Since last year’s final series against Dallas, Lebron has not only failed to perform to the best of his ability, and lost his chance at becoming an NBA champion, but has managed to endure another season of being ridiculed by NBA fans.
For the duration of the regular season the ‘King’ has been criticised and mocked for not only his receding hairline, but for the fact that he has no fourth quarter, no clutch and no rings.
For anyone who has watched this season, it is quite obvious that Lebron James has continued to prove himself as one of the best players currently in the NBA.
However, by looking at his recent fourth-quarter performances it appears James hasn’t learnt from last year’s mistakes; he continues to choke when the game is on the line.
For instance in Miami’s recent loss to Memphis, Lebron had 21 points for the game, however only two points in the fourth.
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In another recent loss to the Bulls, Lebron had 25 points for the game and again only two in the fourth.
But most importantly, who could forget when the Heat took on the Jazz last month in a thrilling one-point game.
Lebron had 35 points for the game, 17 in the fourth quarter alone. With the game on the line, and his team down by one with 45 seconds to play, Lebron decided to pass the ball to Udonis Haslem (who may I add had just 4 points for the game) for the final shot!
Anyone who was watching that game would have been thinking the exact same thing; what was going through Lebron’s head?
These crucial fourth-quarter decisions by James are the ones that are going to cost him another championship.
If you are one of the best players in the game, if not the best, you do not pass up a game-winning shot in a situation like that.
Kobe Bryant would have never in a million years passed up that shot. If the game is on the line Kobe has the ball and takes it to the hole.
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When the Lakers took on the Hornets earlier this season Kobe was shooting a shocking 3-21 from the field.
When the fourth quarter came, however, and the game was on the line, who still sunk the game winning three? That’s right, Kobe.
Some may criticise Kobe for his lack of teamwork, however if you ask any player to guard Kobe in the fourth their knees are going to be shaking.
In the fourth quarter, he is hands down the most dangerous player in the NBA, which could possibly explain his five championship rings.
Although being a Lakers fan myself, I want nothing more than to see Lebron finally get a championship.
With that being said, this will not happen unless he delivers in the fourth quarter of every playoff game.
And at the moment that does not look like a realistic prospect.