My Thoughts, Feelings and Opinions About LeBron James

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Editor’s Note: The article below represents the views of the author, not the site as a whole.

I’m just going to start by saying, I love LeBron James. I tried to hate him during his time in Miami, but I believe that was just my attempt to not be called a “bandwagon fan”. Watching LeBron this season in Cleveland has made me realize that I’m as much a fan of his game as I am of almost anyone in the NBA.

That being said, I’m also not some LeBron super fan that refuses to admit that he has flaws. “The Decision” was arrogant and completely unnecessary, and he complains about fouls way too much. However, neither of those things take away from his pure skill on the court.

LeBron was correct when he claimed that he is the best player in the world. He is more physically gifted than anyone the NBA has ever seen. Steph Curry may be the 2015 NBA MVP, but I don’t think any real basketball fan would argue with the fact that LeBron still holds the title of being the best player. Now, I’m not here to talk about Lebron’s skill set, because I don’t think that needs any explaining whatsoever. I’m here to talk about LeBron’s new “I’ll do what I want” attitude.

It’s been happening all year really, right before our eyes. There have been constant reports that Cavs head coach David Blatt isn’t respected by LeBron and the other players.

However, those reports were largely shoved aside as nonsense and drama was made up to diminish LeBron’s image. As the playoffs moved along, it became clear that those reports held much more water than any of us thought.

After LeBron hit his game winning shot against the Chicago Bulls, it was made clear that he had drawn up the play. Not only had he drawn up the play, but he made head coach David Blatt scratch his play in order to run his own. LeBron not only blatantly ignored his coach, but he and his teammates were open about it after the game.

Heading into the finals, LeBron started to adopt a very cocky attitude, which wound up irking some people. Beforehand, LeBron was asked how they planned on stopping Stephen Curry.

He responded by saying “You stop him the same way you stop me; you don’t.” Then, later on in the playoffs LeBron expressed his confidence by naming himself the best player in the world.

To cap it all off, more reports were released about LeBron in the finals doing everything but actually naming himself head coach of the team. Whether it was making Blatt wipe his plays clean, or flat out disregarding what he had to say, LeBron was coaching the team almost 100 percent of the time. Some people have a problem with what LeBron’s been doing. Suffice it to say, I don’t.

LeBron is a “player coach”, and it’s fairly obvious at this point. Say what you want, but there’s no arguing the fact that he’s a damn good player coach. LeBron understands the game at a level that I’m sure most NBA coaches don’t. He has crazy talent and crazy basketball IQ.

No matter how much some of you ridiculous people don’t want to hear it, LeBron is the best basketball has seen since Jordan.

LeBron is doing his job. He’s doing what he sees necessary to get his team the win. If Blatt makes a ridiculous play call (having Lebron inbound on the last second play anyone?), then why shouldn’t LeBron call him out on it?

He’s just doing what he thinks he needs to do. Perhaps it would make all you people feel nice and cozy inside if LeBron just sat back and let his coach lose games for the Cavaliers, but he doesn’t care about what you fans at home think. For too long I think LeBron has worried about other’s opinions and now, he doesn’t. He is out to win and he’s going to do that at all costs.

As for him saying he’s confident because he’s the best, why not? LeBron is the best player in the world and averaged 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game in the finals. I don’t care who you are or how much you hate LeBron, that’s astounding. How he kept that production up without breaking down or tiring out is beyond me. So go ahead LeBron, scream it to the rooftops, you’re the best and I don’t think there’s any denying it.

I won’t try to say that it’s not arrogant, because it most certainly is. Since when does arrogance have to be bad? Michael Jordan was arrogant, Kobe Bryant is arrogant and yet people praise them to no end while hating on LeBron James. Personally, I think all this hate on LeBron is only because he left the Cavaliers to join the Heat, but that’s for another article.

For someone that’s young like me though, LeBron is the face of the generation of basketball that I’ve grown up watching. That’s why I don’t care about his past and just love watching him play basketball. That also may be part of the reason why I don’t have a problem with what he’s doing.

For many people in generations prior to mine, a player and coach relationship was very important. Respect was key back in the day. However, these days, at least in basketball, coaches don’t get a ton of respect and recognition. Perhaps that’s why LeBron’s antics don’t bother me. I do think that something needs to change in Cleveland in terms of coaching.

LeBron may enjoy pushing Blatt around, but I think pairing him with someone who he respects may be even more useful. He needs to be paired with someone who understands just how smart James is, while still having the balls to stand his ground and say no to the best player in the world.

As a player, LeBron’s vision will certainly be clouded at times, and in those times he needs a real coach to come in and help the team.

Plus, LeBron can’t see everything when he himself is playing close to the whole game. The Cavs need a coach who will know not to have LeBron inbound the ball in the last play of an important playoff game.

For now though, LeBron is doing what he must in order to win. I don’t see a problem with wanting to win.