Wishing for the old LeBron

With all the flak he has received since making that magical run to the Finals in 2007, it is very easy to forget just how dominant LeBron James can be not just for three quarters, but mostly in the fourth. But somehow, it is James himself who has forced the public to view him as a 75-cent kind of guy. You know, missing a quarter to make a dollar.

AP photo

But enough of the jokes and zingers that I like to throw his way (as if it affects him). LeBron has to find that 2007 version of his. Does anyone even remember that? That was my first year in college. Man. Sure, he got LeBroomed out of the Finals by the Spurs. But that’s the Spurs and who was LBJ’s most potent sidekick? Oh, it was Delonte West (I know what is going to come next), who has been pretty pserviceable wherever he went, him being the Cavs most consistent playoffs performer. Many people forget what LeBron did for the Cavs that 2006-2007 season. If he is a statistical beast this year, by Jove he was a monster back then. Much more potent I say than having to share with two stars.

See, I worshipped ‘Bron after that ’07 run. He was what people wanted him to be: a closer. A hero who can tow his team by his will. The best of that LBJ show? It was his annihilation of the then tough-as-nails Detroit Pistons. The year before that, they got ousted by the Bad Boys II of Motown in the second round. The year after? He practically kicked the Pistons out just by bullying his way to the paint. Tayshaun Prince was not horrible in defending him, it was just that, LeBron decided to have his plane of existence on another level and just mowed every Bad Boy slapping up his arm, shoulder, forearm and whatever piece of him they could get on the way to the basket. This is a monster that has suddenly gone hiding. Deferential even. Happy-go-lucky with the suddenly arrogant and hate-able Dwyane Wade.

LeBron has to get back to work. His Heat team is built way worse than that Cavs team he towed to the 2007 Finals. The LeBron Locomotive must be put back on track. There is no other choice. I mean, screw the system, the system won’t do anything good if push comes to shove with the gritty Pacers. Coach Spo should let LeBron run free now that D-Wade has turned to D-Rage, and not in a good way. For all intents and purposes, letting LeBron out of the cage is the best way for the Heat to get back. Spo musn’t tire LeBron out in the first three quarters for them to have the chance in the fourth. As much as Mike Brown was inept at handling the offense of the Cavaliers, the Heat should copy that 1-up-4-down play that the Cavs employ. Yep, it’s the same “get the ball to ‘Bron and get the hell out of the way.”

I wish to see it run again. Enough of the motion-flex-whatever system you employ. LBJ is at his absolute best barrelling through the defense and “with no regard for human life!” as Kevin Harlan puts it. This farce that LeBron James has become must stop. I want the old LeBron back. The world wants the old LeBron back, not this joke who performs nightly on ESPN, TNT, or whatever channel is out there.