Is it just me, or is LeBron becoming more likable?

I've come to realize that due to the increasing media influence, how a lot of people perceive celebrities has a lot more to do with their own level of confidence moreso than the person themself. Just a theory of mine. I don't have a problem with LeBron personally. Everything I've read about him and his past and the way he treats people has always seemed relatable to me.

As for a player, I root for him. He is currently the personification of basketball excellence. I love the game more than any organization or player, so I feel like I'd be doing myself a disservice if I didn't.

I know this is a Pistons forum so I might be in the minority here, but is that a bad thing? Mauling players can easily be interpreted as just bad defense. If I can't stop you, I'm fouling you.

I personally hate the "league is soft" narrative. It seems like the same old tired generational critique that occurs in sports, music, life, etc. I just think the rules and the game changed. I don't believe basketball to be a contact sport. I don't think that viewpoint above reproach and not saying you are necessarily making the same argument, but this seems like the best place to elaborate on this belief. And I don't think we can just pick players in and out of eras without full context. It almost always conveniently forgets to bring up any of the negative effects of that era.

Jay does have a point though that maybe Jordan wouldn't do as well playing in this drive and kick era.

I do think it is easy to forget how good Jordan was also. People might forget how good #8 Kobe was also.

You're only thinking of lebron's offense. He's a great defender and would be a brick wall if he could grab and bang 80's style. Jordan at 218 lbs was a featherweight in comparison.

Well, not to MJ, Magic, etc....anyway, that's your view. I've just made mine.

Jordan beat M Kidd-Gilcrest in 1 on 1 @ 50 years old. Check his stats from when he supposedly disgraced himself by coming back with the Wiz.

Jordan beat Bobcats rookie in one-on-one; trainer believes legend could make comeback

LeBron is currently the best the NBA has to offer right now.
Kobe should carry his luggage.......

Interesting fact..........from a reliable source...........

In 2009, Forbes valued the Cavaliers at $476 million and the Heat at $364 million.
Four years later, they valued the Cavaliers at $434 million … and the Heat at $625 million. Gee, I wonder what changed.

Didn't like him the year our Pistons paved the way for his crowning in 2007, but afterwards I was cool with him. I like others hated the heat the first year of their three kings, but it was more about hating wade and riles, than Lebron. Was OK with him winning the titile last year, so that the media could get off his back. I would trade Stuckey, JJ, Max, Bynum , Villanueva and a draft pick for him any time

LeBron isn't a natural or pure 3-pt shooter which is what the Pistons need at SF so I don't know if he'd fit with Monroe and Drummond.

Has LeBron lived up to the hype yet? You've got to figure he's 98% of the way there at worst.

If Joe Johnson or Wade had a series like LeBron did when the Cavs lost to Orlando everyone would still be wondering how great they were. LeBron took a beating and not just for not shaking hands.

Anyone envision him as better than this when he first came about? Has he exceeded it? He's gotten better.

Colluding and shunning your home town (which was desperate for a championship) are contrbuting factors for his legion of haters. I don't hate him or his style of play, but would like him a lot better if he stayed with the cavs and recruited teammates there.

Dan Gilbert was never going to build a team around him for a Championship and thats a fact.

Lets not pretend that any superstar would have stayed there.

They were in the NBA Finals in his sophomore year. I don't see it being far fetched that he could have won a Championship there, especially if he would have been willing to forego salary and woo other players.

When you're that good, players will make a strategic decision to get on your bandwagon. Either way works out great for him obviously, but I just think he'd be a little more legendary and loved if he would have gone the loyal route and been the foundation instead of the hired gun.

They got there almost on entirely on his back. Dan Gilbert never would have given him the space or the players necessary to win a championship. And he wasn't being paid Kobe money either.

He still isn't being paid Kobe money. LeBron has made $30 million over the last 2 years. Kobe has made $50 million.