LeBron James’ Reputation
LeBron James has been getting hammered by fans following the worst performance of his playoff career in Game 4 against the Dallas Mavericks. What's an accurate, non-emotional assessment of LeBron's reputation as an NBA player?
LeBron James is the epitome of a "what have you done for me lately" athlete. When LeBron plays well and his team wins, he's unbelievable. When LeBron plays badly and his team loses, he's a bum. The truth is that the range is not nearly as wide as it sounds.
LeBron isn't the greatest or the worst ever. He's a great player who inexplicably shrinks in big games like Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Mavericks. We tend to overstate LeBron's greatness or his shortcomings based on what we saw him do last. I don't think much will change based on how LeBron finishes the 2011 NBA Finals. People will react strongly whether he plays well or plays badly.