Los Angeles Lakers: Magic Johnson does not owe LeBron James an explanation on exit
By Ronald Agers
LeBron James took his talents back to Cleveland earlier than people think
The one phrase that will haunt LeBron James if he keeps using it will be the “championship mode” or “playoff mode” narrative. We all remember the “playoff mode” that he needed to apply earlier than usual this year. How did that work out?
Now he talks “championship mode” during the show. History shows he does not always practice what he preaches. According to Bill Simmons, LeBron James looked “detached”.
"During Game 5 of the 2014 Finals, something happened that few people noticed because San Antonio played so wonderfully. Trailing by seven after halftime, LeBron came out for the third quarter and wouldn’t shoot. Every pass was sent with a little extra zip, as if he were telling Micky Arison and Pat Riley, here’s the team you stuck me with. Watching it in person, you could tell he was tired and pissed, but you couldn’t tell if it was because the season was slipping away … or because of something deeper. He wasn’t openly sulking, but he wasn’t rallying everyone, either. He looked detached again. Much like Games 5 and 6 of the Boston series in 2010, actually. The Spurs quickly extended their lead to 20, with LeBron attempting one shot in Miami’s first 14 possessions. If he wanted to prove a point, he certainly proved it. Midway through the fourth quarter, trailing by 18, he missed a 3 and didn’t even run back on defense."
Seems like LeBron James checked out when things got tough. At least that’s what some members of the Miami Heat organization thought.
Remember what the plan was back then? The Miami Heat was going to win not one..not two…
As you can see, plans change. Can’t Magic change his or do the rules apply to just LeBron?