Jocephus wrote:hah, c'mon soc, don't be so coy about "i guess winning is fun". you know it is, you are a cardinals and broncos fan.
and while jordan, magic, dunc, et al didn't publicly conspire to get a team together, you don't think those guys had/have an ear with the GM/coach, etc on what is the best path for them/the team? kobe wants to be involved with who the next coach is. don't you think peyton has a very clear dialogue with elway on what he thinks is best for him (peyton) as well as the team (what kind of player peyton works well with/skill set, etc).
obviously you dont have to "like-like" LBJ nor would i try to change your mind but i think you are exaggerating a bit here in regards to what he did and what others have (or haven't) done
Sure. Every superstar probably has some influence with the GM. You don't think Lebron did in Cleveland? If not........ why didn't he? Why couldn't they make it happen for the Cavs (I'm not saying it's Lebron's fault.......... I'm asking a serious question). What about Shaq in Orlando?
There are LOTS of good players who spent their entire career trying to bring a championship to their hometown team. Gervin, Reggie Miller, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing, etc. There's no shame in that.
Lebron and Shaq are the only superstars that I recall pursuing championships on another team, in the prime of their career. It is what it is, but I think you lose some nostalgia when you do that. He's got the 2 championships, though.