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LeBron - "He's that one guy on our team that can seize the moment, that can sense the knockout punch"
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tw-lakbfan
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:46 am Post subject:

A good article. Some people here are oversensitive. But where's the link?

electrolyte
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:58 am Post subject:

well, that is a great quote from Lebron. Perhaps I have been too harsh on him. I guess I've always liked him a little bit maybe, but this quote shows me Lebron knows the truth. _________________ IGNITE THE BYNUMITE

C M B
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:59 am Post subject:

So, in other words, LeBron is saying he's not the leader.
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moonriver24
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 4:37 am Post subject:

C M B wrote:

So, in other words, LeBron is saying he's not the leader.

Might ChewCavesKey is the leader. The coach is cool enough to earn those all-stars' respect.
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targetman
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 5:10 am Post subject:

It's been asked several times, but who wrote it and where is the link so we can see the original article? _________________ Hope for the best. Prepare for the worst.

aticusCL
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 5:47 am Post subject:

targetman wrote:

It's been asked several times, but who wrote it and where is the link so we can see the original article?

It's an article in the Washington Post. I had to google it to find it. Here it is:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/20/AR2008082003478.html?sub=AR

You need to sign up, but it's free.

Bol
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 8:09 am Post subject:

Does this mean we like LeBron today?

Laker Lurker
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 9:23 am Post subject:

Bol wrote:

Does this mean we like LeBron today?

Lebron has always said that Kobe was the best player in the world.

Iwatch4Kobe
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 10:34 am Post subject: Re: LeBron - "He's that one guy on our team that can seize the moment, that can sense the knockout punch"

GameTimeLaker wrote:

Quote:

BEIJING, Aug. 20 -- Fresh off the U.S. men's basketball team's sixth straight blowout victory -- a 116-85 beating that dropped Australia even further down under -- Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James and Chris Paul held off hopping on the team bus and gathered around a television to watch the start of Argentina's quarterfinal game against Greece.

All four watched intently, in silence, as they dissected a Greek team that beat the United States in the 2006 world championship semifinals. Wade, Anthony and James were also around when Argentina beat the United States in the 2004 Olympic semifinals. So they studied Argentina closely, too.

They didn't stick around to see Argentina evade Greece, 80-78, to set up a rematch from Athens. But as Wade, Anthony and James make their third trip to a major international semifinal, the trio believes that the U.S. team is better than it was four years ago, collectively and individually; that the players matured; and that they have a greater understanding of the mission. The United States also has something else that was missing from the previous two bronze medal teams -- Kobe Bryant.

Through the first five games in pool play, Bryant struggled with his outside shot, had more turnovers than assists and even missed two dunks in a win against Germany. But with the U.S. men in the quarterfinals, Bryant raised his game and scored a tournament-high 25 points and carried his team out of an early dogfight against the tenacious Aussies.

"Being that it's do or die, it's 'go' time," Bryant said. "The medal's on the line."

Bryant scored 11 during a 19-0 run that spanned almost four minutes between the end of the second quarter and the beginning of the third. Bryant started the run with a strong baseline move and ended it with a ridiculous reverse layup on Australian center Andrew Bogut, following by making a three-pointer that put the United States ahead 69-43.

"He's that one guy on our team that can seize the moment, that can sense the knockout punch," James said. "He likes hitting the dagger. He's not afraid to take any shot, and he's won championships. He's been in big games before. He's mentally always prepared, focused. He's always on. Never off."

Bryant is the most accomplished player on the roster, having won three NBA championships, one league most valuable player award and two scoring titles, but that didn't necessarily translate to success in international basketball. James, Anthony and Wade learned from previous experiences that they can be more effective with quick moves and discretionary shot selection. They have excelled under Coach Mike Krzyzewski's more open, running style, while Bryant has had to work harder to get off shots.

Despite his difficult adjustment to the international game, Bryant has been showered with the most affection from Chinese fans at Wukesong Indoor Stadium. They often chant "Kobe-a!" whenever he makes a spectacular play.

After Bryant hit his fifth three-pointer of the game for a 99-67 lead, he flashed three fingers on both hands and crowd went bonkers. "Me and LeBron was talking about that. We thought we had some popularity over here -- until Kobe came," Anthony said. "They are just excited to see him over here, seeing him out here with Team USA instead of just the Laker uniform."

Bryant has been adamant that winning an Olympic gold medal trumps an NBA championship, which may explain why he held off having surgery on his injured right pinkie. In many ways, Bryant, who turns 30 on Saturday, is like an older brother coming to protect his younger siblings from the neighborhood bullies.

