"I've never seen so many people be so happy to see an athlete fail more than LeBron” - Anthony Edwards

[bledredwine]

Exactly.

Also listen this. Its voice of people, who despise coward running away from problems to different team with superstars.

Watch on YouTube

You guys have a point, these are all very valid reasons to dislike the guy. I personally don’t disagree with any of them.

But I constantly see you two posting almost solely anti-LeBron screeds, to the point where I quite literally can’t remember another post from either of you that wasn’t either about LeBron or tangentially related to how much you dislike him and how much better Jordan was etc. You are constantly and I do mean obsessively attempting to convince people to join you in your deeply rooted dislike of him.

Additionally you both have him in your signature, the appendix to every single post you make on this forum, so in a sense you do literally talk about LeBron in every single post you’ve made (thousands for both of you) on this forum.

So clearly he means quite a lot to you, deeply affects you enough to have him in your signature, consistently talk about him, consistently bring up your dislike and hatred for him. What is so special about him exactly? How has he affected you so deeply?

I post about basketball. You're just seeing many Lebron posts because the fans could care less what I think about Jason Tatum. They're constantly quoting and giving lashback to valid opinions on Lebron posts specifically, which there are plenty of threads/posts on this forum- and to be honest? I find it amusing. If you see posts from me specifically mentioning him, it's for one of three reasons;

1. It is in a Lebron thread where I give my opinion
2. It is because I've been quoted by a fan or in a Lebron thread
3. It is a thread where Lebron is a very important example, and since
he's been this generation's greatest player, it makes sense that he'd have many mentions.
4. Gorilla in the room - I genuinely don't care much for today's NBA. It's mostly a bore until the playoffs, as far as I'm concerned.
I post about what I do know. I've lived through the past, I know plenty of stats regarding that comparison (I've had to, thanks to fans) and this is what drives his fans crazy.
When you see evidence that goes against your core belief about someone, it ticks you off much more than anything because
you don't want to accept it but yet there it is, in front of your face.

I can point out his free throw percentage, turnovers, his failures, etc which are all valid points. But this is precisely what will drive his fans crazy. They simply can't accept it and accept flaws. But if he's going to be compared as a GOAT candidate, they must get used to it.

If you go through my replies, you'll see that the above listed three points are true almost all the time.
I just looked at my "notifications" - nearly all are within this thread and "Is Jokic better than Lebron...." etc thread.

Now what I want to know is why you singled out Gregoire and I instead of the usual suspects who quote our posts and only attempt to be clever or throw insults without any valid points? That is what perpetuates this. I usually state my opinions respectfully until the ignorant replies start coming in.

I'd be willing to bet that you're on that side of the fence as well. We can't have double standards. I'm sick of his name as much as anyone, but I'm going to state my opinion every time and I have no issues going back or forth when needed. I basically practice this as a boxer anyway. Those posters will gain the maturity over time to realize that it's only a snowball effect at best.

On the bright side, realgm has improved significantly over the last couple of years when it comes to post quality.

This is specifically a Lebron thread. Let's not forget that either.

[Gregoire]

You could also add cherry-picking shots during his Miami days.

There are plenty of reason not to like him. I like fierce competition in sports. I'm a boxer, can't help it.
Lebron is the opposite of that and I don't like the example that he's set in free agency. It's been annoying seeing
other players bandwagon to opposing teams or even foes.

Exactly.

Also listen this. Its voice of people, who despise coward running away from problems to different team with superstars.

Watch on YouTube

You guys have a point, these are all very valid reasons to dislike the guy. I personally don’t disagree with any of them.

But I constantly see you two posting almost solely anti-LeBron screeds, to the point where I quite literally can’t remember another post from either of you that wasn’t either about LeBron or tangentially related to how much you dislike him and how much better Jordan was etc. You are constantly and I do mean obsessively attempting to convince people to join you in your deeply rooted dislike of him.

Additionally you both have him in your signature, the appendix to every single post you make on this forum, so in a sense you do literally talk about LeBron in every single post you’ve made (thousands for both of you) on this forum.

