Now let's all just relax. LeBron James is a freak of nature and there's no doubt about it.
It's obvious that a 6' 8", 250 pound monster can do ANYTHING he wants with a basketball. I sure as hell wouldn't stand in front of him or get in his way while he's traveling full speed ahead coast-to-coast
But, let's stop throwing his name around with the select few of all-time greats who also hold three or more regular season MVP awards.
The last player who had AT LEAST three MVP's was his 'Airness' Michael Jordan, so it's been a while and people are excited to compare, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Is LBJ amazing? I'd say so. Do I like him? Nope. He's a flopping crybaby who had to join forces with his buddies to have an opportunity to win a title.
I personally think they'll win this year and he'll probably win the finals MVP. So, maybe I'll stop talking smack then, but he still has a long ways to go to get in the all-time great conversation.
Let's Look at the facts:
Boston Celtics - 1956 - 1969
11-time NBA Champion
Five time MVP (58, 61, 62, 63, 65)
One all star game MVP
Philadelphia Warriors/76ers - 1959 - 1968
Los Angeles Lakers - 1969 -1973
Two time NBA Champion
Four time MVP (60, 66, 67, 68)
One NBA Finals MVP
One all star game MVP
Milwaukee Bucks - 1969 - 1975
Los Angeles Lakers - 1975-1989
Six time NBA Champion
Six time MVP (71, 72, 74, 76, 77, 80)
NBA Champion in two of six MVP seasons
Houston Rockets - 1976 - 1982
Philadelphia 76ers - 1982 - 1986, 1994
Washington Bullets - 1986 - 1988
Atlanta Hawks - 1988 - 1991
Milwaukee Bucks - 1991 - 1993
San Antonio Spurs - 1995
One time NBA Champion
Three time MVP (79, 82, 83)
One NBA Finals MVP
Boston Celtics - 1979 - 1992
Two time NBA Champion
Three time MVP (84, 85, 86)
Two time NBA Finals MVP
Los Angeles Lakers - 1979 - 1991, 1996
Five time NBA Champion
Three time MVP (87, 89, 90)
One NBA Finals MVP
Chicago Bulls - 1984 - 1998
Six time NBA Champion
Six time NBA Finals MVP
Five time MVP (88, 91, 92, 96, 98)
Three time all star MVP
NBA Champion in four of five MVP seasons
Cleveland Cavaliers - 2003 - 2010
Miami Heat - 2010 - present
Three time MVP (09, 10, 12)
Zero NBA Championships
Zero NBA Finals MVP's
Two time all star MVP
LBJ has a long road to go. His career is far from over, so there is a good shot he can and will be considered one of the all time greats, but MVP awards are NOT equivalent to rings.
Even he might tell you that. So, until he starts hoisting gold trophies in June - keep his name out of the conversation.
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