Most of you are probably sick and tired of LeBron talk by now, but I cannot help it. It is like an accident on the freeway - frustrates me to no end that people rubberneck and slow down traffic, but cannot help but sneak a peek when my car finally crawls to that point. Like it or not, LeBron is a once in a generation talent with the potential to be one of the all time greats and merits some discussion with my crazy friends here at PtR.

The theme today is a little different from the usual LBJ bashing. I did not watch the game, but from all accounts he played well and helped Miami win the game. That is actually pretty impressive when you think about it, and may start a new chapter for his team.

Why is it impressive? Honestly, if I went back home and everybody there absolutely hated my guts and wanted to see me strung up by my intestines I am not sure what my reaction would be. Maybe it would be a "who cares", but more likely I would be pretty distracted and flat, if not actually quivering in some corner somewhere. LeBron managed to steel himself, shut things out, and use the situation to get back to his dominating self. Maybe that brings about a fresh start where he stops moping and starts playing. Who knows.

Don't get me wrong. I don't suddenly think Miami will start living up to the preseason hype and start whooping everyone by 50 points; they still have weak spots along with coach/player issues, but certainly the individuals could snap out of their  "woe is me" funks.

It seems a lot of people here believe LeBron will never live up to his potential unless he gets a hardass Pop/Sloan type coach to tame him, but honestly you do not need to be a Tim Duncan or David Robinson humble sweetheart personality to win titles - Kobe, Garnett and even the great Jordan himself have proven that. But he does need a coach that he will respect and listen to. Again, no different from the other greats.

Anyhow, this is more to keep discussion going than to pontificate. Keep it civil or Lauri will smack you.