So clearly he means quite a lot to you, deeply affects you enough to have him in your signature, consistently talk about him, consistently bring up your dislike and hatred for him. What is so special about him exactly? How has he affected you so deeply?

LeBron fanboys are going through very difficult times now, I understand, their idol is not succeeding in ring-chasing and Ghost-chasing. Today it become clear that In the future Jokic and Wemby will be compared to MJ and LeBron will go to nihility and will only be remarkable by his really great longevity (like most of todays top-athletes: Messi, Cristiano, Nadal, Djok, Federer ect)

[Maf]

Well this one is tough. As much as I dislike LeBron... Ant´s quote? I am happier to see JoeL fail again again even more...

Back to LeBron- in this thread there were mentioned Jordan and Kobe. I didn´t like Kobe at all first. But as time went I started to really respect him and even cheer for him after achilles. LeBron? No. I still cannot stand him and never will.

[Stannis]

was Ant alive for this or is Lebron that old?

Watch on YouTube

This is why Lebron is hated, full stop. And he deserves it. He also deserves credit but how anyone can be confused for why he is disliked is just dumb.

LeBron as a heel was great though. Fun times for the NBA.

[Gregoire]

was Ant alive for this or is Lebron that old?

Watch on YouTube

This is why Lebron is hated, full stop. And he deserves it. He also deserves credit but how anyone can be confused for why he is disliked is just dumb.

Not 1, not 2, ... not 7... 8!!!

Watch on YouTube

[cornchip]

Even though I prefer the NBA, one of the things that makes the NFL better is that it does not have fans who are so invested in tearing down legendary football players. NBA fanboys, though, get oxygen from taking shots at dudes who have brought excellence to the sport of basketball. One of the commentators in this thread actually referred to LeBron fans as a cult without realizing the even greater cult are the zealot LeBron detractors.

With the NFL part, it's moreso the teams than the individual player. Brady, Belichick, and the Patriots have gotten just as much hate as Lebron the past 25 or so years. The Dallas Cowboys always get a massive amount of hate. If you're of a certain age, you remember Al Davis and the Raiders being absolutely despised on a level way more genuine than the Lebron hate.

That said, I believe most of this is harmless sports hate which is what makes sports so fun.

The Patriots are the closest parallel to Lebron imo. In many respects, they were a model organization on and off the field. As much as you hated the Patriots, when they won, it always felt justified. Same thing with Lebron.

I actually think this is what makes a perfect "sports" villain. Unlikeable around their sport but not too morally corrupt. They have advantages and work hard so when they win, it's not like true evil prevailed in any real sense.

[OrlChamps2030]

It feels like in the US during the internet age, the top guy is always hated on. People love underdogs and also social media has become a megaphone for contrarians. Having confidence or ego puts an even bigger target on your back.

Brady - They called him a system QB or game manager. As a Patriot he was a strong GOAT contender, and was more successful than many Franchises as a whole. Everyone rooted against the Pats. He then changed teams and won a super bowl at 44 becoming the undisputed GOAT.

Floyd - People complained that he cherry picked and his fights were boring. Didn’t lose a round against Canelo, cruised to an easy decision against Manny, and earned 3.5 million per minute against McGregor without breaking a sweat. He became the richest athlete in the world because people wanted to see him lose so bad. Retired undefeated.

Lebron - High school phenom with the most hype EVER for a NBA prospect. He was anointed as the chosen one. Anything less than stardom would be failure.. and somehow he exceeded those expectations. Rings with 3 different franchises. Took down the team with the best record of all time in the finals. Currently playing at an unprecedented level this late into his career. No one’s legacy comes close to LeBron in the post-Jordan era.

Some political and other socioeconomic reasons may also play into the “hate” for some of the above. Having high levels of self confidence and ego is definitely a factor too.

I can’t think of an American athlete in the modern/internet era that have accomplished as much as Lebron/Brady/Floyd.. possibly Tiger, but I’m thinking more post-2010.

Mahomes is in contention to reach the same level as LeBron/Brady/Floyd and it seems like the tides of public perception have begun to turn on him as well.

