Lebron's 2015 Finals Performance Over Exaggerated

This 2015 Finals performance by Lebron James has to be the most over exaggerated and media hyped performances in the history of the sport. Sure he had a lot of pressure and expectation on him, and his numbers looked good but that's only half of it.
Lebron averaged 35.8 ppg off of only 39.8% from the field, an average of 13 makes off 33 attempts. Can you imagine if Kobe or Westbrook did this and lost? The media would scrutinise them until the end of time.

The media then said that his minutes were off the charts and he should be expected to fall off. Well that isnt necessarily the case as seen here:

Lebron averaged 42.2 MPG over the playoffs over only 20 games.
Compare this with some greats:
Oscar Rob and Wilt both over 48MPG in 1965
Allen Iverson 2005, 47.6 MPG,
Kareem 1974, 47.3 MPG,
Gilbert Arenas 47.33 MPG, 2006
Shawn Marion, 2003, 47 MPG
Kobe, 2006 44.86 MPG
Iguodala 2009, 44.83 MPG
Derrick Rose 2009, 44.71 MPG

There are many more, in fact he is not even in the top 244 minutes per games played in playoffs in history!

How about in the Finals?
Lebron averaged 45.7 MPG over those 6 games

Compared to:
Kobe, 2001, 46.8 MPG
Iverson, 2001, 47.4 MPG
Kobe, 2004 46.2 MPG

and more

Support Cast Comparison

What about his supporting cast? Seen as one of the worst of all time. Well was it really?

Here we see the dominance of Mozgov and Tristan Thompson:

Let's compare to some other teams. I know some may seem quite crazy but this is what the media has led you to believe. 

2009 Lakers

I would like to discredit everybody saying Bynum was a beast when Lakers won the title, because it is incorrect. 

in 2009 Finals when Lakers won the championship v Orlando, Bynum averaged 18 mpg, 6ppg and 4rpg. If you are saying he was a major factor, thats just silly.
In contrast Tristan Thompson in the finals averaged 10ppg 13rpg and 1bpg. Clearly a more dominant player

Secondly Lamar Odom, he averaged 13.4 ppg and 7.8 rpg in 34mpg. Compared to Mozgov who averaged 14ppg and 7.5 rpg in only 28mpg

Next Ariza, he averaged 11,0 ppg and 6rpg in 37.6 mpg, JR averaged 11.5 ppg and 4.3 rpg in 33,6 mpg

Dellavedova averaged 7.5 ppg 2.7 rpg 2.7 apg to Derek Fisher's 11ppg 3.0 rpg and 1.8apg

So overall we see that the only real advantage lakers had was the difference of DFish to Delly and Pau Gasol, but TT was much more dominant than Bynum and Mozgov actually out statted Pau in per 36mpg. 

2010 Lakers

How about in 2010 I hear you ask? When Lakers beat the Celtics?

Pau Gasol: 18.6 ppg 11.6 rpg in 42 mpg
Timofey Mozgov: 14 ppg 7.5 rpg in just 28.3 mpg

Metta: 10.6 ppg 4.6 rpg in 36mpg
JR: 11.5 ppg 4.3 rpg in 33.6 mpg

D Fish: 8ppg 3rpg 2apg in 30.6mpg
Delly: 7.5 ppg 2.7rpg 2.7apg in 31.8mpg

Lamar: 7.6ppg and 6.6 rpg in 27 mpg
Tristan Thompson: 10ppg and 13rpg in 41mpg

Bynum: 7.4ppg and 5.1 rpg in 25mpg
Shumpert: 6.5 ppg and 3.8 rpg in 36mpg

Now can we stop overhyping Lebron?

2011 Mavericks

So we all know how the 2011 series went, Lebron brick city, but have a look at this. Come on now, you aren't telling me Jason terry and 37 year old Jason Kidd should've run the Heat out of their building?

Tyson Chandler: 9.7 ppg 8.8 rpg in 37 mpg
Tristan Thompson: 10ppg and 13rpg

Jason Terry: 18ppg 2rpg
JR: 11.5 ppg 4.3 rpg

Jason Kidd: 7.7 ppg 4.5 rpg 6.3 apg in 37mpg
Delly: 7.5 ppg 2.7rpg 2.7apg in 31.8mpg

Shawn Marion: 13.7 ppg 6.3 rpg
Timofey Mozgov: 14 ppg 7.5 rpg in just 28.3 mpg

JJ Barea: 8.8 ppg 3.2 apg
Shumpert: 6.5 ppg and 3.8 rpg

2001 76ers

Allen Iverson I would say had a better Finals series in 2001, taking a game off that Lakers team, than Lebron did in 2015. 

