Unless Lebron ever wears a Pistons uniform, my judgement remains the same. My judgement isn’t for everybody, just me.

I’d argue that Rasheed is quite the opposite. Outspoken, passionate, but not arrogant:

“Most athletes seek praise and recognition; Wallace loathes both. In the 2005 Finals, each player was told to stand on a podium during the pregame intros; Wallace refused to do so before Game 1 and lasted on one for less than a second before Game 2. “Rasheed was totally embarrassed,” says Larry Brown. “I had to beg him to do it. I almost had to hold his hand.” His reaction to being named to this season’s All-Star team was similar, with him displaying almost as much frustration at having to cancel a family trip to the Bahamas as at being forced to confront the possibility that he’d become one of those “baby dolls” he despises.”

I think it comes down to a simple difference of opinion. I’d continue to feel this way even if I was the only one feeling it. I’ve always read people quite well, and I stick to my gut about my judgements. Hey, maybe I’m the arrogant one?

Always enjoy talking with you, LB. I sincerely respect your understanding of this game and the players within it.

Conversely, LeBron may not handle things with the humility of a Steve Nash, Kevin Durant, Greg Oden or Dwight Howard but he’s not in the same class as Kobe.

[Chris Paul punched Julius Hodge in his groin during a college game, so he’s not in my “doesn’t misbehave” club, though he has proven to be EXTREMELY humble. And Garnett? Also humble, but we’re talking about the guy who chucked a ball at McDyess over nothing then ran like a scared little kid. The guy thinks backing up a teammate is a license for volatility. This guy is so insane on the court but somehow he gets a free pass. Garnett is framed in such a way by the media, that people who don’t pay attention forget that when it has to do with the game of basketball, he’s a respect-demanding, crazy-ass, loose cannon.]

You can question LeBron, but if you erase homerism, you could just as easily question Chauncey (Mr. Big Head ought to be his nickname), Rasheed (like screaming “Ball Don’t Lie” isn’t arrogant?) and as you said, Whiny McHamilton (I’m sorry Rip, please know that I still LOVE you). These guys are athletes, and arrogance is usually part of the package. But in my mind, arrogance alone doesn’t convict them. Arrogance is separate from how you treat your teammates and the way you play the game itself. If we talk about how they Pistons play on the floor, then obviously they understand that team stands for “Together Everyone Achieves More” (that was lame, I know and I’m sorry). But, so does LeBron, and he’s displayed that since coming in the league. Kobe, not so much.

Players like Chris Paul? Steve Nash? Dwight Howard Kevin Garnett? Rookies Kevin Durant and Greg Oden? Or how about the entire Pistons team with the arguable exception of Rip (who can be quite the asshole himself, although he’s MY asshole since he’s wearing the white/red/blue). Good players, good people. They all have a sense of humility, with more pride in the game that in themselves. I have a ton of respect for that kind of attitude– one that I NEVER see out of Lebron.

Can I blame Lebron? He’s essentially had the whole world felate him his entire life, telling him he’s the greatest thing ever, possibly the 2nd MJ. Its probably hard for that NOT to go to your head. Maybe that’s another reason I love the underdog…

Re: the Lakers, I hate how fans love such a deplorable guy. Kobe is an amazing talent. However, the guy has been an absolute asshole his whole life (see: Isiah Thomas, except Kobe was never a Pistons/IU alum, therefore granting Zeke a miniature sliver of redemption while granting Kobe none), but people still love Kobe (truly) unconditionally. Everyone seems to ignore the fact that this is the first season (of 12) the guy’s ever acted like a decent teammate. Does it not matter to you (or another fan) that LeBron has ALWAYS been unselfish amid a cast of also-rans? It’s not LeBron’s fault that Danny Ferry hasn’t successfully built around him. LeBron has always passed and will always to pass to whoever is around. When Kobe was amid a cast of also-rans he was always selfish. He’s the best player in the NBA, but he has done absolutely NOTHING in his career to merit cheering (Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher, Ronny Turiaf, different stories).

Exciting to watch? Hell yeah, but what a prick. LeBron is also exciting to watch, but taking advantage of a referee’s willingness to give you a call is a lot less damning than Kobe’s indefensible behavior.

P.S.: Big shot … Timmy?!?!? What a game.

I enjoy quite a few other teams in the league– I didn’t mind watching the Bulls in the last few years that I lived in Chicago. I loved the Golden State / Dallas series last year (still on my hard drive). You’ll probably hate to hear this LB, but I’ve enjoyed the Lakers games I’ve watched in the Gasol era. But for me, a one man highlight reel with a JV team, as you said, just ain’t my cup of tea.

Quoting our bald-spot-big-man, I can’t wait for a team, Pistons or not, to “get that shit out of here” with regard to Lebron. When there’s a buzz that it may be Washington that has a shot, I’ll tune into a few games…

Don’t get me wrong though, I’m not suggesting that there’s anything wrong with player-focused fanhood in some examples. Having always read your comments with keen interest, I know you respect the the whole game and are as much of a team-focused fan as I am. Hell, we’ve got the best team in the league for that. My fanhood might just not be as well rounded. I’m just a stubborn, bron-hating bastard.

The storyline adds intrigue, but it’s essentially a mass media-driven, ton of hooey. Stevenson and Arenas are goofballs (lovable goofballs?). Betting about 10% of his contract last season on a three point competition with Arenas and subsequently losing? Good one, DeShawn. Point is, while the drama of Arenas/Stevenson v. LeBron in a war of words, coupled with the fact that this is the third year in a row these teams have met in the 1st round, certainly adds some sizzle, the guy who’s been carrying the Cavs on his back is the steak.

Also, I don’t think punditry has seemed to routinely take the Wizards in this series in order to push a storyline. I think punditry took the Wizards because on occasion, punditry can miss it big time (see: Pistons over Lakers in 2004 Finals). This blog-crazy era proves that there are plenty of fans once viewed as “arm-chair quarterback, lay-people” with no journalistic or game playing experience who have a wholly relevant and insightful point of view. Fortunately, I exist to slap around guys like Skeets (is he a pundit or is he disqualified by virtue of being a blogger?) for saying “Wizards in 5″.

It might be– you’re right. I tell you one thing though, I probably wouldn’t have switched on this game if a) arenas/stevenson weren’t talking shit about lebrong and b) if the Wiz weren’t being pushed by the punditry. i pride myself about not getting pushed around by those types of people, but all of this combined with my hatred of the cavs– and I tuned in at tipoff. otherwise, I would not have paid attention to anything more than box scores.

The Cavs are the defending Eastern Conference champions (no matter how undeserving of that accolade they may’ve been last year). They return the star of that team, and since LeBron is around, this year’s Cavs really can’t be significantly “worse”, because he’s the only player that matters. They’re not playing in the West, so there appears to be no serious danger of a defending conference champion going out in the first round (nervous, Spurs fans?). These facts should guarantee their place in the 2nd round. I also wouldn’t call Arenas coming off the bench as completely “healthy”. The Cavs aren’t necessarily good enough to lay a proverbial “beatdown” on the Celtics, but they shouldn’t be doubted by EVERYONE against the likes of the Wizards.

Last season, the Cavs swept the Wiz– but Washington was without Butler or Arenas. Don’t get me wrong, the Wiz not a clear threat to Cleveland, but they have a healthy big three, a better Haywood and a nice spark from Blatche. They’re improved. The Cavs have been shakey since the trade. And with the lingering doubts from last year’s playoffs, I can understand why pundits would be picking Washington in this series.