Appreciate greatness folks

[Kingdibs19]

Even though I prefer the NBA, one of the things that makes the NFL better is that it does not have fans who are so invested in tearing down legendary football players. NBA fanboys, though, get oxygen from taking shots at dudes who have brought excellence to the sport of basketball. One of the commentators in this thread actually referred to LeBron fans as a cult without realizing the even greater cult are the zealot LeBron detractors.

But if we are going to play this game of taking shots (at times personal.ones)at legit great NBA guys then let me go all in. I keep reading comments in this thread of people explaining their dislike of LeBron because of his so-called actions or behavior, often without providing context. Okay. Let me talk about Michael Jordan. With context.

Even though I am a much bigger fan of LeBron, there is no doubt that Jordan is the GOAT. I am old enough to have been around to watch Jordan during his prime and while there are elements of LeBron's game that are superior (passing, rebounding, seeing the whole court, involving his teammates more) and while his longevity as an elite-like productive player far exceeds Jordan's, MJ was such a dominant terror on the court and had such a superior post season track record that he deserves top billing on the greatest NBA list. Kareem may be second although he was before my time.

That said there were things I did not care for regarding Jordan. He belittled other players and belittled other coaches routinely. He and his teammates and coaches on the Bulls commonly used the press to deride lesser opponents. The equivalent would be if LeBron James and his Heat teammates had chosen to disparage , say, Roy Hibbert in between games of playoff series involving the Pacers and Heat. Like a high school jock king, if you were not part of his clique MJ could be ruthless to you, even if you were a member or staff of his own team. Its one thing to put a fire under your teammates, its quite another thing to be an a-hole. The way MJ treated a guy like Bill Cartwright was uncalled for, it was the act of a bully picking on the weakest guy in the room. The extent of how MJ would go to be derisive of his general manager Jerry Krause was crass and FAR WORST than what modern NBA get chewed out for doing to their coaches and their gms. Krause had his faults but Jordan made it personal to the extent of making fun of Krause's physical appearance. That was uncalled for and childish. He would do this through the media of which a dozen or so of Jordan worshippers (like Michael Wilbon) would always do his dirty work and spread the gospel; if Jordan had a problem with someone than they too would have a problem with that same person and go ahead to deride that individual in their columns and writeups. Krause is dead and gone but Jordan still couldn't stop himself from taking shots at the deceased in his ESPN doc series. Per usual Jordan made himself the victim.

That's another annoying thing about Jordan : his never-ending grudges. I understand using slights as motivation, but MJ could never let it go. You would think I. Thomas had had an affair with Jordan's wife considering the beef Jordan still has with him. Even worse was how Jordan's persecution complex led him to conjuring up slights against him in order to take it out on a particular player, even if that other player never disrespected him.

The media protected Jordan. The media tended to overlook or excuse his faults and occasional bad behavior. Wearing the flag over the Team USA uniform during the awarding of the gold medal in the 1992 Olympics in order to hide the insignia of a rival competitor to Nike? Could you imagine the pushback against LeBron if he had made a similar "business decision" in the midst of representing his country? Jordan was cheating on his wife with porn stars but only the celeb gossip media covered that. Jordan was a semi gambling addict who likely crossed paths with some shady characters when he fed that hunger. I do not believe the conspiracy theories that 1)Jordan's father was murdered in retaliation by men whom Jordan owed money to or 2)that Jordan retired because David Stern told him it was either that or him suspending Jordan over his gambling pursuits. But can you imagine how LeBron haters would go wild with theories and speculations if LeBron was in a similar circumstance?

And while some profess to prefer celebs who do not discuss political issues, Jordan was a downright coward when it came to addressing ANYTHING. Also from my perspective of rooting against MJ's Bulls throughout their great run, Jordan complained to refs way too often when not getting a favorable call. It didn't matter that he would get the benefit of the doubt 4 out of 5 times from refs, he could come across as being entitled as he frowned and walk over to a ref to talk with him if the refs blew the whistle on him. Jordan was in fact the first NBA star I heard fans cry about ( on sports talk radio) getting preferential treatment. That type of whining by NBA fans is all the rage now but the Jordan era introduced it.

