MJ tells me he's pretty high on the list of great players. I have never heard the people closest to him say he only cares about himself.

MJ was heavily criticized until the last few years by people like Kareem because he never gave back to his community. Kobe held the Lakers hostage financially for a decade and was also known for not giving much. LeBron is on the list of the most generous athletes of all time. Flopping didn't start when LBJ entered the league, and neither did complaining to refs. Did you ever see the championship Spurs? Their whole team was full of crybabies until Kawhi joined. Magic was well known for being very demonstrative each time he didn't get a call.

 

[BoulderSooner]

I respect your opinion, but I don't agree with most of it..... the game changes from generation to generation. The Bad Boys, old Celtics, and Lakers thought MJ was soft, and a crybaby, and most of his teammates thought he was selfish. The same was said about Kobe early in his career. Narratives about both of them have changed since they left the game. IMO, MJ is the worst of the lot. He has no character and treats his family like trash. I dislike him more than almost any other athlete.

Kobe will always be my favorite Laker, along with Magic/Kareem. I don't put Lebron on the same level as MJ or even Kobe, but I respect him as a player. I appreciate him more for his character. He had all of the reasons most inner-city athletes fail, with no father and a drug addicted mother, but he chose the right path. He has zero scandals and seems to be a good family man. He has always been compared to MJ, and the fact that people feel the need to announce he's not MJ tells me he's pretty high on the list of great players. I have never heard the people closest to him say he only cares about himself.

MJ was heavily criticized until the last few years by people like Kareem because he never gave back to his community. Kobe held the Lakers hostage financially for a decade and was also known for not giving much. LeBron is on the list of the most generous athletes of all time. Flopping didn't start when LBJ entered the league, and neither did complaining to refs. Did you ever see the championship Spurs? Their whole team was full of crybabies until Kawhi joined. Magic was well known for being very demonstrative each time he didn't get a call.

akron might not be the nicest place in the world ... but an Inner city it is not ..



the biggest issue is that HE feels to need to say he is the best ever and has for a long long long time ..

most generous of all time what ??

 

[WichitaSooner]

I respect your opinion, but I don't agree with most of it..... the game changes from generation to generation. The Bad Boys, old Celtics, and Lakers thought MJ was soft, and a crybaby, and most of his teammates thought he was selfish. The same was said about Kobe early in his career. Narratives about both of them have changed since they left the game. IMO, MJ is the worst of the lot. He has no character and treats his family like trash. I dislike him more than almost any other athlete.

Kobe will always be my favorite Laker, along with Magic/Kareem. I don't put Lebron on the same level as MJ or even Kobe, but I respect him as a player. I appreciate him more for his character. He had all of the reasons most inner-city athletes fail, with no father and a drug addicted mother, but he chose the right path. He has zero scandals and seems to be a good family man. He has always been compared to MJ, and the fact that people feel the need to announce he's not MJ tells me he's pretty high on the list of great players. I have never heard the people closest to him say he only cares about himself.

MJ was heavily criticized until the last few years by people like Kareem because he never gave back to his community. Kobe held the Lakers hostage financially for a decade and was also known for not giving much. LeBron is on the list of the most generous athletes of all time. Flopping didn't start when LBJ entered the league, and neither did complaining to refs. Did you ever see the championship Spurs? Their whole team was full of crybabies until Kawhi joined. Magic was well known for being very demonstrative each time he didn't get a call.

I’ve never loved LBJ like I did Jordan, and I’m sure part of that is timing since Jordan encompassed my youth and college years. And I do feel like there is a big gap between him and all the other players of my lifetime as far as who the best player is. But while I do find certain things about James a bit annoying, I have never understood why so many people hate him. I think a lot of people are put off by his public statements and use of the media, but let’s be honest, society has changed over the decades since Jordan entered the league. And like you say, no real scandals whatsoever involving James. And while people are fair to question him for flopping or whining occasionally, questioning his toughness is silly. No one has played with his physically and toughness into his 40s.

And for all the heat he gets from some for his “political” statements, it’s fair to point out that Jordan could and probably should have done and said more on that front. But I think the great thing about our country is that people are free to decide to what extent they want to get involved with politics and social issues.

 

[jmizzy4ou]

akron might not be the nicest place in the world ... but an Inner city it is not ..



the biggest issue is that HE feels to need to say he is the best ever and has for a long long long time ..

most generous of all time what ??

I have been to Akron multiple times. I was speaking more to the environment he lived in. I don't care if you live in Purcell, OK growing up with a mom who is addicted to crack creates a pretty bad living situation.... Akron isn't Detroit obviously, but it has it's elements, and I know that personally.

When I mentioned generosity, I was speaking of his philanthropy. He gives to causes he believes in at a high rate. I also don't care about him thinking or saying he is the best. Like Allen Iverson said, if I don't think I'm the best, who else will? LOL..... Surely you can't be that taken aback by a professional athlete who seems to be a bit arrogant. He didn't write the book on that either.

 

[BoulderSooner]

I have been to Akron multiple times. I was speaking more to the environment he lived in. I don't care if you live in Purcell, OK growing up with a mom who is addicted to crack creates a pretty bad living situation.... Akron isn't Detroit obviously, but it has it's elements, and I know that personally.