Both historically bad in efficiency, both seemingly leading their team to the finals. Iverson tiny in comparison to Lebron physically

Iverson came up against an incredible Shaq-Kobe team and took a game, Lebron came up against an inexperienced Warriors team and took 2 games. Lets look more in depth at the stats

Lebron: 35.8 ppg on 39.8% shooting, 13.3 Rpg, 8,8 Apg, 3.5 TO
Iverson: 35.6 ppg on 40.7% shooting, 5.6 rpg, 3.8 apg and 1.8 spg, 2.2 TO

Also everyone was sooking about how many mins lebron played. He played 45.7 MPG compared to Iverson's 47.4 MPG.

Mutombo: 16.8 ppg 12.2 RPG
TT: 10 ppg 13 RPG

Eric Snow: 12.6 ppg, 6apg, 4,4 rpg
JR Smith: 11,5 ppg, 4,3 RPG

Aaron Mckie: 8ppg, 6apg
Delly: 7.5 ppg 2.7 apg

Tyrone Hill: 6.6 ppg 6.6 rpg
Mozgov: 14 ppg, 7.5 rpg

Matt Geiger: 5.2 ppg
Shumpert: 6.5 ppg 3.8 rpg, 1.8 spg

Taking into consideration that Iverson came up against a superior opponent, and that LBJ had Kyrie in game one with a 23/7/6/4 game and still lost who do you think did better?

1994 Rockets

Hakeem the dream, compare this 1994 cast that he won with v Lebron 2015. Please tell me who is an all star for Hakeem 

Vernon Maxwell 36.5% FG, 13.4 PPG 3RPG 3APG
Mozgov 55% FG, 14 PPG 7.5 RPG, 1.5 BPG

Robert Horry 32.4% FG, 10.3 PPG 6RPG 3.7 APG
JR Smith 31% FG, 11.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG

Sam Cassell 10 PPG, 3RPG, 3 APG
Delly 7.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.7 APG

Otis Thorpe 9.3 PPG 11.3 RPG
Tristan Thompson 10 PPG, 13 RPG, 1BPG

Kenny Smith 5.6 PPG 1.4 RPG 3.1 APG
Shumpert 6.5 PPG 3.8 RPG 1.8 SPG

2003 Spurs

This is an interesting comparison, one I had no idea about and totally didnt expect until it was brought to my attention
The 2003 SPURS! Can you believe it. Tim Duncan may have actually had a worse support cast than 2015 LBJ.
Tony was only 20 years old and Robinson was on the way out 37 years old. Lets have a look

Tony Parker 39% FG, 14 PPG, 4.2 APG, 3.2 RPG
Mozgov 55% FG, 14 PPG 7.5 RPG, 1.5 BPG

Stephen Jackson 38% FG 10.3 PPG, 4.2 RPG
JR Smith 31% FG, 11.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG

Malik Rose 7.7 PPG 3.8 RPG 0.7 APG
Delly 7.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.7 APG

David Robinson 10.8 PPG 7.3 RPG 1.8 BPG
Tristan Thompson 10 PPG, 13 RPG, 1BPG

Manu Ginobili 34% FG 8.7 PPG 4.5 RPG
Shumpert 6.5 PPG 3.8 RPG 1.8 SPG

Noticibly the FG% of Manu, Tony and Jackson were all quite low. Can we really say LBJs cast was that much worse than Duncan's here?

So overall we have found that Lebron's minutes weren't anything special, and his support cast wasn't THAT bad. We haven't even taken into consideration that Lebron had Kyrie and Love in the reg season and Kyrie for the playoffs, whereas the teams above made it on their own. 