Lets move on to Kobe. There are some great books and reporting out there that portray how Kobe was even a greater terror to his teammates, but in Kobe's case he did it from the jump. After coming directly out of high school! For his first six or so years he was more hated by his teammates than beloved by them. He intentionally isolated himself from doing any personal things with them offcourt. He came into the league with a diva complex, making a stance he would only accept being drafted by a small number of teams. Was that not arrogant? Shaq obviously was bad at staying in shape, but Kobe may be the only teammate that he despised for a prolonged time. Shaq may be revisionist about it now following Kobe's death, but there is too much reporting out there to deny this. Phil Jackson had to step away and take a break from coaching the Lakers because of issues he had with Kobe. Period. He eventually came back and the two of them put their differences aside. That does not change the fact that Kobe's personality and behavior rubbed him the wrong way.

Kobe was widely reported by LA journalists as being an extremely critical of and often petulant towards the Lakers front office. He held the threat of leaving the franchise over them pretty often. After getting his way with Shaq leaving, Kobe blamed the Lakers inability to make the playoffs on the Lakers management. When they brought back Phil Jackson but Kobe could not get the Lakers past the first round for multiple years, Kobe once more went on a tangent demanding better teammates if the Lakers wanted to keep him. Is this not the same thing people fault LeBron for?

Kobe had the benefit of being raised in an upperclass household by loving parents but ended up cutting ties to his entire family and abandoning them. This all began because they had doubts about Kobe's relationship and later marriage to his teen bride, Vanessa. I get how that would rub Kobe wrong but they were still his parents and to be perfectly frank based on what Kobe did that almost led to the end of marriage suggests his folks may have been on to something about his maturity. More on that later. I have heard that Kobe left nothing to his parents in his will. Have not confirmed this but if so that demonstrates a hell of a grudge. Personally I do tend to judge people by how they treat their kin, unless those kin were awful human beings.

Kobe was highly intelligent and professional. He was a true student of the game. Yet he still played too much Hero Ball. He was an inefficient version of Jordan, jacking up shots as he chased points. Never understood why fans found that fun to watch. Nonetheless I looked forward to Kobe's post-basketball career from a business perspective. He seemed on the verge of building a credible entertainment empire. However what I did not care for were his side gigs coaching up girl basketball way teams. That one report of Kobe deriding preteen girls for a losing performance as if he thought he was some drill instructor chewing out his marine recruits was so in character for Kobe. Others saw that as Mamba Mentality and used that view to excuse Kobe, as they had throughout his career when dealing with his teammates. I however saw that as a bit psychotic and another example of Kobe not grasping context.

However nothing tarnishes Kobe's legacy like Colorado. Tell me what other NBA star ended up stupidly inflicting so much damage to himself, what other star did something so morally reprehensible? At the very least he had an affair with a 19 year old member of a hotel staff. At the very worst he raped her. The fact that the young lady refused to testify in court means next to nothing. People should check out Thomas Boswell's reporting on the case and what Kobe and his army of lawyers did to make this lady's life miserable. There was a civil suit settlement in which Kobe had to give up loads of cash. And then everyone got collective amnesia. Fans. Media. The league. Everyone just pretended nothing ever happened and Kobe was mainly able to retain status as a good guy who was a great face for the NBA.

Why did I write all of this? I am taking aim at the hypocrisy that many in this thread have spread when theorizing that LeBron is widely hated because of his actions, his conduct, his behavior. What did LeBron do that was any worse than what MJ and Kobe did? Actually what did he do that comes close to the actions of those two guys? The answer is "nothing". So why is there more derision towards LeBron? The hate he gets says more about the people who personally dislike him than it says about him.

Yup. The hypocrisy is crazy. So many folks here saying Lebron is a horrible person when’s he’s punched 0 teammates, built a school and given back to the community, and always been a great family man with 0 scandals. The worst they come up with is “The Decision” which also donated the most money ever to the Boys & Girls club of America or things they said at a literal Miami Heat pep rally 14 years ago.

