Oh, the media.
Always looking for that juicy story-line to making the NBA playoffs even more riveting than they already are. Especially when LeBron James is involved. Because people hate that guy. And that just means RATINGS BONANZA-PALOOZA!
But when that story-line doesn't present itself, the next best thing is to focus on the matchups and in-game analysis.
Ha. Ha. Just kidding. The next best thing is make shit up and then run with it.
Because, the media.
Thus has been the case in the last few days leading up to Wednesday's Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Heat and Pacers.
After the Pacers did away with the New York Knicks on Saturday night (which, as a side note, has been pure comedy gold... thanks for that, Pacers!), Vogel was asked about last year's playoff dance with the Heat, in which the eventual champs ousted Indiana in six games in the semi-finals.
"This is not about getting back at Miami," Vogel said. "If you're in the final four, you're competing for a championship. You're competing for a championship. And they're just the next team that's in our way."
LeBron James was then approached by a reporter and told what Vogel said by completely making up what Vogel said:
"Vogel kept saying last night that you guys are just another team," the reporter told LeBron.
LeBron, seeing how this was a reporter quoting a coach so there was no way he'd make up such a thing, responded in a prickly manner.
"We're not just another team," said James. "I don't understand what he's saying. But we're not just another team. It's not true. We're not just another team. We're a great team. We're very confident. We'll be ready for them. But if we're just another team, you really don't prepare for just another team. We're not just another team. You got to be prepared for us."
AHAAAA! YOU SEE HOW LEBRON IS THE WORST HUMAN PERSON ON THE PLANET?? RUN WITH THIS AS YOUR LEAD STORY, ESSPENN!
Vogel was then forced to respond and set the record straight.
"Sorry sports world, the words 'just another team' never came out of my mouth," Vogel said in response to James' comments. "Great respect for LBJ and the champs. Looking forward to [a] great series."
Did you hear what Vogel said to your response, LeBron? He said he's looking forward to kicking your ass in this series! Also, he said rude things about your mom. And accused you of pushing an ice cream cone into a little kid's face for no reason. THOUGHTS??
Follow Chris Joseph on Twitter
Follow @NewTimesBroward
