LeBron James has received harsh criticism throughout his outstanding NBA career.
From getting labeled a flop artist to having NBA analysts question his greatness despite winning four NBA titles, the Los Angeles Lakers phenom isn’t safe from excessive scrutiny.
On Thursday, a columnist known for his controversial sports remarks decided to slam James after the Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated his squad from the playoffs.
"This man has exited the first round of the playoffs multiple times while a Los Angeles Laker," Blaze Media’s Jason Whitlock said. "This man has played with Anthony Davis and Luka Doncic and got one bubble title, a bubble title, the COVID title."
"No fans, the NBA — desperate for relevancy and ratings — allowed the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James to win a bubble title. Other than that, it's been an abject failure. And it's all been about LeBron stat-padding and chasing Michael Jordan."
Even if James is trying to catch Jordan (by winning two more championships) and ensuring his numbers are impressive nightly, could one blame him?
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James isn’t an unproven first- or second-year player who's still developing.
The three-time NBA All-Star MVP is a 22-year veteran who’s given everything he has to the league for an extended period and earned the right to focus on self-centered goals toward the end of his career.
When it’s all said and done, James will be remembered as a superhuman 6-foot-9 phenomenon who was one of the most influential athletes ever.
The former No. 1 overall pick will also be regarded as a top-2 NBA player, with his exact ranking up for debate.
James, who averaged 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in five playoff contests against the Timberwolves this year, can’t do anything between now and the day he retires to affect his unforgettable legacy substantially.
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