[ShootersShoot]

I think people dont respect mercenary type players..thays why many like seeing KD lose playing with all these perennial all stars. I had no issues with bron going to miami. I wanted to see him in a title contending situation. It was just those 4 year stints with the next two teams that irked me..like build sonething man..dont just leave once the going gets tough.

[toodarkmark]

Anti-Lebron hatred is a form of mental illness. A top 2 or 3 player all time, a good human being, and completely hated on by loser do nothings on the internet. It's a reflection of our low truth society.

[Kilroy]

Kobe fans are like... "SOFT!"

[ShootersShoot]

Anti-Lebron hatred is a form of mental illness. A top 2 or 3 player all time, a good human being, and completely hated on by loser do nothings on the internet. It's a reflection of our low truth society.

At the same time, do people have to like him or root for him? I dont hate the guy, but he has made some off putting comments, the decision and flamboyant flopping throughout the years as well..like he just isnt a likeable person to me. Doesnt mean i wish him unwell or harm. I would congratulate him for a wonderful career if I ever had an opportunity to speak with him.. but fans are entitled to not like a player. And I dont think its weird to not like a person even though they are famous and elite at their craft or just because he has a clean criminal record

Have yall really never not liked someone even though they have never committed a crime or never punched anybody? By your logic, we should all like every nba player that has never done a crime and has donated money? What an ignorant mindset

[Marrrcuss]

Kobe fans are like... "SOFT!"

As a huge Kobe fan, the revisionist history surrounding him is crazy.

On top of that, there are those who hated him till her died and then tried to act like they have been fans as he is the lesser of evils for MJ fans.

[bledredwine]

Keep in mind that Jokic is not being hated on much and gets far more praise. The right type of mindset and actions warrant this.

[Kingdibs19]

Anti-Lebron hatred is a form of mental illness. A top 2 or 3 player all time, a good human being, and completely hated on by loser do nothings on the internet. It's a reflection of our low truth society.

But he’s a cocky narcissist! Just pretending Kobe and MJ and every other top 10 player not named Duncan isn’t.

[toodarkmark]

Anti-Lebron hatred is a form of mental illness. A top 2 or 3 player all time, a good human being, and completely hated on by loser do nothings on the internet. It's a reflection of our low truth society.

At the same time, do people have to like him or root for him? I dont hate the guy, but he has made some off putting comments, the decision and flamboyant flopping throughout the years as well..like he just isnt a likeable person to me. Doesnt mean i wish him unwell or harm. I would congratulate him for a wonderful career if I ever had an opportunity to speak with him.. but fans are entitled to not like a player. And I dont think its weird to not like a person just because they are famous and elite at their craft.

You really think you're talking about reasonable dislike? He isn't disliked, he's reviled, and all he ever did was make off putting comments, flop, and say he wants to win alot of championships? That's enough to make people HATE him? Ant Man gets it. He sees how pathetic the internet is when it comes to Lebron. I'll say it again, it's a form of mental illness. I see it on here and twitter a lot. It borders on racial or political hatred.

[ShootersShoot]

Anti-Lebron hatred is a form of mental illness. A top 2 or 3 player all time, a good human being, and completely hated on by loser do nothings on the internet. It's a reflection of our low truth society.

At the same time, do people have to like him or root for him? I dont hate the guy, but he has made some off putting comments, the decision and flamboyant flopping throughout the years as well..like he just isnt a likeable person to me. Doesnt mean i wish him unwell or harm. I would congratulate him for a wonderful career if I ever had an opportunity to speak with him.. but fans are entitled to not like a player. And I dont think its weird to not like a person just because they are famous and elite at their craft.

You really think you're talking about reasonable dislike? He isn't disliked, he's reviled, and all he ever did was make off putting comments, flop, and say he wants to win alot of championships? That's enough to make people HATE him? Ant Man gets it. He sees how pathetic the internet is when it comes to Lebron. I'll say it again, it's a form of mental illness. I see it on here and twitter a lot. It borders on the racial or political hatred.

