LeBron James' sensitivity is shining through once again after lashing out at the "Coach Killer" moniker that has been attached to him.
In this instance, James has nothing to apologize for. Or get mad about.
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"It sucks," James said, according to ESPN of the label being affixed to him. "But what can I do about it? I've never, in my time since I picked up a basketball, ever undermined a coach, ever disrespected a coach. You ask any of my little league coaches, my high school coaches, coaches I've played for in tournaments, camps, my NBA coaches. I've always respected what they wanted to do. And I'm not the owner of a team, I'm not the GM of a team. I'm the player of a team.
"People get it so misconstrued because I'm a smart basketball player and I've voiced my opinion about certain things, which I did when I was here my first stint with Paul Silas and Mike Brown. Which I did in Miami with Coach Spo [Erik Spoelstra]. Which I did with [David] Blatt and I'll do with T-Lue [Tyronne Lue]. And at the end of the day, they'll still have their final call."
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Let's review the illustrious list of coaches James has had since entering the league in 2003: Paul Silas. Brendan Malone. Mike Brown. Erik Spoelstra. David Blatt.
Surely, the Basketball Hall of Fame awaits them all.
Of the men on that list, only Spoestra has a winning record without LeBron on his roster. Silas had a good run while he was with the Hornets in four-plus seasons, but has a career .448 winning percentage. His last season with then-Charlotte Bobcats resulted in a dreadful 7-59 record.
James had his greatest success with Spoelstra, a Pat Riley disciple. But it could be argued that despite four consecutive NBA Finals appearances, Spoelstra should've won more than two titles -- and the second came thanks to Ray Allen's late-game heroics against the Spurs.
Blatt got the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals last season despite not having Kevin Love or Kyrie Irving available against the Warriors, and still won two games. But that was all LeBron.
The world's greatest player is 2-4 in NBA Finals, when his resume should be starting to challenge at least Kobe Bryant's five NBA rings. Getting to Michael Jordan's six seems like a fading proposition.
James should have more jewelry at this stage of his career, as great as he has been. Anyone in his position would be just as impatient.
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