How can Lebron James, the 2009-10 NBA MVP, be disinterested in a must win game 5 versus the Celtics in the Eastern Semifinals? He knows his team is not good enough.
James’ 3-13 shooting is not the most glaring stat, the 32-point defeat was the largest beating ever in Cavaliers home playoff history. The Celtics, in contrast to the Cavaliers, were playing just as hard in garbage time late in the 4th quarter, than they they were building their 30-point lead in the second and third quarters.
We know Lebron is keen to get his teammates involved early, but in game 5 he must be the aggressor. Just like in game 3, Lebron must set the tone, looking for his shot and driving to the basket.
Unfortunately, Lebron’s much talked about elbow gives him an out either way. If he wins the NBA title, he looks like a hero. But if the Cavaliers should lose tonight to the Celtics, Lebron can say his elbow was limiting his aggressiveness.
Either way the Cavaliers are not built to win in the playoffs. They have no late game closers and do not have the passion and desire needed to win games when you are not playing your best.
Lebron is supposed to be the ultimate player, but the playoff failures that mark his early career are starting to make people remember Karl Malone.
Lebron at this point, may be on his way to be the best player ever in any sport, never to win a championship.