He said he watched the United States lose to Greece in 2006 and "it [ticked] me off." Bryant said he knew that his role would have to change from being the primary scoring option for the Lakers to being the defensive stopper and occasional scorer with Team USA. His previous best game in this Olympics came when the team avenged its 2006 loss to Greece. Bryant scored 18 and nullified guard Vasileios Spanoulis with his defense.

After the win over Australia, Bryant was immediately focused on helping the United States avenge its Olympic loss to Argentina. "We want to play the best, the defending champs," Bryant said. "You want the guys who won it the last time. There is a sense of pride that comes from beating the champs."

Paul said Bryant's presence on the team "gives us just a little bit more swagger, more confidence. It's just another competitor that we have on this team."

And one who could be the difference between third and first place.

Kobe did.
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Tanlentueux
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 11:59 am Post subject:

"Me and LeBron was talking about that. We thought we had some popularity over here -- until Kobe came," Anthony said. "They are just excited to see him over here, seeing him out here with Team USA instead of just the Laker uniform."

82410
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 12:07 pm Post subject:

Tanlentueux wrote:

"Me and LeBron was talking about that. We thought we had some popularity over here -- until Kobe came," Anthony said. "They are just excited to see him over here, seeing him out here with Team USA instead of just the Laker uniform."

Carmelo, no one gives a damn about you in the states, you think anyone cares in China?

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ChefLinda
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 1:40 pm Post subject:

82410 wrote:

Tanlentueux wrote:

Carmelo, no one gives a damn about you in the states, you think anyone cares in China?

That was cold.

im_back
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 1:45 pm Post subject:

except in the 2008 finals. ...........Im just joking......jokes _________________ "MANNYWOOD"

Ghost of Shaq's Donut
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 1:45 pm Post subject:

I've said it before on this site these games are Kobe's coming out of the Darkness party much like last season. Next year we will get our title. Bron bron has his role figured out finally _________________ www.ybserious.com

SnitchDevil
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Joined: 02 May 2008
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 2:53 pm Post subject:

Found this article about Kobe and Comic books: http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=17798

SnitchDevil
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 2:54 pm Post subject:

With Kobe, US unstoppable.
http://www.boston.com/sports/articles/2008/08/21/with_bryant_in_high_gear_us_unstoppable/

Quote:

"As far as the second half, we wanted to come out and dictate the rhythm," Bryant said. "We had a particular [offensive] set we wanted to run and it materialized. I got a lot of open looks and I knocked them down."

Said guard Dwyane Wade: "Kobe is now coming along. Kobe is now playing great."

Forward Carmelo Anthony, who had 15 points, added, "[Bryant] had it going. Any time a guy gets it going, any one of us, we're going to find him. But a guy like that who can score at will and is one of the best scorers in the world, we're going to find him. If he gets it going, we're going to keep going."

Yao Ming is a popular native son for China, which got eliminated by Lithuania yesterday, 94-68. US stars Anthony, Wade, and LeBron James are also popular with the Chinese fans.

But no basketball player has received louder cheers, Yao included, than Bryant. Last week, the NBA announced that Bryant's jersey is the hottest seller in China. Some fans wore Kobe jerseys to the game and one held up a poster of his face. Bryant was mobbed by fellow Olympians when he went to the Olympic Village. At a swimming event, one swimmer acknowledged Bryant, who was sitting in the stands.

"His popularity, he's probably the No. 1 athlete out here," said James, who had 16 points and 4 steals. "It's been unbelievable to see how big he is as an athlete. We all know how big he is."

Said Wade: "His popularity is unbelievable. Not only when he's with us, but when he goes to other events the way people scream for him. He's the star of stars."

Bryant is playing in his first Olympics and international competition for the US. But with his talent and experience, it didn't take long for the 2008 NBA MVP to become a leader, even among players with Olympic and international experience.

"What he's meant to our team on both sides of the floor is unbelievable," Wade said. "Defensively, he is now taking the best player out of it. And offensively, he's now getting his rhythm back. He's getting his legs under him.

"When he's shooting the ball the way he is, taking it to the hole the way he is, it's scary to see him get into a rhythm. I'm glad I'm on his team now and I'm seeing him get into that rhythm."

The Americans had completed their interviews prior to Argentina's 80-78 victory over Greece late last night. But before Bryant even knew the result, the competitor in him came out.

"We want to play the best," Bryant said. "We want to play the defending champs. It's all about a challenge."

