Tag Archives: LeBron James

Phil Jackson & LeBron James’ ‘Posse’

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It’s official ladies and gentlemen of this nation: Political correctness has run amuck in this country thanks to people like LeBron James. I often pondered why out of all the celebrities or stars in Hollywood, why on earth did Hillary Clinton need people like LeBron James? Jay-Z? or Beyoncé? Sure she wanted to collect the so-called much needed “black vote” by assuring dual continent Negroes aka African-Americans, that she has their very best interest at heart (if you believe this then you’re nuts). Clinton selects these prized entertainers because when in doubt, she can always spout elements of victimhood and spout (more like pout) cries of racism (even though Clinton is on record praising friend & mentor former KKK member, Robert Byrd). Many black folks have been manipulated and bamboozled into thinking one political party i.e. the Democrats, actually cares about the well-being of the dual Negro and that the other party–the Republicans–are fully of overt racists (which to a degree I will concur) and any black person voting for or affiliated with the GOP is a sell-out (like Ben Carson).  Still, in the case of LeBron James and other athletes and entertainers of the sort who openly supported Clinton, maybe they was forced, coerced, or was a made an offer they can’t refuse?

In case you haven’t heard, the reigning NBA Finals champion James needed his “safe space” in front of reporters yesterday venting his disgust regarding comments made by Knicks President, Phil Jackson. The comment, in particular, had to do with Jackson’s use of the word ‘posse’ Jackson used to describe LeBron’s entourage during an interview with Jackie MacMullen of Espn:

“When LeBron was playing with the Heat, they went to Cleveland and he wanted to spend the night. They don’t do overnights. Teams just don’t. So now (coach Erik) Spoelstra has to text Riley and say, ‘What do I do in this situation?’ And Pat, who has iron-fist rules, answers, ‘You are on the plane, you are with this team.’ You can’t hold up the whole team because you and your mom and your posse want to spend an extra night in Cleveland…”

Not only did the word ‘posse’ infuriate James as he thought the word and Jackson’s comment had a significant racial overtone, it made LeBron’s friend and business partner, Maverick Carter, especially uneasy as he took it as a shot at African-Americans (dual Negroes):

“”I don’t care that he talks about LeBron,” Maverick Carter told ESPN.com. “He could say he’s not that good or the greatest in the world as a basketball player. I wouldn’t care. It’s the word ‘posse’ and the characterization I take offense to. If he would have said LeBron and his agent, LeBron and his business partners or LeBron and his friends, that’s one thing. Yet because you’re young and black, he can use that word. We’re grown men.”

While I understand Jackson probably was taking a small, cheap, gratuitous shot at the 4-time league MVP James; however, James must understand that as a African-American he has already won. This posse comment should only legitimize James as not only a walking ambassador being its preeminent face of the league, but a business model and a blueprint to future athletes who turn their ‘posse’s’ into more than just hanger-on’s, loan-leeches, and tear the club up buddies. LeBron’s “boy’s” have secured an economic future that will surpass the King’s playing days through various investments, deals, and projects through a promising multi-media production company. Not to mention, another one of his childhood friends and acute business partners, Rich Paul, runs a highly touted sports agency called Klucth Sports, which not only represents the “King” but also slew of other NBA talent including this year’s number one draft pick Ben Simmons.

 

 

Be that as it may, still, I disagree with LeBron’s over reaction to Phil Jackson’s remark and turning it into another plight that African-Americans have to struggle to overcome. Even though Maverick Carter voiced in a tweet that he wasn’t calling Jackson a “racist”, yet both Carter and James are implying race in their sentiments. Moreover, leave it to the progressive minions at Espn to make this into something incendiary or egregious towards James and black athletes in general, AND, you can only disagree with the posse remark if you’re white pundit because if you’re black pundit, you’re a sell-out. But I guess the LeBron’s, the Beyonce’s, the Jay-Z’s, the Mary J’s, of the world that endorsed Hillary Clinton, all of a sudden makes you ‘black’? Also, how much you wanna bet the same people who were upset with James just over a year ago about “your Highness” lack of support for or political involvement in the death of Tamir Rice, are the same one’s clamoring to his defense now? Utter nonsense I tell you.