Yea that I agree with..some people here need to chill. Not just on bron but other players.

[52-12-7]

Anti-Lebron hatred is a form of mental illness. A top 2 or 3 player all time, a good human being, and completely hated on by loser do nothings on the internet. It's a reflection of our low truth society.

At the same time, do people have to like him or root for him? I dont hate the guy, but he has made some off putting comments, the decision and flamboyant flopping throughout the years as well..like he just isnt a likeable person to me. Doesnt mean i wish him unwell or harm. I would congratulate him for a wonderful career if I ever had an opportunity to speak with him.. but fans are entitled to not like a player. And I dont think its weird to not like a person just because they are famous and elite at their craft.

You really think you're talking about reasonable dislike? He isn't disliked, he's reviled, and all he ever did was make off putting comments, flop, and say he wants to win alot of championships? That's enough to make people HATE him? Ant Man gets it. He sees how pathetic the internet is when it comes to Lebron. I'll say it again, it's a form of mental illness. I see it on here and twitter a lot. It borders on racial or political hatred.

You know what's not reasonable? Logic like yours only applies when it comes to hating Lebron. There are ton's of Embiid slander threads on GB right now, but not one of you white knights here cry on any of those threads. It's only you irrational lebron fans that cry foul and label everyone "a hater" if they don't like your idol. It's seriously a cult.

[ScrantonBulls]

You could also add cherry-picking shots during his Miami days.

There are plenty of reason not to like him. I like fierce competition in sports. I'm a boxer, can't help it.
Lebron is the opposite of that and I don't like the example that he's set in free agency. It's been annoying seeing
other players bandwagon to opposing teams or even foes.

Exactly.

Also listen this. Its voice of people, who despise coward running away from problems to different team with superstars.

Watch on YouTube

You guys have a point, these are all very valid reasons to dislike the guy. I personally don’t disagree with any of them.

But I constantly see you two posting almost solely anti-LeBron screeds, to the point where I quite literally can’t remember another post from either of you that wasn’t either about LeBron or tangentially related to how much you dislike him and how much better Jordan was etc. You are constantly and I do mean obsessively attempting to convince people to join you in your deeply rooted dislike of him.

Additionally you both have him in your signature, the appendix to every single post you make on this forum, so in a sense you do literally talk about LeBron in every single post you’ve made (thousands for both of you) on this forum.

So clearly he means quite a lot to you, deeply affects you enough to have him in your signature, consistently talk about him, consistently bring up your dislike and hatred for him. What is so special about him exactly? How has he affected you so deeply?

I've wondered the same thing. It's a borderline clinical obsession with them.

[ScrantonBulls]

At the same time, do people have to like him or root for him? I dont hate the guy, but he has made some off putting comments, the decision and flamboyant flopping throughout the years as well..like he just isnt a likeable person to me. Doesnt mean i wish him unwell or harm. I would congratulate him for a wonderful career if I ever had an opportunity to speak with him.. but fans are entitled to not like a player. And I dont think its weird to not like a person just because they are famous and elite at their craft.

You really think you're talking about reasonable dislike? He isn't disliked, he's reviled, and all he ever did was make off putting comments, flop, and say he wants to win alot of championships? That's enough to make people HATE him? Ant Man gets it. He sees how pathetic the internet is when it comes to Lebron. I'll say it again, it's a form of mental illness. I see it on here and twitter a lot. It borders on racial or political hatred.

You know what's not reasonable? Logic like yours only applies when it comes to hating Lebron. There are ton's of Embiid slander threads on GB right now, but not one of you white knights here cry on any of those threads. It's only you irrational lebron fans that cry foul and label everyone "a hater" if they don't like your idol. It's seriously a cult.

It's not even close to the same. You have many accounts that are basically dedicated to hating him here. You have people that hate him for nicknames he was given and a tattoo he got at 17, for saying he will win a bunch of champions when he was 26. Joel has his irrational haters for sure, but the LeBron haters are on another level. It's clinical.

Look at all the deranged posts on here from people that despise him. Lol at you calling the people defending him "cultists". That's rich.