When I mentioned generosity, I was speaking of his philanthropy. He gives to causes he believes in at a high rate. I also don't care about him thinking or saying he is the best. Like Allen Iverson said, if I don't think I'm the best, who else will? LOL..... Surely you can't be that taken aback by a professional athlete who seems to be a bit arrogant. He didn't write the book on that either.

what is his "amazing philanthropy" ?? serious ? i am not aware of him giving any more then anyone else

 

[WaymanFan]

I respect your opinion, but I don't agree with most of it..... the game changes from generation to generation. The Bad Boys, old Celtics, and Lakers thought MJ was soft, and a crybaby, and most of his teammates thought he was selfish. The same was said about Kobe early in his career. Narratives about both of them have changed since they left the game. IMO, MJ is the worst of the lot. He has no character and treats his family like trash. I dislike him more than almost any other athlete.

Kobe will always be my favorite Laker, along with Magic/Kareem. I don't put Lebron on the same level as MJ or even Kobe, but I respect him as a player. I appreciate him more for his character. He had all of the reasons most inner-city athletes fail, with no father and a drug addicted mother, but he chose the right path. He has zero scandals and seems to be a good family man. He has always been compared to MJ, and the fact that people feel the need to announce he's not MJ tells me he's pretty high on the list of great players. I have never heard the people closest to him say he only cares about himself.

MJ was heavily criticized until the last few years by people like Kareem because he never gave back to his community. Kobe held the Lakers hostage financially for a decade and was also known for not giving much. LeBron is on the list of the most generous athletes of all time. Flopping didn't start when LBJ entered the league, and neither did complaining to refs. Did you ever see the championship Spurs? Their whole team was full of crybabies until Kawhi joined. Magic was well known for being very demonstrative each time he didn't get a call.

I agree with most of this. We don't really know how much NBA players give back to the community like we do in the NFL. The Walter Payton Man of the Year is a highly coveted award, and each team has a nominated representative. The NBA just doesn't have anything like this. I haven't followed LeBron's off-the-court presence enough to know what he's like, but as someone who spent a decade in the Big Brothers / Big Sisters program, I understand the disadvantages for boys who grew up without a father. I admire anyone who can prosper and thrive in that situation.

I followed Kareem's playing and post-playing days fairly closely. No question he was an ornery guy whose temper often got the best of him (and why he did not get any real coaching opportunities). But like the NFL's late Jim Brown, Kareem did a LOT for the underprivileged. Both of them have often criticized black athletes for not doing more to help. I have always held both those guys in such high regard for their dedication of time and money to their causes. Again, I don't know if LeBron gives back like those two, but not all athletes advertise their charitable contributions.

 

[jmizzy4ou]

what is his "amazing philanthropy" ?? serious ? i am not aware of him giving any more then anyone else

LeBron James has donated over $100 million to various organizations supporting education, social justice, and equality. He has also invested millions in community programs, youth sports initiatives, and charitable causes through his LeBron James Family Foundation. His foundation's I PROMISE program in Akron, Ohio, provides support and resources to students in the area, according to the LeBron James Family Foundation.
Here's a more detailed look at how LeBron James has supported his childhood friends:

• Financial Support:
  James has provided financial assistance to his friends through his foundation and other ventures, according to NBA.com.
  
  
• Business Ventures:
  He has hired friends like Maverick Carter as his business manager, and they have collaborated on projects like The SpringHill Company.
  
  
• I Promise School:
  The I Promise School, located in Akron, Ohio, was established by James and his childhood friends to provide educational opportunities to students in need, according to Andscape.
  
  
• Docuseries:
  "More Than an Athlete," an eight-part docuseries on ESPN+, tells the story of James and his friends' journey, including their success and the importance of their friendship.
  
  
• Film "Shooting Stars":
  James also produced and stars in the film "Shooting Stars," which explores his relationships with his childhood friends and their impact on his life.
• • More Than a Vote:
    A movement that aims to increase voter turnout and combat voter suppression, particularly among Black voters.
    
    
  • Social Justice Advocacy:
    James has used his platform to speak out against racial injustice, police brutality, and other issues affecting the Black community. He has spoken out about the murders of Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, and George Floyd, and has advocated for Black Lives Matter.
    
    
  • Financial Contributions:
    James has made significant financial contributions to various causes, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
    
    
  • Support for Educational Institutions:
    James has pledged to pay the tuition for students to attend the University of Akron.
    

This is just from a quick Google search. He also supports many small businesses and sports ventures that were started by people from his community. While he has an air of arrogance, fans say he is one of the most approachable athletes of his stature, and he is known to help common people he meets, with life needs. The woman he saw working for the Memphis Grizzlies, and wearing his shoes every time the Lakers came to town, Lebron reached out to her and paid her daughter's college tuition. When asked why, he said she's working in service for the Grizzlies, probably barely making a living wage, but she's supporting me by buying my shoes. I noticed her several years ago, and I just wanted to show her appreciation.

I don't know if he gives the most, but he gives a lot compared to other celebrities who choose not to give much. For a lot of the kids, the athletes time and willingness to spend time in their environment is bigger than money. When Katrina happened, it was well documented several NBA players gave money, but they also passed out food and clothing in the streets, while others just chose to give, but wanted no parts of walking among the people....