SportsNation Blog Archives
LeBron James
We don't wish ill on anyone. Actually, that's not true, but we don't wish ill on anyone relevant to this discussion. Nevertheless, injuries happen, and as we've seen time and again -- Tom Brady last season, Alex Rodriguez early in the MLB season and Alex Ovechkin in recent weeks, to name just a few -- they sometimes happen to the biggest of stars.
And so it was that the populace of Cleveland found itself holding its breath after LeBron James injured his wrist on a dunk against the Wizards. There's little reason at the moment to think it's a long-term issue, but it makes us wonder. Which team would take the biggest hit if it lost its star for an extended period?
- Your Rankings: Which superstar would be the biggest loss for his team?
“That's what you get for dunking the ball so hard down by 17 to the Wizards. Why was he dunking like that? You're down 17 lay the ball up dont dunk where many of things can go wrong on a fast break where the nearest wizard player was on the bench.
” -- ravenisthebest7
“Lebron's MRI showed positive for having won zero championships.
” -- treelocX
We'd like to take this opportunity to remind LeBron James that the Cleveland Browns are not necessarily representative of the talent needed to play in the NFL. Nevertheless, King James thinks he could be a star in the NFL, if, you know, he wanted to do that.
Not too long ago, Page 2's Michael Weinreb looked at whether the future of the NFL might look a lot more like James, particularly with massive receivers replacing some of the last normal-sized people on the field these days (well, other than kickers). But while James' latest comments don't seem like an actual prelude to a career change, could he do it?
Given a year to train seriously, would he be a star on the gridiron? Or would he make Michael Jordan look like Ted Williams?
- Your rankings: Who are the best potential football players in other sports?
“The King could star at whatever...but this is a no brainer. Given his size and athleticism and physical approach (don't his critics say he just puts his head down and sprints toward the cup?) plus the fact he was one of Rivals and Scout's top 50 players in the nation as a junior....means YES....YES he could star at WR
” -- MexDomer
Even LeBron James looks up to somebody. With Michael Jordan courtside Thursday night in Miami, James and Dwyane Wade put on a show, scoring 34 and 36 respectively.
Then the world's biggest potential free agent tipped his hat to the all-time great No. 23, saying after the game that he plans to switch his own jersey from No. 23 to No. 6 next season.
"He can't get the logo, and if he can't, something has to be done," James said, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "I feel like no NBA player should wear 23. I'm starting a petition, and I've got to get everyone in the NBA to sign it. Now, if I'm not going to wear No. 23, then nobody else should be able to wear it."
LeBron James visits the Knicks Friday night in a game that is perhaps not as important as people who spend too much time in close proximity to the I-95 corridor think it is. Madison Square Garden has some solid history, sure, but as a majority of SportsNation would attest, we're not talking about the Coliseum in Rome (more like Kennedy Arena in Rome, N.Y.).
Nevertheless, with the Cavaliers off to a 3-3 start and looking like a team little better than the versions that came up short in recent seasons, a visit to the Big Apple will rev up the engines of speculation when it comes to LeBron's future plans. NBA.com blogger Sam Smith made a bold prediction this week, suggesting LeBron will end up playing alongside Kobe Bryant with the Lakers. To which we say, it's about time Phil Jackson gets some talent to work with. But could the game's two biggest stars really coexist?
- Vote: Is Shaq to blame in Cleveland, and where will LeBron play next season?
- Your Rankings: Where are the Cavaliers and Knicks in your NBA Power Rankings?
- Week's chat wraps: Chad Ford | David Thorpe | ESPN Dallas on Mavericks
Paul (NYC)
LeBron is not an aging vet signing a 1 yr deal, meaning 2011, 2012, 2013, etc. are just as important as 2010. Therefore we should be talking about not just teams' 2010 rosters/cap space, but also 2011, as well as the power structures (gm/coach) and financial stability of potential franchises LeBron may actually be interested in.
Chad Ford
Yup. And that's why I believe the Cavs misplayed their hand. They have been consumed with winning short term instead of putting in place a young core that can keep the Cavs in the Eastern Conference Finals for the next decade. I'm still not convinced that LeBron will bolt. But if he does, that will be the reason. Great players want to play with other great players. That's why the Dream Team has been so appealing to veterans. If LeBron can find a great situation (a big if) I think he bolts. At a cursory glance, the Clippers might be the best long term fit ... can you imagine LeBron with Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Blake Griffin and Chris Kaman? Full transcript
The battery of Michelle Beadle and Colin Cowherd has a better ERA during the afternoon episodes of "SportsNation" TV.
