LeBron James: ‘I’m the best player in the world’
LeBron James has never been one to shy away from self-promotion, and he says he isn’t worried about his Cleveland Cavaliers falling behind the Golden State Warriors 3-2 in the best-of-seven NBA Finals.
“I feel confident because I’m the best player in the world,’’ James told reporters after Game 5 Sunday. “I know I’m shouldering a lot of the burden, but it is what it is.’’
James’ play in these playoffs has reaffirmed his place among the best players in NBA history. Carrying the injury-depleted Cavaliers on his back in his first season since returning to his hometown team, there’s a chance James will be awarded the NBA Finals MVP even if the Warriors are the victors. That’s happened just once before, in 1969, when Jerry West won despite his Lakers losing in seven games to the Boston Celtics.
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These Celtics made five straight Finals before LeBron did
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James is averaging 36.6 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game in the Finals. Never has he been so dominant on such a big stage, but his ability to focus the spotlight on himself is a recurring sore spot for his critics.
LeBron’s detractors often cite his televised “Decision’’ announcement in 2010 as a source of their disdain.
“I will be taking my talents to South Beach,’’ became a line LeBron could not escape, and his Miami Heat teams played the role of NBA villain in most fan circles. Upon his return to Cleveland in 2014, the man with “Chosen 1’’ tattooed on his back began to win some haters back.
Whether those people will eventually turn again on the man who calls himself “The King’’ remains to be seen.
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