I have him as the 2nd best ever. I hate seeing dude defer. I hate the free throw chokes. I hate seeing interviews where he says stuff like “yeah, my teammates told me to be aggressive.” He deserves all the heat for this loss. Only reason people feel this team isn’t title ready is because Bron leans too much on role players late in games. If he were to just dominate down the stretch like he’s shown before, this team would be psychologically demoralizing to play against. He’s got to get the free throws situated before the post season.
I am reserving benefit of doubt until playoffs, because I think hes earned the respect to see if he can flip a switch in the playoffs. But I'm starting to think that other level is no longer there, which isn't at all surprising for anyone in Year 17, but would be terrible news for any Laker fans...cause AD ain't shown himself to be this imposing, dominant presence at the biggest moments of biggest games, either. That's why I dont solely put this loss on Bron...
But for sure i give Bron the most blame, the goofy one leg heat check, the poor shot selection all game, the passivity, the over dribbling, he the biggest reason for the L. It's not so much he missed the shots, his shot selection was TRASH tonight. 12 threes?
I'm thinking the free throw issues are here to stay. He was never money from the line, but he's shot 69% the last 4 years, and getting worse, compared to 74% the prior four years. That trend ain't gonna magically adjust itself at this age...
This team can't win a title for a number of reasons, certainly if Bron can't tap into a higher level being one of the most damning...