LeBron James has been an unstoppable force throughout these NBA playoffs. He has been shooting the ball well inside and out and still making sure his teammates are getting involved in the fun as well. He has led the Cavs to a 9-0 record in the playoffs, their most recent win coming Wednesday night against the Celtics in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals. It's pretty obvious that LeBron is cooking in the playoffs, but now he is even sipping some of the Kool-Aid.
If you pay attention to LeBron's demeanor when he is playing, you see a new brand of arrogance.
LeBron has been toying with his defenders, knowing he can get whatever shot he wants. This new found arrogance might be overdue with James, as he has been the best player in the world for quite some time.
Playing like the best
LeBron James has been playing like the best player in the world since he and the Cavs were down 3-1 to the Warriors in the NBA Finals last year. Since then, he has been a perfect 12-0 in the playoffs and averaging a staggering 35 points per game. LeBron James played like he is the greatest player in history his last 12 playoff games, showing his dominance in the playoffs and carrying his team. LeBron James is playing the best stretch of basketball of his career, being a dominant force in the paint like Shaq, but shooting the ball like Stephen Curry.
James has definitely flipped the switch that everyone was talking about, as many believe he was the best player in the world, but now he is showing it.
Playing and toying with the competition
LeBron James hasn't been the one to be arrogant on the court but in the playoffs, he has been showing the gap between him and his competition.
He has been toying with his opponents for much of the postseason while still putting up ridiculous numbers. I'm not talking about an emotion filled scream after one of his dunks. It's during the play arrogance that is coming from The king. One situation where this has happened is in the series vs. the Raptors when he was seen going through his foul shot routine while being guarded by Serge Ibaka.
He ended up draining the three after going through his five-second routine. This showed arrogance by knowing he will make the shot anyways, no matter who is guarding him, even against a block master like Ibaka. In another game, he was fouled shooting a layup and jokingly picked up a beer, acting as if he was going to drink it. LeBron isn't worried about his opponents because he knows he will score when he wants and it's showing now.
In game one of the eastern conference finals, LeBron completely turned his back towards Celtics player Kelly Olynyk, looking as if he was confused as to why he was guarding him. Once he turned around, he proceeded to drive the lane and score the layup. That was pure cockiness, knowing he could fly past his defender and not even paying any mind to his defense.
LeBron hasn't been challenged in the playoffs, and he knows he won't be stopped.
James is playing as if he won't be stopped and he is making sure his opponents know that. LeBron is playing some great basketball, and he hopes to continue his streaky play in game two. The Cavs are looking like a championship team, and the Celtics need to find answers on how to stop LeBron or face more embarrassment courtesy of The King.
