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Par Guillaume Kagni | Journaliste sportif
LeBron James caused a stir with the latest episode of his podcast, questioning the importance of rings in the NBA microcosm. His detractors pounced on him, starting with Paul Pierce, his former rival.
As LeBron James is the face of the league and its most popular player, every episode of his “Mind the Game” podcast causes a stir in the NBA microcosm. Fans feast on his in-depth analysis and openness, while the media peel back the slightest statement in the hope of turning it into controversy and headlines.
That’s why, with the Finals in full swing, the King has found himself at the heart of so much debate in recent days. His mistake? Asserting that the culture of rings was not necessarily relevant in the NBA, since it is impossible to judge a player’s career on this criterion alone. This is particularly true today, when it’s almost impossible to retain a title.
Paul Pierce lashes out at LeBron James
I don’t know why we talk so much about rings in our sport. Are you telling me that Charles Barkley, Allen Iverson or Steve Nash weren’t incredible players? We can’t compare them to the best in history because they don’t have rings? That’s like saying Peyton Manning doesn’t belong with Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes because he only has two titles.
LeBron James is adamant that a ring cannot be the sole criterion that defines a player’s greatness. This statement is admissible in the current context, and makes sense, but the fact that the King is behind it poses a problem for several media personalities. On the set of FS1, Paul Pierce was keen to respond to his former rival.
Why do we play basketball? For money? Fame? When I was young, I just wanted to win. Everyone was judged on their ability to win. Sports will always be like that. If I remember correctly, LeBron left Cleveland to win his first ring with the Heat. Wasn’t the sole aim of this signing to bring him a title? He wanted to fulfill his destiny.
For me, the question is really why you play. I’ve always wanted to win and be the best on the court. That’s how you measure your greatness. When you win a title, it’s proof that you’re the best in the league. It’s hypocritical of him to say such a thing, because he went to Miami, then Cleveland, then Los Angeles to win rings. Putting up stats on a bad team is easy, but do you win?
