King of nothing

LeBron James.

The name means something different today than it did a month ago, last season, or even the 2007 NBA Finals.

As a player, James has done remarkable things during the regular season. And, as a San Diego Chargers fan, I know a lot about remarkable regular seasons: They are usually meaningless when it comes to the grit and heart of the postseason.

As a man, James has proven he is not that. His antics resemble a man-child, who has never been told no. He also displays the characteristics of someone who has never dealt with adversity; he seems confused when challenged, as in the Celtics series, and reacts with a pout and a half-assed effort.

The truth is I kind of like James' playing style on the floor. But I despise his act on the sideline, and I find that defines him more to me. Remember the saying: act like you've been there before and act like you're going back. Well, James has never been there, if there is being a champion. His childish showboating brought down his team and looked even more ridiculous when he quit then failed in the playoffs in the past two seasons.

Bottom line, James: Win something, anything, up to and including and NBA championship. Until then keep your weak, insecure ego off the airwaves and television. The fact that so many care about a perennial loser is beyond me, yet ESPN couldn't help itself, and neither could sports talk radio across the country.

In my view, James can never be compared to the likes of Kobe Bryant. Bryant is a man, a warrior, and a champion. In other words, and in a historical sense, Bryant is a king. James is a lowly prince concerned more about dapper attire and his image. James has chosen to join a team of mercenaries consumed with the notion of overthrowing the reigning king. The Miami Heat are preparing their siege, but until they break through the castle wall and pull Bryant's hands from the Larry O'Brien trophy, they will be relegated to camping at the foot of the fortress, craning their necks to peer at heights they may never reach.