The stodgy parents from "Footloose" were right.
Dancing just ain't no good for anyone.
Especially in the NBA.
The morning after the heated exchange between Bulls' Joakim Noah and LeBron James, we are left to find the words to describe a spat brought about by a difference of opinion as it pertains to dancing.
We're still talking about sports here, in case you're confused.
Midway through the fourth quarter, and with the game clearly in hand for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the two had a verbal battle over all the jukin' and jivin'.
As James went to the free-throw line, Bulls center Joakim Noah had seen enough. He essentially yelled from the bench that there was a fine line between celebrating and showing up a team, and James was crossing it.
Ric Bucher seems to know exactly what Noah said, which will not win him any Sportsman of the Year awards.
Noah's complaint may have merit. The Cavs are owners of some of the most convuluted and complicated celebratary routines out there. If you're old-school or an Andy Rooney-type, you probably hate it all.
Then again, James may have a point when he says, 'It's nothing against the Bulls, it's nothing against Joakim or any of those guys,'' he said. ''It's not something that's new. We have fun, and we love to play the game of basketball. It's nothing about showboating; that's not what we do. I think he was frustrated by the way he played, maybe, as an individual, didn't help his team win.''
Did Noah have a right to get in No. 23's face, or should he have kept his mouth shut? Furthermore, how do we feel about all the dancing and carrying-on? Does it have a place or would you like to see less?
My opinion Lebron is the greatest in the game today. Now my opinion. HE IS ASSHOLE. When he beat teams by blowouts pacifically teams he blows out he dances and acts a big ass kid. But like last season when Orlando beat dat ass for the conference finals he doesn't like to shake hands??? Bad sportmanship for both sides. You too grown to make your team dance when you in competition and you disrepectful towards the other team when they have no hope in winning. You needs to grow his ass up for real.
Glad Noah said something to him, I think it caught him off guard. I'm not quite sure why LeBron has such a lack of sportsmanship. Maybe people need to talk to him more often. Maybe it would help rid him of his bizarre sense of entitlement.
Love LeBron's game and think he's unlike any player we've ever seen. It is a little alarming that he wants to be the biggest star in the world -- this charmismatic figure -- and yet we keep hearing about his lack of -- or perceived lack -- of sportsmanship. That being said, all the greats have had an edge to them, a killer instinct that makes them champions. One wonders if he isn't trying too hard to manufacture that?
it was complete disrespect. King Lebron can call it whatever he wants, but really it's just being a dick. If Lebron can dance around like an idiot than he should be able to tolerate Noah calling him out on it without making a scene about the whole thing.
They were just having fun, they were dancing far before the game even started, no disrespect meant to the other team. That's probably part of the time they're so good, they're loose.
LEBRON WILL GROW UP ONE DAY AND LOOK BACK ON THIS AND REALIZE HOW MUCH HE HAS GROWN UP...GO ORLANDO MAGIC
Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't it Noah that danced his way through the NCAA at Florida? The guy is a clown.
Kobe doesn't dance,
D-Wade doesn't dance,
Garnett, Pierce, Allen don't dance,
Duncan doesn't dance,
Jordan didn't dance,
Hakeem didn't dance,
Isiah didn't dance,
Larry didn't dance,
Magic didn't dance.
The one thing separating these guys from LeBron are their rings.
Lebron says its not showboating, and just something that they do because they love the game of basketball.... Then why doesn't he and the cavs dance when they are losing? Answer me that.
The way I see it, keep dancing and acting like fools. Then remember you have no championships and maybe will learn to grow up.
Its like this the Caves AkA Lebron James team, look real ummm.....fruity walking over there, while the Bulls bench was sitting down. And he (Lebron) know that they good for jumping people, ask Shaq. They would have flung Mo lil A#$ in the bleachers and talk english to Z he would have been confused. It wasnt a good. Noah can say what he wants when he wants, is it right NO. Do you get enough to win games nd tolerate it YES.
never liked noah never will and couldnt stand him in florida. hes has always been a crybaby. the only reason he won back to back was because they was a very complete team.
lebron is a looser, it just showed in that video. gud job jokim noah take it to lebron's face. i'm sick of all of this lebron stuff
Do you actually believe lebron needs to grow up? Or is ever going to grow out of this? It seems as though he can get anyone to buy into this routine (ie. see the michael jackson improve video). If he does ever win a championship it may even get worse. No matter what, it is showboating I dont care what he says, it is his way of showing it. K.G. punches his chest, and nobody gets in his face or calls him anything but a winner.
