LeBron James vs. Delonte West
Game 6 of the 2010 Eastern Conference Semifinals is a game that will forever live in infamy in the hearts of the fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers, even if LeBron James did return back “home” to deliver said fans an NBA Championship. It’s no so much about the fact that the Celtics — the hated rivals of James and the Cavaliers — upset top-seeded Cleveland, to win the series in six games. It’s about the fact that James’ 27 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists don’t come close to telling the story of how he quit on his team when the game was at its most critical juncture.
Why did he quit? There were swirling rumors about discord and hostilities between James and Delonte West, stemming from allegations that West may have engaged in some type of relationship — with varying rumors about the extent of said relationship — with James’ mother. It’s one of the most amazing urban legends in NBA history, and it was one that helped push James out the door from Cleveland, and to the Miami Heat.