Witness....The Stopper....Kinda

I hate to call him out on my own blog. I mean, without the man, not only would this blog not exist, but I wouldn't either. 

But I'll never forget the day that Lebron James' name was called to the podium with the #1 pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. The words that slipped out of my Dad's mouth will forever live in emphamy. 

"I just don't see it. This guy is that good? I don't think so. I have a feeling he flops."

As he will admit to on cue now, my father was a little off with that statement. Maybe even more than just a little.

I sat back and watched, more like glanced, at what was a quick destruction of the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Semi's this last week. 

Sitting in the studio at my radio station, I thought to myself of a question that may just sit unanswered forever. 

"Can Lebron James be guarded? And if so, by whom?"

Well let's start with what we need to match-up with "The King". 

1. A player between 6'6 and 6'10 who weighs at least 220 (James is 6'8, and somewhere around 260 some analysts believe. James refuses to reveal his real weight)
2. A decent wingspan for frustration when James becomes a ball-handler 
3. A fearless attitude with a body to take the bumps and bruises for when James decides to enter the paint
4. Athleticism to stick with James up and down the floor
5. Defense-first mentality

With that criteria, I've selected a list of what I believe to be the best candidates...

• Ron Artest (6'7, 261)
• Shane Battier (6'8, 220)
• Luol Deng (6'9, 220)
• Rudy Gay (6'8, 222)
• Antawn Jamison (6'9, 235)
• Joe Johnson (6'7, 240)
• Rashard Lewis (6'10, 230)
• Lamar Odom (6'10, 230)
• Gerald Wallace (6'7, 220)
• Marvin Williams (6'9, 240)

So let's brainstorm.

Artest is one of the best in the league and would put a body on Lebron more than anybody else on the list, but his speed would probably be torched in a running game with James. Same goes for Battier (Edge- 'Bron x2)

Luol Deng is an interesting case. On January 15, he faced James and held the phenom to 8-28 shooting in a Bulls win. He's got the length and can run, but gets bumped around. Hints why in the 2 games prior to the 15th Lebron went off for 41 a piece. (Edge- 'Bron)

Gay has all the tools but isn't known for his defensive prowess. He's athletic, but still more of a big man at heart with his footwork. This photo says it all. (Edge- 'Bron)

Jamison/Johnson/Williams have all had their chances to stop James both in the regular season and in the playoffs and he has yet to be stopped by any of them. (Edge- 'Bron)

Lewis is hit or miss. He and Hedo Turkolu held Lebron to 20-some points in a late regular season game where the Magic led at points by 40. But overall, he's still offensive minded and at times get's crossed by James. (Edge- 'Bron)

Odom has been hit or miss with James. But I can't give him the advantage because he usually gets help from Kobe Bryant in the Cav/Lakers games. (Edge- 'Bron slightly)

Which leaves us with Gerald Wallace.

In 3 games total between the Cavs and Bobcats, no player held James in check more than GW. Wallace arguably had James number this season, holding 'Bron to 24-48 shooting and never allowing more than 9 baskets in a single outing. 

So there you have it- Gerald Wallace : The NBA's only 1-1 chance to stop LeBron James. 

But let's be honest. It truly is nearly impossible to stop #23. Maybe more so than even Michael Jordan as James continues to grow as a person and player. 

This is still a KID! He's only 25 years old folks and (not factoring in Playoff points) could eclipse Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's points total by age 43. Is it outlandish to think he can do that? Probably. But with his strong bill of health so far in his career and his stead fast improvement, nothing is out of the question.