It was a disrespectful move and Noah did right by calling him out. He's not a crybaby, he let's his emotions get in the way sometimes but that's just 'cause he wants to win and he shows it by playing really hard. He's one of the most improved guys this season, you can't say anything too bad about Joakim, LeBrom on the other hand needs to fix up his character. He wants to dish but he can't take.
Totally disrespectful...Lebron James is an overgrown clown AND CRYBABY. He actually said in an on court interview after the game that Noah was being disrespectful to HIM...yeah he USED the word "disrespectful". He is a full blown ego maniac who is not the best player in the game today by a long shot. He has no rings and he has NO CLASS. Shaq had a look in his eyes while sitting next to Jester James on the bench that clearly said "What the f am I doing HERE". Lebron is so darn clueless I seriously wonder about his IQ level.
LJ is as classless, as he is ringless. Ever listen to his interviews? Completely full of himself, and as ignorant about history as he is good at playing basketball.
Which, btw, is a lot easier when you're Never called for charges, walks, or carries.
Some folks really need to loosen up. LeBron and the team knows how to go in, play the game and get the job done all while entertaining CAVS fans. It's for the fans. It has nothing to do with him showboating on the other teams. Noah is cute and he can play ball but he was mad because he wasn't playing his best game. It's ok though, I'm sure he has a ritual or two he can come up with when he plays a great game. Leave LB alone and stop taking this ish so serious.
A little jig would've been fine. Continuous dancing throughout the affair should've been flagged ala college football where genuinely enthused players get dinged...go figure. Lebron shows his youth and remains in need of maturity despite his extraordinary athleticism. BTW, does he still do the powder fog thing? If so, that's getting old, too. 'Course I am old and don't appreciate too much of sports these days besides the unbelievable skills the kids have.
Most of you just look like jealous haters.
Basketball is a game. Games are supposed to be fun. Who cares if the entire Cavaliers bench jumps up and does a synchronized dance after every made basket? While I understand there has to be some level of professionalism in the NBA, there also has to be some emotion in it. Emotion makes games exciting. When players dance, jump, scream, chest bump, high five, pump their fist, they provide more entertainment and excitement. Yes, It can be frustrating when your team is losing but there is nobody to blame but yourself and your teammates. There is no need to take it out on other players.
"It's nothing against the Bulls, it's nothing against Joakim or any of those guys, it's not something that's new. We have fun, and we love to play the game of basketball. It's nothing about showboating; that's not what we do. I think he was frustrated by the way he played, maybe, as an individual, didn't help his team win." - James
How can you criticize Lebron for having a good time yet condone Joakim's actions? Talk about hypocrisy. Joakim's cursing and yelling while another player is attempting a foul shot is much worse than what Lebron did. His dancing wasn't directed at any one person.
The Lebron smear campaign that has been going on lately is just pathetic. The things people criticize him for are ridiculous.
He hasn't won a championship? So? He is young. He plays for Cleveland. He hasn't had the talent to back him up. Everyone else on the team has been so inconsistent over the past few seasons. How can you bash a guy for not winning on a championship? He can't carry an entire team.
He's selfish? If you have watched Lebron play at all you would notice how many assists he gets per game. On top of that if you have ever met the guy he is one of the nicest people you have ever met.
He's classless? How so? Because he was disappointed in himself last season and was too upset to shake the other teams hands? Are you serious? I would do the same thing. On top of that nobody ever talks about all the times he DOES say "Good game." after losing. He is human like the rest of us. Is he not allowed to be upset?
I think that the excitement and passion that Lebron brings to the game is exciting. Which is what makes me turn on my television to watch a game or pay 100$ to go down to the stadium. Just because the Cavs beat your favorite team doesn't give you a right to bash on Lebron. You all just sound like bitter losers.
