LeBron James has gone from the Chosen One to … the Choking One? Apparently he’s now a Witness to Rajon Rondo. Heck, he has stood around watching for much of the series between Boston and Cleveland.
It’s unlike him. But it’s also something that never — ever — would have happened to Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson or Kobe Bryant. Those are the players James wants to measure himself against. If that’s the case, this postseason will leave him coming up way short. That is, if Thursday night’s Game 6 and a subsequent Game 7 do not go his way.
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This isn’t just about his elbow hurting. He can’t have that be an excuse in some games and not others. Shockingly, it’s more about attitude and competitive desire. He’s playing as if it’s March, which, for Cleveland fans desperate for a title, is madness.
James has had tough series before, but he always willed his way to keep his team in games or series. Against Orlando last year, he averaged 38 points.
He has averaged only 15.7 shots in the Cavaliers’ three losses, by far his worst showing and proof of his passive play.
“I spoil a lot of people with my play,” James said after losing by 32 points in Game 5.
He sure does. But when you go along with the nickname “The Chosen One” and when you revel in your status, spoiling is the least you can do. Certainly, your effort should be a given. Imagine if this is his parting gift to Cleveland fans (which many think it won’t be).
Here’s what Cleveland Plain Dealer beat writer Brian Windhorst wrote on his blog: “In huddles he’s looking at the ceiling or into the distance. It is not the James anyone on the team knows, and his teammates and coaches have seen it.”
The Cavs have other issues, even if this is the most talented team James has played with. Their coach, Mike Brown, appears to think an in-game adjustment is whether he should sit or stand to watch the action.
But titles establish legacies for players like James. If he doesn’t, um, Rise Up, he’ll go another year without one.
