Much is being said of LeBron’s actions following the Game 6 loss when he left the court immedialtely after the bizzer sounded and did not talk to reporters after the game and instead went to the team bus.  Also the next day LeBron did not apolgize for his actions which angered many in the sports world.

When LeBron addresed the media finally he said this “It’s hard for me to congratulate someone after you lose to them. I’m a winner. It’s not being a poor sport or anything like that. But somebody beats you up, you’re not going to congratulate them on beating you up. That doesn’t make sense.”

I initially was not that upset after LeBron walked off the court and din’t shake hands.  He was upset and frustated and did not want to deal with everyhting.  That’s understandable and I was willing to give him a break if he apolgized and said he should have shook hands and congradulated them.

But he didn’t and his comments didn’t sit good with me.  LeBron defended his actions rather than apologizing for them.  He contradicts himself when he says he wasn’t a poor sport.  Not shaking hands with someone after a series is the definition of being a poor sport.  You learn that when you first start playing you always shake hands with the opponent even after a loss.  Even in the UFC they almost always shake hands after a fight.  He also says that he got beat up which he didn’t.  You were defeated LeBron not beat up.  Dwight Howard didn’t knock you out in a back alley he and his team defeated you on the floor.  And another thing LeBron your not a winner.  You haven’t won anything yet.  You’ve reached the NBA Finals once in your six year career.  Michael Jordan is a winner not you.  Get some rings on your fingers before you start saying your a winner.

His actions also set a bad example for the young kids out there.  LeBron is a role model whether he likes it or not.  He’s the most reconzibale player in the league and the face of the NBA.  What is a little kid suppose to think after he sees his idol, LeBron, storm off the court after a loss and not shake anyone’s hand not even his Olympic teammte, Dwight Howard?  He’s more than likely to follow his hero, LeBron, and refuse to shake anyones hand after a loss.  At such a young age sportsmanship is key and if little kids don’t show sportsmanship at a young age they never will.

Throughout this past season LeBron has improved every aspect of his game except one.  That one aspect is class.  LeBron this season has been showboating and celebrating more than he’s ever have.  It has been noticed not really talked about becasue everyone is fascinated with LeBron’s talent and everyone is trying to cpmare him to MJ.  His latest actions have just added more fuel to the fire about LeBron’s class.  Also during the series in a post game press conference he referred to his teammates as his supporting cast.  I’m getting the feeling LeBron, like the rest of America, can’t get enough of himself.  He made a story out of his actions giving himself more attention when in reality it should have been on the Magic.  The Magic shocked everyone by defeating the Cavs yet all everyone is talking about is LeBron and I think he loves it.   He is an immensley talented player but he’s nowhere near the class of the all time greats like MJ and Kareem and unless he notices this and decides to grow up and mature he may never win a title.

Now the Nuggets are going home where they haven’t lost all post season and have won 19 of their past 20 at home including a easy win over the Lakers at the end of the regular season. The Nuggets have proven they can win in L.A. so now the pressure is on the Lakers to prove they can win in Denver.

Chauncey Billups has been absolutely dominating Derrick Fisher so far in the series. Fisher has struggled badly shooting the ball and Billups has had no problem getting in the lane to dish to his teammates. Also Carmelo has really stepped up. He has five strait 30 point games and is proving himself to be one of the games elite. Linas Kleiza was the x-factor last night hitting some big threes for the Nuggets. Denver has all the momentum in the series and the Lakers will need to really show up in Game 3.

Kobe has been clutch in this series carrying the Lakers to a Game 1 victory late and made some big shots down the stretch in Game 2 as well. His teammates have been less than sub par but Kobe has had his share of mishaps. He turned the ball over in the final 30 seconds last night and Chauncey Billups threw the ball off his back on an inbounds play which is only suppose to happen in street ball.

Also if your Phil Jackson how do you not give the ball to Kobe on the final play. Kobe is the best closer in the game and when your down three in the final seconds you don’t use him as a decoy. Derrick Fisher was 1 of 8 before the final shot. Kobe had drained a three just before with Carmelo Anthony in his face. That just doesn’t make any sense and even if Kobe misses the shot you can live with the fact that it was him shooting.

The Lakers have shown up when they have needed to all season long and Game 3 is no different. Denver has all the momentum in the series and the Lakers need to show up to stop the momentum.