LeBron James: Still not making friends

LeBron James is already a polarizing figure. He was becoming one prior to “The Decision,” and then his little TV special pushed things to a different stratosphere. But it’s not just those big events, or his Game 5 meltdown, or not shaking hands with the Magic after the Cavs’ 2009 elimination, or Kobe Bryant fans’ inability to let go of the claim of “best player in the league” that has him such a salty subject these days.

Kevin Garnett is a perfect example of someone who acts like a jerk to people who he doesn’t like or respect (sometimes to too far of a degree), but who his friends love passionately. He’s considered an institution around the league, and greeted warmly by many. James, on the other hand, seems to make more enemies wherever he goes, and he’s picking them up with his words and actions.

And last night he fanned the flames once again.

One person who isn’t a an of LeBron James? Terrence Williams. The Nets hung with the Heat for a half Saturday night, with Anthony Morrow filling it up. But in the third quarter, the Heat absolutely took over, and blew the Nets out. In the midst of their dunking and high flying antics, Terrence Williams got a little sick of it and decided to send a message.

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Just a little something to put a foot down and tell James he didn’t appreciate it. James told the New York Post that it wasn’t a dirty play. The Nets certainly didn’t feel it required the flagrant foul it received.

Not only did Williams level the foul, but he told the Post that James was being a, forgive me, drama queen about it to a degree.

“Falling all into the stands was a little much, I think,” Williams said.

James, not so much with the agreeing:

“For me, exaggerate a fall, never. I’ve never been a flop guy. I love contact. I didn’t exaggerate anything,” James said. “It didn’t send much of a message because we went on an 8-0 run after it.”

BURN. James did in fact score on consecutive possessions following the foul. But dang, King. Was that really necessary? Just another example of James not really giving a crap about who he offends these days, since he’s managed to anger just about 90% of the United States and parts of Canada.

But James wasn’t done! No, no!

Okay, so that could be pointed at any number of players, from Derrick Rose to Rajon Rondo. Probably Rondo. But was it really necessary? We all know CP3 and James are close, but that seems like a pretty pointed declaration at folks who would be considered int he conversation.

King James may be trying too hard to be a villain, but at least he’s selling it whole-heartedly.