Argue the hot topics of the day and vote on the biggest stories from the world of sports. The show airs on ESPN2 at 4 p.m. and midnight ET.
Note: Broadcast voting results as of this afternoon (ET).
If he trained, would LeBron be a better WR than Braylon Edwards?
You've seen the LeBron in a Browns uniform commercial. You've seen Edwards traded away. Now complete the Cleveland fantasy football picture.
Whom would you pick first for a playoff series?
Derek Jeter had a clutch HR to start the Yankees' postseason scoring. Albert Pujols was intentionally walked anytime the Dodgers saw danger.
Are the Red Sox in the Angels' heads?
The Angels have lost 12 of their past 13 postseason games against the Red Sox. "Last year was last year," said Torii Hunter when asked about it.
Does toughness run in families?
Eli Manning missed practice for a second straight day. Will he play
against the Raiders? Dad Archie and brother Peyton have been known to play hurt.
Does Braylon Edwards make the Jets a serious Super Bowl contender?
Edwards, wearing a white No. 17 Jets jersey, caught passes from rookie Mark Sanchez and backups Erik Ainge and Kevin O'Connell in drills Thursday.
What is "SportsNation" TV, and how do you make your voice heard? Read about the new ESPN show that features fan opinions with calls, tweets, polls, rankers and more.
Michelle Beadle and Colin Cowherd tee off for a $10 million paycheck on "SportsNation" TV.
Argue the hot topics of the day and vote on the biggest stories from the world of sports. The show airs on ESPN2 at 4 p.m. and midnight ET.
Note: Broadcast voting results as of this afternoon (ET).
Should the Nets be on LeBron James' short list?
The King hasn't said anything recently to cause us to doubt his Cleveland loyalties, but the Nets are getting a new Russian billionaire owner.
Would you hire a former great player to coach your team?
Wayne Gretzky is the latest superstar player to fare poorly in management. His record in Phoenix: 143-161-24 with no playoff appearances.
Who has been more impressive this season?
The Cardinals are on the verge of wrapping up the NL Central. Have you been more impressed with Albert Pujols or St. Louis' pitching?
Do you enjoy player trash talk?
Randy Moss and the Jets defense are exchanging off-field barbs. We see the talking, even if we can't hear what the players are saying, almost every game.
Do you like Jay Leno's new show?
Many of the critics have been unkind to the former "Tonight Show" host in his new, earlier time on NBC. What's your take on Leno?
What is "SportsNation" TV, and how do you make your voice heard? Read about the new ESPN show that features fan opinions with calls, tweets, polls, rankers and more.
We're going to go out on a limb here and say that Shaquille O'Neal has mastered the art of being a celebrity.
- Check out Shaq's pioneering Twitter page, where he dispenses wisdom, challenges and the occasional indictments of Stephon Marbury's eating habits.
- Pujols and Serena may be too much for Shaq to handle, but most fans think he has a chance against Oscar.
- Most of SportsNation would actually let Shaq do whatever he wants, like some kind of benevolent dictator.
- Groups: Cleveland Cavaliers fans | WWE FANS
“I guess if you can't make a hook shot anymore, might as well try to infiltrate the White House...
” -- bcohn17
“Steve Nash probably thinks Shaq is a good fit anywhere just as long it's not next to him in PHX! Good Luck LBJ!
” -- mischvs1
“Matter of fact .. with Shaq's power .. Shaq will be able to CLEAR .. the lane out better then any active Center in the NBA right now .. IF .. Lebron wants to drive to the lane more
” -- Lenwen76
Michelle Beadle and Colin Cowherd climb the mountains and chase down the breakaways to bring you "SportsNation" TV.
Discuss the hot topics, vote on the biggest stories of the day and chat during the show on ESPN2 at 4 p.m. ET. And if you miss that, there's a second helping of "SportsNation" on ESPN at 5 p.m. ET.
Do you still want to see the tape of LeBron getting dunked on?
Has time dulled your desire to see the footage that Nike confiscated of Jordan Crawford dunking on LeBron?
