Larry Bird thinks fans should stop whining and appreciate LeBron James while he is still playing (Image via NBA on TNT/Los Angeles Lakers)
LeBron James has built a career that many regard as one of the greatest in basketball history. Often, he has come under fire for not being able to match the great Michael Jordan. But that should not be the reason people should not appreciate James’ contributions to the sport of basketball. At least that is what the great Larry Bird thinks.
Bird believes people should stop whining about James and nitpicking on what he has not done. Larry Bird was talking to Reggie Miller and Isiah Thomas on NBA on TNT. When the topic of the greatest players, Bird said;
I tell people, quit whining about LeBron, enjoy him while he's here. He’s unbelievable. He’s one of the greatest if not the greatest ever.
Bird’s view is that everyone is busy trying to compare James with Jordan and other players. They are not appreciating what he has done in the league since he came in. After he retires, Bird believes fans may not get a chance to appreciate someone like him.
Larry Bird believes that players should not be compared according to the eras they played in. They are all great players in their own right. This is why the comparison between Jordan and James is not accurate. They both have done their fair bit of work to enhance the game of basketball.
Bird also believes that the Los Angeles Lakers superstar has done enough to be appreciated. James is still putting on a show at this age, night in and night out. Many others have faltered at this stage. So everyone should appreciate James while he is still playing.
Larry Bird thinks LeBron James should be appreciated while he is still playing
LeBron James played his first seven seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers. During that time, the team could not surround him with enough talent to win championships. Due to this, he joined the Miami Heat, where he won two championships on a star-studded team. Then he returned to Cleveland to win one for his home team
But James went to 8 straight NBA Finals winning only 3 times. Had it not been for the dynastical Golden State Warriors and the lack of talent at other times, James was in prime position to at least match Jordan’s 6 titles.
What people forget as per Larry Bird is that LeBron James led those teams to the NBA Finals. But he alone could not win it all. He did not have that help in the times he lost. So basketball fans should appreciate what he has done while he is still playing.
