Of the 10 players to be announced as starters this year, eight of them were starters last season. Amar’e Stoudemire started at forward for the East last season but was replaced this year by teammate Carmelo Anthony. Anthony, who started for the West last season, was replaced by first timer Blake Griffin this year. The retirement of Yao Ming also opened a starting spot which was filled by Lakers center Andrew Bynum.
"LeBron is a guy who is still learning and still growing, and the reality of it is that being down there with Dwyane Wade has helped him," Brown said. "They're different personalities. LeBron, he's a guy who likes to laugh and joke. He knows obviously there's a time to be serious, but he's youthful.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: This is true.
Kobe Bryant is more serious-minded than LeBron James, however, The Black Mamba is perhaps the most serious-minded player to ever hit an NBA floor.
Bryant eats, sleeps, and lives basketball. 24 hours a day. 365 days a year. Regardless of successes or failures, he's working on his craft.
Technically, Brown is right: Bryant is more 'serious-minded' than James. But the Miami Heat swing is more focused than in 2011; 'The Decision' and 'The Backlash' are no longer an issue.
However, to be in Kobe-territory, to earn All-Time great respect, James must hoist the Larry O'Brien championship in June. And he must do it more than once.
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