Why DeShawn Stevenson Shouldn’t Trash-Talk LeBron James

My AM Take: Risk-takers make life interesting. So I admire stockbrokers, gamblers, and actors who star in films with career-killing thespian Freddie Prinze Jr. I’m adding Washington guard DeShawn Stevenson to my list.

Following Washington’s recent win over Cleveland, Stevenson had an interesting opinion on superstar LeBron James.

"He’s overrated," DeShawn told Mike (Mike Lee, Washington Post insider). "And you can say I said that."

I appreciate Stevenson’s courage; calling out The King takes guts and the “you can say I said that” line is a sure-fire way to create front page headlines.

The Wiz’s lockdown wing is playing head games. Clearly, Stevenson is anticipating a playoff duel with the Cavaliers, so he’s attempting to gain an edge by motivating himself and teammates.

Washington could give Cleveland trouble in a seven game series. Although the Wizards have had an inconsistent season, they possess the feel-good chemistry, defense, and athleticism to push the one-dimensional Cavaliers.

Hard-as-nails All-Star Caron Butler is also returning from injuries; Antawn Jamison is an underrated franchise guy. Of course, the X-factor is Gilbert Arenas. Will The Hibachi’s comeback throw off a grittier Washington team? Time will tell.

There is, however, a flip side to this argument. A few months back, Chris Bosh’s girlfriend made the mistake of trash-talking LeBron James from the sideline of the Air Canada Centre after he missed a dunk.

A colossal error by CB4’s better half. James suddenly awoke from a game-long slumber to score 24 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Cavaliers to a come-from-behind 99-82 win.

I think Stevenson should consider what Toronto’s superstar told his girlfriend post-game …

"She’s free to do what she wants," Bosh said of his No. 1 fan. "But I said, ’Don’t talk to LeBron any more.”

Chances are Stevenson’s risky comments will have on-court repercussions. And, as always, watching things unfold between Washington and Cleveland will be interesting.

Should Stevenson have called-out James? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts. Click here to subscribe to Oly Sandor’s NBA Blog. The AM Take is Oly’s morning thoughts on the NBA appearing Sunday through Friday on HoopsVibe NBA Blog. Errors can be attributed to the time and his need for another coffee. (image appears courtesy of flickr.com)