LeBron's Lackluster Defense

I am here to simply start some dialogue. LeBron James is not playing defense, I repeat, he is not playing ANY defense. Let’s remember the good ole days when LeBron was in Miami and he was a defensive juggernaut. Through 2009-2013 LeBron was a 5-time NBA First Team All Defense Player. We witnessed LeBron absolutely shut down and frustrate players such as prime D.Rose, young solid Kevin Durant, and (Yeah I’m saying it...) Kobe Bryant. Bron was known for going head-to-head with some bad men and then embracing it. I mean, the film shows the man doing it all -- he could shoot the three, dunk on anyone, and guard any position on the floor. His abilities, specifically his defensive skills were really a sight to see and I think that we all took them for granted. Fast forward to the present day and the man won’t even play defense against the lottery bound Memphis Grizzlies.

This is truly a shame. This isn't news though, it's been happening over the last few seasons. According to ESPN (LeBron’s Biggest Cheerleaders) LeBron ranks 193rd in defensive ratings and that last year he was even worse at 491. Some people credit his lackluster defense to age and his recent groin injury, but I believe he just doesn’t want it anymore. A simple eye test will tell you that LeBron is healthy. He is way too smart and way too cautious to risk his body for the current Laker roster -- a roster that frankly isn’t winning anything except for maybe another high lottery pick. LeBron also is still moving and dunking at ease with exceptional speed, a person with a injured groin can not do what Bron is doing.

To me it looks like LeBron is focused on everything but winning basketball games and that's my honest opinion. Yes, people have other interest and hobbies but with 2 Chainz’s album: Rap or Go to League being executively produced by James and also having the lead role in the upcoming Space Jam film this summer. I don't believe that LeBron’s head is in the game like it usually is. The Lakers team is currently sitting at 10th in the West, which puts them outside of the playoff picture. If Bron is truly the best player to ever play the game he better pick it up and quick, because Jordan would never let this happen. Hopefully, the Twitter backlash and Bron getting worked over by Julius Randle’s 31 points the other night reignites the King’s defensive fire.