"LeBron's a better person than he is a basketball player" (Delonte West)

[wuck]

Not all the New York journalists are writing the easy story about 2010. Harvey Araton published a feature today about the kind of leader LeBron has been off the court, including some coverage of Delonte West and fighting depression. West is quoted as saying "LeBron's a better person than he is a basketball player." When he sought help for depression, West was met by LeBron, who told him: "Whatever you’ve got to do, I want you to know that we’ll be right here, waiting for you." There's a bunch of stuff comparing LeBron to Marbury (okay, that part was pretty easy material for Araton).

But it's a good read:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/26/sports/basketball/26araton.html?ref=basketball

There has been a lot of talk about Delonte is playing better on the court this season but not as much attention to how this may be related to how he's doing off the court, and how the Cavs organization has been supporting him throughout. It's hard not to notice the ties.

 

[Rick Astley]

Would you look at that. All these years all I always hear about him is that he is a too sensitive (and some say he's insensitive) smug prick. Turns out he is a good person after all. And the facts came from a first-hand information too.

 

[Brandname]

Would you look at that. All these years all I always hear about him is that he is a too sensitive (and some say he's insensitive) smug prick. Turns out he is a good person after all. And the facts came from a first-hand information too.

The problem is that you hear that from some fan or reporter who feels slighted by Lebron because he doesn't give them as much attention as they want him to give them. With so many fans and reporters hovering around him 100% of the time, it's pretty much impossible for him to not upset some of them by ignoring them. Good to hear this stuff from someone who actually knows him personally, rather than, "Lebron's an asshole, I saw him not sign this little girl's basketball at the game..."

 

[Jon]

Well, even the nastiest people are typically nice to the people they consider their friends.

But someone in LeBron's position is hard to judge. I don't expect him to make time for everyone in the world who approaches him or he'd never have any time of his own.

 

[Hydroponic3385]

Lebron did a nice job quoting some Bryan Adams right there. :chuckles:

 

[chiefwahoo]

Lebron did a nice job quoting some Bryan Adams right there. :chuckles:

Richard Marx, but good call... wait a minute, did I just admit that I know who sings that song? :shifty:

 

[Cavatt]

Last night after the game on the Cavs.com board a guy said something like "Be like Bob Marley, 'Don't worry, be Happy'" I thought that was awesome. In regards to people asking if Lebron was leaving.

 

[Hydroponic3385]

Richard Marx, but good call... wait a minute, did I just admit that I know who sings that song? :shifty:

Ah that's right, but Bryan Adams covered the song.

 

[Hurl Bruce]

Bobby McFerrin sang "Don't Worry, Be Happy" not Bob Marley.

 

[wuck]

In honor of the sappy music references, I guess I should have mentioned in my original posting that LeBron gave West a hug, too. :chuckles:

 

[_amon _ones]

Richard Marx, but good call... wait a minute, did I just admit that I know who sings that song? :shifty:

yes...

"Fagola?"​

 

[chiefwahoo]

yes...

"Fagola?"​

You're just jealous because I could grow the Marx afro-mullet back in 6th grade.

OK, back on topic - I love anything I can hear about Delonte. The guy is fascinating to me for some strange reason. And I'm happy that he's dealing with the depression and flourishing on the court.

 

[Splitz]

And thus the answer to why Boobie has forgotten how to shoot. He now has to share Lebrons affection with Delonte and Mo. In all seriousness though he definitely seems to be a real supportive influence in the lives of his teammates. I have been impressed with the height and fervor of some of Lebron's celebratory kicks and chest bumps.

 

[chiefwahoo]

And thus the answer to why Boobie has forgotten how to shoot. He now has to share Lebrons affection with Delonte and Mo. In all seriousness though he definitely seems to be a real supportive influence in the lives of his teammates. I have been impressed with the height and fervor of some of Lebron's celebratory kicks and chest bumps.

Agreed. My favorite Bron reaction this year was still when Mo drained that three from like 30 feet against the Mavs. I think he fell into the bench after this picture was taken:

 

[Brandname]

And thus the answer to why Boobie has forgotten how to shoot. He now has to share Lebrons affection with Delonte and Mo. In all seriousness though he definitely seems to be a real supportive influence in the lives of his teammates. I have been impressed with the height and fervor of some of Lebron's celebratory kicks and chest bumps.

It's enough to make even Wally a little green with envy.