2quik4u wrote:

sleeper wrote: If Lebron isn't on the Olympic team, they will not medal. Not just win gold, they will NOT medal, and you can take that to the bank.

well we already saw what happens without kobe

sleeper wrote:

2quik4u wrote:

sleeper wrote: If Lebron isn't on the Olympic team, they will not medal. Not just win gold, they will NOT medal, and you can take that to the bank.

well we already saw what happens without kobe

Yeah? A coach that sat Lebron, Wade and Melo? That's basically all we saw. I'd love to see Kobe try to take on the world elite by himself, I wonder how long it'd take for him to throw his team under the bus? He's never won anywhere without a HOF carrying him to title(Shaq, Gasol), so what makes you think he can do shit without arguably the greatest player of all time(LEBRON JAMES)?

Sage wrote: Pau Gasol's career is far from over, so I don't see how you're speaking with such certainty regarding his HOF status. His game has never relied on physical gifts and his skills will allow him longevity.

As for Kobe, he is a warrior, unlike LeBron. Kobe has gone to the Finals, won Olympical Gold, Won the Finals, and now is poised for another deep play-off run. He is 31 and battling nagging injuries, and he will be there.

LeBron? He will be filming a movie, courting free agency, and cultivating his business interests.

This, ultimately, is the difference between the two. (At least at this time). Sorry if Cavs fans don't like it, but it's the truth.

................................

As for Kobe taking on the world's elite... look no further than 2 years ago during the Olympic Gold Medal Game. Spain had just made the run and cut the lead to two. Look who took the team on his shoulders and basically won the game for the US. That's where you'll find your answer.

Sage wrote: Also, I've changed my position. These players knew exactly what they were getting in to when they signed up. They have to honor their commitment to themselves and to their country (a country, by the way, that has allowed them to amass millions through playing a game).

It's in place to prevent the 2004 fiasco from ever happening again. It's kind of a "broken window" strategy, but I agree with it whole-heartedly.

If LBJ doesn't play, he will be missed, but I still think the US can amass a team that can strike gold without him.

Sage wrote: If he wants to play, then he has to play at World's. Colangelo will stick to his guns. He is that kind of guy. LeBron has NO leverage. It'd be different if this was Argentina... but this is America. We will still be stacked with or without him.

The US will be fine without him. This shouldn't even be an issue. He knew the commitment going in.

Sage wrote: Also, I've changed my position. These players knew exactly what they were getting in to when they signed up. They have to honor their commitment to themselves and to their country (a country, by the way, that has allowed them to amass millions through playing a game).

SQ_Crazies wrote:

Sage wrote: Also, I've changed my position. These players knew exactly what they were getting in to when they signed up. They have to honor their commitment to themselves and to their country (a country, by the way, that has allowed them to amass millions through playing a game).

Should have stopped arguing with him here, he doesn't know what he's talking about.

They did honor their commitment, they did know exactly what they signed up for. They made a 3 year commitment through the '08 games. And they won gold. They more than honored their commitment and "did the damn thing" for their country. And here is the difference between Kobe and LeBron FANS--they were a fuckin' team. I don't care who the leader was, I was rooting for Kobe as much as LeBron, it's about the name on the front bro.

These players aren't stupid, they made that commitment and already had this year off in the back of their minds. I have no problem with it, personally, I don't even care about the Worlds. The Olympics are all that matter and they'd all be back next season to gear up. They're busy as hell, and I have absolutely no issue on anyone trying to capitalize on their fame. It doesn't last forever. These guys deserve the summer off if you ask me. I would have had no problem with Kobe saying this, or anyone else for that matter. This kind of shit is all Kobe fans have left in the Kobe/LeBron argument.

SQ_Crazies wrote: LOL, you know why I come on here in the first place? Because I'm bored.

I'd come on and be more bored if I only discussed topics I really care about.

It's almost embarrassing for you that you're trying to start an argument with the guy who said it's all about the name on the front. And people say we're on LeBron's jock? Jesus, look at you...