LeBron, you and your team is winning; keep it up.

Peace and love y’all!

Did Kevin Durant Pull A LeBron James Move to the Warriors?

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In perhaps one of the biggest and most shocking free agent signings in the history of the NBA, former league MVP Kevin Durant agrees to a two-year $54.3 million contract (with a player option, of course) with 2015 NBA Champion, the Golden State Warriors. Durant was everything ‘independent’ once he became free agent just days ago, but when the most sought out off-season talent made his LeBron esk decision today, there was nothing but fireworks on social media which drew nationwide attention. In a letter written by Durant entitled “My Next Chapter” which appeared on the Players’ Tribune, a mature Durant states he “understood cognitively what he was facing” at this stage of his life:

“The primary mandate I had for myself in making this decision was to have it based on the potential for my growth as a player — as that has always steered me in the right direction. But I am also at a point in my life where it is of equal importance to find an opportunity that encourages my evolution as a man: moving out of my comfort zone to a new city and community which offers the greatest potential for my contribution and personal growth…’’(http://www.theplayerstribune.com/kevin-durant-nba-free-agency-announcement/)

Although Durant goes on in the letter to vocalize how dearly he will miss those indispensable relationships he established in Oklahoma City, the 9-year veteran poignantly gets to the overall reason his departure:

“It really pains me to know that I will disappoint so many people with this choice, but I believe I am doing what I feel is the right thing at this point in my life and my playing career.”

As touching as this letter comes across, I just like many other NBA fans and critics was taken aback—and dismissively ticked-off—by Kevin’s decision to do the ole can’t beat em, join em with the Golden State Warriors. As if these here today gone tomorrow NBA contracts wasn’t bad enough, Durant opted to join the Warriors who compiled a 73-9 regular season record; and was the same team his Thunder pushed to a pivotal game seven of the Western Conference Finals. But I guess that’s what we’ve should have expected in this ‘new era’ NBA. Even though Durant’s loyalty to the Thunder persisted nine NBA seasons, it seemed like Durant is more concerned about not having an asterisk in his career notes which would denote him not winning a championship.

While I certainly understand how Durant may feel about the possibility of the leagues most coveted prize eluding him one day; but in this situation I feel he just totally overreacted. It’s not like I’m saying he’s wrong for exploring the market and meeting with other NBA teams. However, the operative word is OTHER teams such as Miami, Boston, San Antonio, and his hometown of Washington would have loved to see Kevin turn their franchises into a possible league powerhouse; but that didn’t happen. Instead, ‘Durantula’ will be aligning himself in sort of a contributor role (in my opinion) to an otherwise cohesive, fluid, unselfish offense of the Warriors. Though their defense will continue to be a question mark, offensively the “Splash Family” with Curry, Thompson, Green and KD, they should be the best scoring team in the sport. Just the mere thought of it has many avid fans drooling.

I wonder if King James is giving Durant the proverbial side eye because it was Durant who in 2010 sent a tweet about James joining the Heat to form the “Big Three.” In fact, it was that very same “Big Three” starring James, D-Wade, and Chris Bosh, who would eliminate KD and company in the 2012 NBA Finals. So is KD simply following in James’ footsteps in what could be the new wave of NBA superiors opting out of their contracts to form elite squads? Well LeBron went back to Cleveland where Kyrie and Kevin awaited. Meanwhile, Durant is traveling west to make some new friends in the Bay Area. Just remember this day and don’t be surprised if you start seeing the Chris Paul’s, the Paul George’s, heck even the Brian Westbrook’s of the league opt out their contracts just to devise another player conglomerate. If this does catch on (and I think it will), you better pray those young NBA draft hopefuls begin a basketball renaissance of talent; because those other teams are certainly going to need it.