5 embarrassing moments in LeBron’s career

Even if you’re one of the best basketball players in sports history, you are bound to make mistakes. Throughout his long career, four-time NBA champion LeBron James has had his fair share of brilliant ups and staggering downs. It is the “King James” fails that we will talk about in this article.

James’ worst season of his career has come to an end. The Los Angeles Lakers were considered one of the favorites to win the championship before the season started, but ended up not even making the playoffs. To find out which teams the bookmakers consider being the main contenders for the rings this year, visit the Bookmaker Ratings India website. Spoiler alert: The Lakers aren’t there.

1. He disappeared in the decisive games of the 2011 series with Dallas

The series with Dallas went down in the annals as the benchmark failure of a superstar in a crucial series. Everyone expected James to have at least some confirmation of his claim to the throne, but instead, in front of millions, he wallowed in self-condemnation, too conspicuously wanted other people to decide the game, refused to take open shots, was afraid to go to the foul line, did not hide his trembling hands and completely disappeared in the fourth quarters.

The fact that Miami was considered a clear favorite before the 2011 Finals only made the experience worse. That Finals forever made the difference between James and the great players of the past, whose careers were nothing of the sort. One of those who fully realized this was LeBron himself, forever grateful for the lesson he learned then.

2. Tried to trade all the youngsters from the Lakers

In the summer of 2018, James’ agent Rich Paul began working with New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis. At that point, it was clear that LeBron’s middleman would do anything to bring in a second star for his client. Barely had the season begun, Davis demanded a trade. The L.A. youth couldn’t play quietly as they expected to move to another team from one day to the next, and it was clear to everyone who in the Lakers was a source of anxiety.

“The Pelicans didn’t go along with Paul and didn’t trade Davis, but it was a lost season for all parties: for Anthony who stopped playing, for LeBron who didn’t get the right partners, and for the Lakers who missed the playoffs because of a team rift.

3. Failures at the 2004 Olympics and 2006 World Championships

In his first international tournaments, James dissolved against the unimpressive play of his teams. He complained that he was not allowed to play in Athens, where he averaged 14.6 minutes. And in Japan, though he made the co-captains, he did nothing to prevent a sensational loss to Greece.

In both games, the American team was not a unit but a collection of stars trying to beat their opponents one by one. James mostly lost the lead to his teammates: Carmelo Anthony and Dwayne Wade.

What he was remembered for was the unflattering comments from partners and insiders. Bruce Bowen said James was arrogant to the coaching staff, others described his behavior as “disrespectful”, Adrian Wojnarowski painted a portrait of an intolerable teenager who tired everyone around him with his insolence and indifference.

4. Not one, not two, not three

In 2010, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh signed with Miami. The players’ presentation will always be remembered by NBA fans as King James said the Heat will win the championship “not one, not two, not three… not seven”. The forward stressed: “And when I say that, I really believe it.”

To be fair, Miami did win “more than one” championship, but LeBron’s failed prediction spawned not one, not two, and not even three pranks.

5. Didn’t shake hands with opponents after playoff exit

“The King” hates to lose and doesn’t congratulate his opponents for being stronger. From Game 6 of the 2009 series with Orlando to Game 6 of the 2021 series with Phoenix.

“It’s hard for me to congratulate somebody after you just lose to them. … I’m a winner. It’s not being a poor sport or anything like that. If somebody beats you up, you’re not going to congratulate them. That doesn’t make sense to me”, James said.