Another case of media hype I guess

Who Had the Worse Support Cast

2015 Cavaliers

2001 76ers

2009/2010 Lakers

1994 Rockets

2003 Spurs

Poll Maker

Controversial Umpiring on Back to Back Nights

Wednesday night saw the Eastern heavyweights Indiana and Miami face off in an epic encounter. One that saw Roy Hibbert in foul trouble most of the night and a comeback win for Miami. Without going into detail, Pacers will be in the NBA Finals. During this match there was a controversial call as Paul George rose up for the three to tie the game in the dying seconds and we can see Lebron clearly holding him on the hips. If you see the video the legs also clash and Paul George's momentum is definitely affected and his shot is well out to the left. Many analysts agree with me that it was a clear foul. Coach Nick from BBALLBREAKDOWN went as far as to say it was "One of the worst no calls I've seen in some time." The play was later reviewed on a segment on his show where former NBA umpire Ronnie Nunn also came to the conclusion it was a foul. However do we really expect a foul to be called against Lebron James at home? No, nevertheless the Pacers will beat the Heat in the playoffs

Tonight when surely it couldn't get anymore dramatic than last night... IT DID. The Spurs were without Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan against the Warriors in Golden State. The Spurs got a tip in from Tiago Splitter with 2 seconds left for a two point lead. A tip in that clearly should not have been allowed as it was still on the cylinder. The NBA rules do not allow a review of goaltending unless goaltending was the original call made on court, in this case it wasn't so no review was allowed. Golden State were robbed in this sense. There should definitely have been an overtime in this game.

Good thing is this season we are seeing a game winner basically every night, but seriously these referees have to get better with their calls.

Kobe Out Six Weeks With a Knee Fracture

Kobe Bryant will be out about six weeks with a fracture of the lateral tibial plateau in his left knee, the same side as his torn achilles. 

He was injured in the third quarter v Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday yet finished the game out and won with the fracture. He is the complete definition of a true warrior. 
This is a huge blow and will no doubt put question marks over retirement once again. He only played 6 games averaging 13.8 PPG and 6.3 APG going 2-4 in this time. 

Kobe Bryant timeline: •4/12: Ruptures Achilles •11/25: Signs 2-yr, $48.5M extension •12/8: Returns to lineup •12/19: Knee injury (Out 6 wks)

This adds to already injured Steve Nash, Jordan Farmar and Steve Blake Lakers backcourt with news that Nash will be out at least another month and raises certainty that over these two years we will never see a truly healthy Pau, Kobe and Nash play alongside each other.

Xavier Henry will start at Point Guard now, a position that coming into the season the Lakers expected to be very deep at.

It may be a good idea to keep Kobe out for the season make sure he comes back 100% healthy and tank for a good draft pick now so the Lakers could compete next season. Either way we just hope Kobe can come back to his mamba best. Sad day in basketball

Steve Blake Out 6 Weeks

The last Lakers point guard, Steve Blake, will be missing the next 6 weeks with a torn UCL in his shoulder. The injury came November 26th against the Wizards. With Nash and Farmar still out this puts the Lakers in a dire position to sign a point guard. Possilbly Leandro Barbosa otherwise they can just tough it out

Blake said today that he will not have surgery but will instead get Platalet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy on his elbow.

In the meantime Kobe will run the point guard in only his third game back from a major injury and with the Lakers playing OKC tomorrow except Westbrook to have a huge game! 

Injury problems have been huge for the Lakers over the past 2 seasons and with the West being so strong this could destroy the Lakers hopes of making the playoffs. 

Rudy Gay Traded to the Kings

Rudy Gay has been traded to the Kings today. In return the Raptors will receive John Salmons, Vasquez, Patterson and Hayes. Along with Rudy Gay, Quincy Acy and Aaron Gray will be traded to the Kings too. The deal was reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.

Rudy Gay was sent to the Raptors from the Grizzlies last season in a three team deal with the Pistons for Ed Davis, Jose Calderon and Tayshaun Prince. Gay is averaging 19.4 PPG and 7.4 RPG so far this season off an atrocious 18.6 FG attempts per game. He has been a consistent 19-20ppg guy throughout his career and a high volume shooter.

Kings plan on using Rudy Gay as a stretch power forward & see Gay & Derrick Williams as interchangeable guarding either forward. Kings Potential Starters: PG Thomas, SG McLemore, SF Gay, PF Thompson, C Cousins with Derrick Williams and Carl Landry to come off the bench. They look like a solid team now however they will need to play perfect to make the Playoffs in the West as they have a 2nd worst 5-13 record.

The Raptors look like they will be tanking for Wiggins now and yes this means Rudy will not be playing in Kobe's return tonight. Vasquez is a nice pick up averaging 9.8 PPG and 5.3 APG, Patrick Patterson a 6.9 PPG and 5.8 RPG player and in his 6th NBA season. Salmons and Hayes are veterans, one has to wonder why the Raptors didn't attempt to get a pick in this trade.

Who won the trade?

