What We Are Reading: LeBron’s Fear

When LeBron Fears, We All Learn - NBA Fanhouse

Bethlehem Shoals writes: “Either late last night or way early this morning — who knows the difference in this crazy, mixed-up business — Randy Kim suggested that LeBron James was scared in Game 5. Not “scurrrred” or “shook,” but actually registering fear. That’s not the same as doubt; in doubt, you have yourself to blame. Fear is the awful possibility that you can bring it like mad and still have life thrown back in your face. Fear is to be overcome, just like doubt, and is undoubtedly less humiliating. But LeBron James isn’t supposed to feel fear. It’s human, way too human.”

Kobe vs. LeBron in Madison Square Garden

Kobe’s 61 on February 2nd, 2009 at the Madison Square Garden in the Lakers win over the Knicks 126-117.

LeBron’s 52 and a triple-double on February 4th, 2009  at the Madison Square Garden in the Cavs win over the Knicks 107-102

Some comparisons between two classic performances:

• An article from ESPN
• A blog written by David Friedman

LeBron’s Crab Dribble

LeBron took a “crab dribble” and was called for travel. Here’s his reasoning:

Jalen Rose explains what “crab dribble” may be, or when it’s used in the game, and adds that LeBron’s three steps have nothing to do with the move typically used by big men posting up. Here’s the video:

Here’s Caron Butler giving LeBron’s crab dribble a funny twist. He said: “I couldn’t do it in AAU, I couldn’t do it in college, obviously I can’t do it now.” (Interesting that he doesn’t mention high school.)

Have a look at the funny side of LeBron’s crab, as described by Basketbawful. Definition first:

crab dribble (krab drib’-uhl) noun. A hesitation dribble that is used to effectively mask a traveling violation. Depending on the situation and/or the player involved, the violation may or may not be called.

Usage example: No, no, no, dude. I didn’t travel. I used a crab dribble.

Word history: Crab-Dribblegate began after what should have been a standard, run-of-the-mill regular season game between the Cavaliers and Wizards. But then — shock of shocks!! — the mighty LeBron James got called for…wait for it…traveling.

Now, the video which proves that LeBron didn’t travel:

To make sure LeBron doesn’t do it again, he can use this simple practice drill from Farmington Basketball practice session: