>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

PORTLAND — People who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

This seemingly simple lesson reared its ugly head in Portland.

One person single-handedly beat the Trail Blazers Wednesday.

No, not LeBron James — although he certainly had a hand in it.

This culprit didn’t sport sneakers or a jersey. In fact, he never set foot on the floor or took a shot — at the basket anyway.

The Trail Blazer heartbreaker wore a suit. But his fashion statement wasn’t as loud as his mouth.

Ever heard the phrase, “Let sleeping dogs lie?’’

Well it’s a good idea. Because someone woke James up, and he bit Portland in the fourth quarter.

What makes this action so stupid is that it happened before and probably will again.

Flashback to Jan. 6.

Cleveland is losing at Toronto.

However, Raptors post Chris Bosh forgot to leave his girlfriend at home.

Or maybe just to tell her, this LeBron guy is pretty good.

Please don’t fire him up.

But she and Bosh’s cousin decided to taunt James, who was having a so-so game.

The fourth-year player had 15 points headed into the final quarter.

Trailing 70-59, James scored 24 straight points in a comeback win.

The Cavaliers’ superstar walked by the girls telling them it was their fault.

Back to Wednesday.

The clean-cut gentleman couldn’t keep his mouth shut.

Leading by 11 points, 81-70, Portland looked to grab win No. 19 at home.

Then James and the fan subtly exchanged some words and pointing fingers.

Then James drilled a 3-point field goal.

After an Zydrunas Illgauskas field goal, James went back to work behind the arc.

More pointing ensued after James trimmed the lead to three points.

Reality sunk in as the third shot haymaker landed, and the Rose Garden fell silent.

A tie, 81-81.

That’s not all.

James ended the game by driving through two defenders and making a circus shot. Eleven points in four minutes. Yes, he’s that good.

Portland’s final attempt with three-tenths of a second left ended in James’ hands. Cleveland won, 84-83.

In the end, the 6-foot-8-inch monster had 17 points in the fourth quarter.

So fans, next time you want to taunt the NBA’s greatest player, reconsider. Stay silent.

Enough said.

Paul Harder is a sports writer for The Observer.