Argentina forward-center Fabricio Oberto, who plays for the Spurs, said, "Kobe is a great player, one of the best players in the world, and it's really tough to defend him. It's tough to defend the USA because they have so many weapons."

Last edited by SnitchDevil on Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:01 pm; edited 1 time in total

DaMuleRules
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:00 pm Post subject:

C M B wrote:

So, in other words, LeBron is saying he's not the leader.

He's only the leader when it doesn't matter. Like they are getting on and off the bus, deciding which Dim Sum restaurant to go to . . . that sort of thing.

SnitchDevil
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:02 pm Post subject:

SnitchDevil wrote:

With Kobe, US unstoppable.
http://www.boston.com/sports/articles/2008/08/21/with_bryant_in_high_gear_us_unstoppable/

Quote:

Vercetti
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:08 pm Post subject:

unlike overrated LeBronze

C M B
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:08 pm Post subject:

DaMuleRules wrote:

C M B wrote:

So, in other words, LeBron is saying he's not the leader.

He's only the leader when it doesn't matter. Like they are getting on and off the bus, deciding which Dim Sum restaurant to go to . . . that sort of thing.

LeBron has never heard of Dim Sum.
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DaMuleRules
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:22 pm Post subject:

C M B wrote:

DaMuleRules wrote:

C M B wrote:

So, in other words, LeBron is saying he's not the leader.

He's only the leader when it doesn't matter. Like they are getting on and off the bus, deciding which Dim Sum restaurant to go to . . . that sort of thing.

LeBron has never heard of Dim Sum.

Sure he has. Just the other day when asked about Kobe he said, "I played wi'Dim Sum".

Statcat
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:57 pm Post subject:

C M B wrote:

So, in other words, LeBron is saying he's not the leader.

No he's the leader

LeBron's role on Team USA? Leader
By LUCIANA CHAVEZ
McClatchy Newspapers
USA men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski and his staff did not appoint a team captain for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

LeBron James fancies himself the man for the job.

Helping the U.S. saunter undefeated into Friday's semifinal showdown with defending Olympic champion Argentina, James has not just embraced his role as the quarterback of the U.S. defense, which has decimated opponents in Beijing, or his desire to be heard on the court and in the locker room.

He has put a chokehold on those things.

James may have appointed himself but that's the point: He took the initiative amongst his peers, all NBA all-stars, on the U.S. team.

That's different than doing the same with the 11 Cavaliers who trail after the Nike pitchman and one-time "Saturday Night Live" host in Cleveland.

"I knew it had to come from someone," James said. "No matter how good we are as individuals, if you don't have a leader, it's not going to be right. I just took that responsibility from day one."

On the court, through six Olympic games, James leads the U.S. in scoring (15.8 per game), steals (16) and blocked shots (seven) and ranks second in rebounds (31) and assists (25).

Off the court, he has cajoled his teammates, reminding Dwight Howard to push himself more and telling Kobe Bryant to quit gambling so much for steals.

He's also demonstrated how to correctly calibrate that special brand of American swagger for an international audience eager to see them act like idiots and disrespect the game.

http://www.kansascity.com/495/story/759221.html

ReaListik
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 4:04 pm Post subject:

Statcat wrote:

C M B wrote:

So, in other words, LeBron is saying he's not the leader.

No he's the leader

For anyone who's watched Dragon Ball Z, I'm sorry to sound like a dork lol, but LeBron is more and more reminding me of the character "Hercule", where the main heroes in DBZ do the hard work and save the world, and Hercule(completely incompetent) is there to take the credit for it. Bosh and Coach K have both stated that the difference in winning the gold would be Kobe. With that said, Kobe hasn't gone out there saying, "I'm the reason why we're winning." Which I'm glad he's not bragging.

If coach K doesn't feel the need for a team captain, I'll take his word on it.
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C M B
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 5:18 pm Post subject:

DaMuleRules wrote:

C M B wrote:

DaMuleRules wrote:

C M B wrote:

So, in other words, LeBron is saying he's not the leader.

He's only the leader when it doesn't matter. Like they are getting on and off the bus, deciding which Dim Sum restaurant to go to . . . that sort of thing.

LeBron has never heard of Dim Sum.

Sure he has. Just the other day when asked about Kobe he said, "I played wi'Dim Sum".

^ lmao
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USCandLakers
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 5:21 pm Post subject:

ReaListik wrote:

Statcat wrote:

C M B wrote:

So, in other words, LeBron is saying he's not the leader.

No he's the leader

Damn that really made me crack up. Hercule did end up being a hero in the end, so maybe one day LeBron will be the leader?

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