Lebron James signed with Philly for a paltry 8 mill over 2 years. Does this SACRIFICE win him a fifth ring?

[ChiTown33]

I think King James may have just written his epitaph if Philly doesn't win a ring in his tenure with them.

Nobody should be expecting Lebron to carry the league in his 40's (even mike didn't do that) and to be fair Mike took a massive paycut when he suited up for the Wizards. But one cannot help but wonder if Lebron is desperate to catch Kobe let alone Mike.

The secret weapon Bronny james also was traded to the Sixers.😂

[AI Opinion]

LeBron to Philly on that tiny deal is a huge narrative play, but it doesn’t guarantee a ring at all. 🏀

At his age, he’s more elite playmaker than franchise carrier. It all depends on how Embiid’s health holds up, Maxey’s continued growth, coaching, and role players.

If they stay healthy, they’re legit contenders. If not, it hurts his legacy talk more than it helps.

[abc3643]

He needs to go away. He's not the GOAT and nothing he ever does will ever change that.

[ChiTown33]

You look at his numbers to Mikes in their 40's and they're very comparable. Granted Mike actually had to face defense before the NBA began to outlaw it starting in 2004.

I don't begrudge James to keep playing if he wants to, and a team wants him.
I just don't get why he thinks Philly is his golden ticket back to the finals. Will Embiid finally stay healthy now? Or will they end playing a combined 30 games together?🤷‍♂️

[abc3643]

LeBron is not the GOAT. Any serious basketball fan knows this. Especially any serious basketball fan old enough to remember seeing Jordan play live.

Remember these moments... if you can...

(more)

[abc3643]

TITLE: Top NBA Finals moments: LeBron James cramps up, exits Game 1 of 2014 NBA Finals
SUBTITLE: With LeBron unable to play in the final 3:59 because of severe cramps, the Spurs finish on 31-9 run to win the opening game of The Finals.
www.nba.com/.../history-finals-moments-lebron-cramps-up-2014

TITLE: Top NBA Finals moments: Michael Jordan's flu game in 1997 Finals
SUBTITLE: In Game 5 of the 1997 Finals, a flu-stricken Michael Jordan willed the Bulls to a win against the Jazz.
www.nba.com/.../history-finals-moments-jordan-flu-game-1997

The Game: 2014 Finals, Game 1

The Series Situation: San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat tied, 0-0

The Play: In the middle of Game 1 of The Finals, the air conditioning at the AT&T Center gave out. The temperature rose and LeBron James was the player most affected. Suffering from cramps, James was subbed out multiple times in the second half, leaving the game for good with 3:59 left in the fourth quarter and the Heat within two. The Spurs finished the game on a 31-9 run, including a 16-3 stretch after James sat down.

The Significance: Historically, James’ cramps meant absolutely nothing. The Spurs were going to win this series no matter how he felt at the end of Game 1. They lost Game 2, but destroyed the Heat in Games 3, 4 and 5, finishing with the best point differential (plus-70) in Finals history and putting on the most beautiful display of team basketball that we’ve ever seen. If there was some significance to the last nine minutes of Game 1, it was about how potent an unselfish offense could be. San Antonio scored 30 points on their final 14 possessions of the game, shooting 12-for-14 and assist on 10 of the 12 buckets.

James’ cramping had little to do with that and was a distracting narrative for some to talk about for the next couple of days. Maybe they’ll bring it up again when it’s time to discuss his “legacy” and how many Finals he lost.

— John Schuhmann

(more)

[abc3643]

TITLE: Top NBA Finals moments: Michael Jordan's flu game in 1997 Finals
SUBTITLE: In Game 5 of the 1997 Finals, a flu-stricken Michael Jordan willed the Bulls to a win against the Jazz.
www.nba.com/.../history-finals-moments-jordan-flu-game-1997

The Game: 1997 Finals, Game 5

The Series Situation: Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz tied, 2-2

The Play: So sick and suffering from flu-like symptoms that at times he staggered, a dehydrated and exhausted Michael Jordan wills himself to 38 points against the Utah Jazz in a pivotal Game 5, adding to the his legend as a clutch performer and relentless competitor.

The Significance: By 1997, there weren’t many ways for Jordan to be considered an underdog. But playing through illness — food poisoning or a sudden and severe virus had seized him between Games 4 and 5 in Salt Lake City, Utah — did add a new chapter to his legend.

Lacking energy, the Bulls’ future Hall of Famer looked lost in the first quarter, then scored 17 points in the second. He struggled in the third, then flickered on in the fourth to score seven points during a 10-0 run that erased Utah’s 77-69 lead. His 3-pointer in the final half minute gave Chicago a lead it did not lose, setting up the famous video clip of teammate Scottie Pippen helping his rag-doll pal off the floor.

“Probably the most difficult thing I’ve ever done,” Jordan said afterward. “I almost played myself into passing out just to win a basketball game.” Not just any game, though — a Finals game. Said Bulls coach Phil Jackson: “This was a heroic effort, one to add to the collection of efforts that make up his legend.”

— Steve Aschburner

=======
That's the difference between Jordan and LeBron.
Jordan's teams in finals: 6-0
LeBron's teams in finals: 4-6

[LiamJHayden]

Does it matter? He is chasing Michael Jordan's six ( the other 30 some players with more led by Bill Russell with 11 are out of reach). But again, but seeking a super team. The players who won more did not team shop.

[Jmmmfi4]

Don't care