First its just dancing on tha sideline not intended for just one person. Its said it wuz during a break, ok besides the ones in attendence no one else saw it and you mean to tell me a player cant have fun during a commercial break? Get real. I have seen many games where Shaq, Dwight Howard, and other players have fun before a game and during a game with each other just for entertainment but when you are losing whut is there to be happy about? Thats like saying we down by 15 with 2 minutes left hey lets do some harlem globetrotter stunts, lmao. My second thing is to a comment made about lebron not having a ring. In a comment above alot of players were named for having a ring and the difference between them and lebron is the ring. Look at the TEAM as to why those players have those rings. Magic had Worthy and Kareem to help the TEAM. Jordan had Pippen, Rodman, and Horace Grant for help. Kobe had Shaq his first three rings and just won his first one with the help of Derek Fisher and Paul Gasol. All those mentioned in being with a ring had help from the TEAM. WHO HAS EVER HEARD OF THE CAVALIERS AS A MAJOR TEAM IN THE PLAYOFFS SINCE SHAWN KEMP WENT TO THEM AND THEY DIDNT DO TO WELL THEN. So get off the bandwagon and quit hyping up situations to be bigger than they are. I am a Lebron fan and i will say he does have the athletic ability to be the next jordan and set records but as of right now Kobe is the best player in the game and Im not a Kobe fan but i respect his game. Much love to them both and keep the NBA excited.
By dlouis on December 5, 2009 4:00 PM
Kobe doesn't dance,
D-Wade doesn't dance,
Garnett, Pierce, Allen don't dance,
Duncan doesn't dance,
Jordan didn't dance,
Hakeem didn't dance,
Isiah didn't dance,
Larry didn't dance,
Magic didn't dance.
The one thing separating these guys from LeBron are their rings.
-- ISIAH DID DANCE! HE DID IT WITH THE BALL IN HIS HANDS
You don't want to be embarrassed ..... play better!
LBJ is arguably the best player in the game today. That being said, he is a jerk who thinks the world revolves around him. I am glad Noah talked back to him and hopefully, LBJ will get his ass kicked soon by someone who will set him straight.
Lebron needs to master his emotions. Gracious in defeat and modest in victories. Is this indicative of someone in a small media market? Save the dance, for after the ring. Nothing wrong with having fun. I think he would have made a comment if the shoe was on the other foot.
umm personally lebron is the best and since he isn't always up tight in his game and likes to have fun. you guys think that he cant be disapointed in losing a huge game and not being able to make it to the playoffs you think he wants to shake hands. no he wants the hell away from people and the camera's.
Lebron is the best and is re shaping basketball
Its funny to hear LeBron James saying that he just loves the game and wants to have fun when during the playoffs he refused to shake hands after losing to the Magic.
Would if Howard and Rashard lewis were dancing about while the Cavs took their beating?
Im not really a Bulls fan as much as a Cavs fan either but I think he just took it over the top and was unconsiderate especially since the Bulls were trying to get rid of their on-road losing streak. Go on Lebron rub it in.
Still what Joakim Noah did was pretty immature as well.
Perhaps he was dancing because he knows he'll have the chance to leave his mediocre teammates next year O_o
It's so funny to see the same old hateful comments about LeBron. The guy is doing it all by himself. He has NO ONE on that team to help him. He is literally a one-man show. All of the legends who have rings had help. When LeBron gets a couple of decent players around him, his team will be unstoppable. Even the great Kobe needed Gasol, Derek, Lamar, and Odom to get his fourth (not to mention a way, way better coach in Phil Jackson). If you think that LeBron is not the best in the game because he hasn't won any rings, you simply don't understand pro basketball at even a very basic level. And I hate to break the news to you apparent basketball newbies, but the vast majority of these players are egomaniacal jerks. So LeBron likes to have fun and he is immature about how he goes about it...big deal. I'm glad that the players in the NBA can do this stuff. It's entertaining. The NFL (No Fun League) has ruled out so much behavior that it has lost a lot of entertainment value. OchoCinco's newest fine for the sombrero routine is a perfect example.
To further enrage anyone, why should Noah be worried at what Lebron is doing? I understand alot of you so called basketball/bulls fans, want to make something of this however how is this any different to anything that is happening in sports today? People need to grow up and understand that this is an entertainment business. One person previously stated that what seperates lebron from the rest of the great players in the NBA is that he does not have a ring, and that the players who do have a ring don't dance, umm is there any relevance to this statement? Have you looked at the premier players who have won championships in the NBA? Do they not have top level complementary players that fit into their teams situation and that any other team would lovoe to have? To get angry because lebron was providing an inlking of entertainment to two cities who are starved of any athletic dominance, namley chicag even tho clevland is a close second, is ridiculous. Was this not the same city that thought Jay Cutler was going to save the Bears. Was this not the same city that had a man reach from the stands to ruin a playoff game for the most cursed franchise in sports? and you people are worryin about Lebron giving you some entertainment for once, I'm sure he could throw a leage record for picks if he wanted to as well and I'm sure he'd still be dancing and not looking like a child in detention, as your star quarterback is. Furthermore all you people who say that this would never fly in the old NBA, that's because the old NBA wasn't this good, wasn't this competitive, wasn't this intent on taking over the world with their sport. So called old school players wouldn't stand a chance in today's league. Sure some of those players, Doc J, Wilt, ect, were extremly talented however they did not posess the athleticism, inteligence, or media prowess to survive in today's NBA. This is no longer a league that is won solely on talent and drive alone. This is a league won by fan bases and who THE EMPEROR david stern, decides to let win. The NBA whether due to the Donaghy scandal, or David Stern has been called out for being one of the 3 most corrupt leagues in the world behind international tennis and soccer. So you people are worrying about Lebron dancing and and not the fact that your team is prety much throwing games to cover the spread.
