“He wants to be too close to everybody … It’s ‘un-Jordan’, that’s the opposite of Michael Jordan” - NBA analyst says LeBron James wants to remove the competitive fire between players
LeBron James recently compared his first NBA Finals failure to Jayson Tatum's performance in the 2022 NBA Finals. But Skip Bayless does not like the fact that James defended the Boston Celtics. He shared his thoughts yesterday during "Undisputed."
"LeBron wants to be everybody's big brother in the game... It's un-Jordan, that's the opposite of Michael Jordan," Bayless said. "You can't be Mr. Nice Guy to everybody."
LeBron James is a four-time NBA champion. But despite winning it all four times, the NBA veteran has a losing record in the NBA Finals.
James first made the Finals in 2007 against the San Antonio Spurs, when he was only 22 years and in his fourth year in the league. The Spurs swept the Cavs in the Finals, with James averaging 22 points per game on 35.6% shooting.
Like LeBron James in 2007, Jayson Tatum underperformed in the 2022 Finals. The young forward couldn't do much against the Golden State Warriors, averaging 21.5 points on 36.7% shooting.
James defended Tatum from the criticism, claiming that the Spurs took advantage of him not knowing much in 2007 and that the Warriors did the same to Tatum. But Bayless believes James' comments take away from the game's competitive nature.
"LeBron wants to be embraced by Hollywood, the Lakers, the Laker Nation and there's one thing you can't do, you can't suddenly have the back of a Boston Celtic," Skip Bayless said. "It's an age-old rivalry and it just doesn't feel right."
LeBron defends Tatum's Finals performance on "The Shop"
"LeBron wants to be everybody's big brother in the game. You can't be Mr. Nice Guy to everybody. You don't need to have Jayson Tatum's back, he's a Celtic." — @RealSkipBayless https://t.co/DAUJCAuIri
LeBron James' comments about Jayson Tatum
LeBron James praised Jayson Tatum, saying he had a hell of a season and would be back in the NBA Finals.
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: bit.ly/ShopS5E5“Jayson Tatum is a beast.” 💪🏾
@KingJames took issue with the criticism of @jaytatum0 during the playoffs and those who criticize while never risking anything themselves.
New episode of #TheShop out now.
📺: bit.ly/ShopS5E5 https://t.co/1adeuIOzDl
LeBron also called Tatum a "beast" and stated that he firmly believes the young star will succeed again.
James learned from his failures, becoming one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA. And Jayson Tatum is only 24, which is why many believe his future is bright.
Making an NBA Finals appearance at this age is impressive, but he could return to win his first title soon.