LeBron James: Why Do People Love to Hate Him?

Trailing 2-1 to the Indiana Pacers, the Miami Heat had their backs against the wall. Once again, fans and media were claiming LeBron James could not win the big game.

How did LeBron respond?

40 points, 18 rebounds, and 9 assists in a critical Game 4 come-from-behind win in a game that James proclaimed a must-win.

30, points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists in a Game 5 game that regained the series lead.

28 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists in the deciding Game 6 victory.

All told, just when people began to write the Heat off, who were without Chris Bosh and had Dwyane Wade struggling early in the series, James averaged 33 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. Those are video game numbers.

33, 11, and 8 in the three biggest games of the season.

Any other player who produced those numbers would be put on a pedestal. Then make it the playoffs and they would be given a nickname like Mr. May. Then make it in a series where his team struggled through injuries and adversity and trailed 2-1, and he would be dubbed one of the great clutch players of all time.

From a psychological perspective, James is a fascinating case. I have never seen such a talented player who is as unselfish as James, yet he receives more criticism than anyone basketball player. 33, 11, and 8 were his averages for Games 4-6, while shooting 55% (38-69). Otherworldly numbers from an otherworldly player.

James has won 3 MVP’s but zero championships. If James leads the Heat to the title, will he finally get his due as the greatest player in the world?