Mickey needs to learn how to speak and write English.
Joakim should be making enough money to afford a better haircut.
Love to see Lebron try some of that dancing crap against a team like the Spurs or Celtics... Would get knocked on his ass pretty quickly
I've just read some of these harsh comments that these so called fans have posted about lebron and i think that these people are wrong for posting some of the thing that they said about him.Who cares if he and his team mated are dancing around the court they know it's a time to play and a time to be serious.These are som real live haters that left these messages about lebron.Lebron keep doing what you do best and thats play your heart out for basketball you must be doing something these haters ain't doing.I LOVE YOU YOU KING JAMES KEEP DOING WHAT YOU DO BABY AND KEEP THESE HATERS 50 FEET 1 LOVE FROM MS.COCOA
If you want to stop him from dancing look back to last years Eastern Conference Championship Series. That is how you stop him from dancing. Trying to stop him from dancing any other kind of way is weak!!!!!
I wonder if Joakim went dancing with Bron after the game?
Lebron James is one of the greatest basketball players today who cares if hes a Jerk hes good at what he does and he can beat team by as much as he wants to
I read some of these comments. First off do any of you people really think your opinions matter. Im sure LeBron goes on here to see if you guys think his dancing was ok or not. Also Joakim plays terrible just like his team....They are never going to be anything more than the team that had Michael Jordan so all of you Bulls fans on here you just keep watching your team lose and Lebron make sure you dont miss the NBA Finals because im sure Lebron will be dancing when he gets his ring......and Joakim sitting at home can yell at the tv screen and tell him to stop
to the person above me (jh) the bulls isnt a terrible team jus like any other team they have they ups and downs and just because you dont think ppl comments dont mean anything this is just an open discussion about the situation you act like lebrom or noah is paid reading this everyone knows this is jus criticism and jus because the bulls are well known for the jordan years doesnt mean we not gone get a another championship i mean ok we MORE DEFINELY not goin this season but dnt 4get how close we were last season but i agree lebron did show off and for his name to be big where are his rings at??? and as for noah, noah is a freakin beast and i will always root for him and rose sooo....
Funny thread here, even if it's old, I'll add my two cents.
Lebron is phenomenal, he's an entertainer, yet sometimes when he's spontaneous, which is cool by the way, sometimes it's funny, sometimes it's not. Opponents are going to be upset no matter what, because he beats them, but he does cross the line and that was one he could have kept quiet about.
Remember Magic Johnson celebrated a lot during games, giving high-fives throughout games, gesturing a lot, and people loved that, he's remembered for his sportsmanship.
Karl Malone waved his arms after dunks.
One should never be contrite about winning.
Now everything Lebron does is analyzed, and of course Noah was upset, called Lebron out, because that's the only thing he can do, since he failed to beat him at the game of basketball.
It's amazing what people come up with to try to get even when they are losing a game.
So I guess it's a tie, Lebron should behave and losers should shut up. That's a no-win situation right there.
Just ridiculous. I think it's awesome that he danced during that game. One of my favorite parts about watching the cavs is seeing the bench having a great time during the games. Meanwhile, when the ball moves to the other side of the court, the opposing team looks like a bunch of pallbearers who would rather be anywhere else than where they are.
LeBron is amazing at what he does and he has fun with his team while he does it. I doubt many of the posters in this thread can attest to that in their own jobs.
I am a Cavs fan. But I think that Joakim Noah is right in this situation. Dancing when the game has not ended is disrespectful and very unprofessional on LeBron James' part despite the fact that his team is going to win the game due to its large lead. I think that King James should respect his opponents in defeat.