Is Kobe playing for Team USA in 2010 and 2012 a good idea?
Kobe has a gold medal and NBA title in the same year, and he isn't getting any younger. He can help the U.S. maintain supremacy, but what about the Lakers?
Do you prefer youth or experience at running back?
Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson is now the wily veteran, but the NFL is notorious for using up backs by the time they reach their 30s.
Whom would you rather have replace your quarterback?
Michael Vick brings fresh legs but the rust of an NFL layoff. Brett Favre has years of success but an aging body and shoulder.
Which is a better option for Stephen Strasburg right now?
Scott Boras isn't afraid to hold players out if they don't get the deal he says they deserve. But what if a big-name prospect gets injured playing this game?
And our final question ...
A recent theory in the running world proposes that running without shoes is better for you. Would you consider running barefoot?
What is "SportsNation" TV and how do you make your voice heard on the broadcast? Read about the new ESPN show that features fan opinions with calls, tweets, polls, rankers and more.
As far as Twitter goes, it's certainly less memorable than breaking the news of your coach's departure, but Kevin Love is once again proving wily in his use of new technology and living up to his nickname as "The Big Twitter." If he figures out how to get himself a raise in 140 characters or less, we'll be even more impressed.
ESPN.com's Chris Sheridan wrote about the chance Mike Krzyzewski is taking by staying on with USA Basketball through the 2010 World Championship and 2012 Olympics, rather than riding comfortably into the sunset after winning gold last year. Once done reading all about it, SportsNation had a chance to put together the Team USA it would take through the next three years.
One of the options was, you guessed it, Kevin Love, a big man with passing and rebounding skills ideal for the international game. And once Love caught wind of his virtual candidacy, he took to the tweet to rally supporters to the cause (granted, a cause that doesn't include an actual seat on the flights to Turkey and England, respectively).
For everyone else, here are SportsNation's top 12 for Team USA.
G: LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Brandon Roy
F: Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Kevin Garnett
C: Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire
- Voters wouldn't even trade Coach K for Phil Jackson on Team USA.
- Check out who SportsNation wanted for the Redeem Team last year.
- SportsNation Groups: Team USA!!! | Minnesota Sports Fans | UCLA Bruins
“Kobe had the leadership role on the team and from what I remember, he was taking the shots when the game was on the line (only happened in the finals). Wade played the role of the most incredible 6th man in the history of the sport. Lebron played more of a Magic Johnson role as a distributer with some great defense added in. Dwight had a bunch of good games early in the tournament and i seem to remember Bosh coming off the bench and having a big impact. ... I still like Melo over Durant cause he is just made for international ball. But I would like to see Blake Griffin make the squad as the 12th man cause he is Definitely gonna be a part of the future of USA basketball.
” -- iv3rson003
“I know PG spots are bogging up, but you cant forget Jameer Nelson. A high, high percentage All Star shooter/PG from FT, FG, AND 3PT RANGE. How does he not fit with a Team USA that will have its primary offense in SG, Forwards who can kick out to him for a easy jumper. He's good at reading which passes and passes from penetrations will lead to a good offensive series, and then when to be able to lift a shot in any traffic or sets at 50% clip. No brainer.
” -- dsg1319
Sometimes we all need a little extra space to vent. ESPN profiles give fans space to post their own blog entries and go toe-to-toe with commenters.
- pieman12347: Short and sweet. Tim Lincecum and Dan Haren will propel the National League to an All-Star Game win.
- allikskat: Stephon Marbury playing Europe? allikskat notes the separate paths Starbury and KG have travelled and suggests the New York native would do well to stay on this side of the Atlantic in Boston.
- dslake84: The drumbeat for a college football playoff among college football fans should form its own marching band. Only tradition stands in the way, according to dslake84.
- ADEVARTS: Brett Favre is wrong for Minnesota. Didn't the Vikings learn anything from the New York Jets' mistakes, asks ADEVARTS.
- SportsCenter: Allen Iverson is no longer the answer, blogs Cindy Brunson. Nike and LeBron need to lighten up, blogs Jay Harris.
- sirigina: And for a fast finish, sirigina explains why a budget cap would benefit Formula One.
CHAT IN PROGRESS
NCAA FB with Schlabach
- Jack (PA)
- Mark Schlabach
- Big T (State College, PA)
- Mark Schlabach