How Will the Lakers Fare with Kobe's Return?

Credit: Beyond The Buzzer

Kobe Bryant is set to return in tomorrow's game against the Raptors. You know he loves to play the Raptors, he scored 81 on them in 2006 and last time against Toronto was an epic comeback game with three ridiculous threes to send it to OT and then win with the dunk. Now we can't expect any heroics like that so early in his return especially as D'antoni has said he only wants to play Kobe 20 minutes at the moment.

The Lakers are 10-9 now and are 10th in the Western Conference. I always said that if they could be at 500 or better without Kobe they would make the playoffs. Without Kobe the team has been flowing, the ball movement has been outstanding and the chemistry perfect. Kobe's return adds even more depth to the already deepest roster in the league. Now Meeks who has been a top 3 scorer for the Lakers and having a breakout season will come off the bench adding another weapon to the league's highest scoring bench. Some doubters believe the ball movement and chemistry will be ruined once Kobe comes back and he will take too many shots. However look at last season where the Mamba had a few games with 14 assists and ended with 6 assists per game the highest from any shooting guard.

Kobe coming up Clutch v Raptors

In fact I believe the ball movement will be improved and other players will find themselves with better looks than they have gotten this season. This will be instrumental for Shawne Williams who has yet to find his mark from 3 and should help Meeks, Young, Blake and Wes Johnson who are already having incredible seasons!

This team is still missing Nash and Farmar will be out until early January however I think they may be able to compete come playoff time. This team is eerily similar to the 08-09 team that beat Orlando in the Finals. Wes Johnson can hit the three ball and has proven early in the season to be an athletic defender just like Trevor Ariza was, Nash or Blake is an upgrade on Derek Fisher who only averaged 10 PPG and 3 APG. Steve Blake is orchestrating the offense better than D-Fish did however the Lakers did play the Triangle back then. Off the bench you have Meeks who is similar to Vujacic except Meeks can put the ball on the ground. Farmar and Nash as the two back up point guards are better than a younger Farmar in 09 and Shannon Brown who only averaged 3 PPG in season and 5 PPG in playoffs. Now they don't have a Lamar Odom coming off the bench however they have Nick Young, Shawne Williams and Chris Kaman. Jordan Hill and Sacre (Who is suprisingly playing well) are taking the spot of Bynum. Bynum only averaged 6 points and 3 rebounds in the playoffs of 09 so Hill/Sacre are actually an upgrade in terms of the stat sheet, and obviously there are two of them as opposed to one Bynum. Kobe and Pau would need to play at their respective levels and I believe both can. Pau will play better with Kobe and Kobe will continue being Kobe. D'antoni is a great coach he is receiving incredible amounts from his players, no one expected this team to be above 500. It is a long stretch to say the Lakers can win the championship this season but hey it's not impossible. And you can't deny this squad is eerily similar to the 09 squad but now they are deeper and more versatile.

The 08-09 Lakers and the 13-14 Lakers are very similar

Will Lakers make the playoffs and if so what seed? Do they have a shot at the ring if healthy?

Kobe Signs Two-Year Extension With Lakers

Kobe Bryant signed a two-year extension on his contract worth 48.5 million dollars, 23.5 in the first year and 25 in the second year making him still the highest paid player in the NBA

“This is a very happy day for Lakers fans and for the Lakers organization,” Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said in a statement released by the team. “We’ve said all along that our priority and hope was to have Kobe finish his career as a Laker, and this should ensure that happens. To play 20 years in the NBA, and to do so with the same team, is unprecedented, and quite an accomplishment. Most importantly however, it assures us that one of the best players in the world will remain a Laker, bringing us excellent play and excitement for years to come.”

The salary cap has been a big talking point of the Lakers as they don't have many other contracts for next season and were primed to make a big splash in Free Agency namely Carmelo Anthony and Lebron James. The Lakers still have enough money to offer a max contract next season but that would make it virtually impossible to keep Pau Gasol as he has stated he wont take a pay cut, also it would be hard to see how they keep Jordan Hill, Farmar, Steve Blake, Meeks, Kaman and Wes Johnson should they spend their remaining 22 million on a max contract.

This extension adds more questions about the Lakers' future now with many fans hoping Kobe would take a Tim Duncan or Kevin Garnett style pay cut and accept a 10-15 mill contract.
Kobe is all about winning but we have to wonder was this the best option for a ring? He will most likely be a Laker for life now unless he is traded down the road.