Heres what people don't get. When Kobe won in 2009, the teams he faced won 214 games. In 2010, teams he faced won 207. When Lbron won in 2013, teams he faced won 190. Can't count 2012, strike season, so in 2014, teams Lbron faced won 205, lost finals. This year, teams Lbron faced won 217, lost finals. No coincidence as the teams get tougher, Lbron loses because hes not used to having to actually fight to get their. Kobe in the west for his whole career, was in a fight every round of every season. Building that toughness makes a difference as you go up higher levels. People don't think it makes a difference but it does. This year, the Celtics were under .500. 2013, Bucks were under .500. 2011, 6ers were .500. 2010, Bulls were .500. 2009, Pistons were under .500. 2007, both Washing and NJ were .500.
Thats seven teams .500 or worse that you are facing in the playoffs. Not only is that not impressive, beating those types of teams does nothing to help your team. Granted, its not anyones fault he had to face those teams, but he did stay in the east because its an easier conference. Lbron just isn't built for the tough road, and its glaring now. He went to Miami because he thought it would be easy.