His Majesty’s Service: In Defense of King James

Now I really had no desire to add to the media frenzy revolving around the Lebron James story, but I just cant tolerate the idiotic commentary any longer. Every word and action has been scrutinized and analyzed by broadcasters and fans. Before the legendary “Decision” analysts and experts (those terms are laughable) bickered endlessly about the options and what teams stood a chance at landing King James. They squabbled about X millions of dollars here, and the greatest opportunity there, ultimately resolving nothing. If anything it was this all out media blitz is more to blame for the ridiculous attention this one contract received.

I was one of the first to say that Lebron was putting on a show and loved having the basketball world at his feet, but he actually changed my mind during his hour long “Decision” special. In what Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert called a “narcissistic, self-promotional build-up”, I actually believe Lebron humbled himself. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t as if he placed himself beneath everyone, but he did something he didn’t really have to do to end all the questions and speculation. If he really wanted to he could have made that hour long program a mix between My Super Sweet Sixteen and Cribs and have just been an arrogant prick talking about how great he is. Then comes the immediate backlash. Fans burning jerseys in the streets, the YouTube rants (look them up they get pretty funny), but nothing better than Dan Gilbert’s humiliating letter. Featured here.

If you take time to read though this “letter” you will really find that it sounds more like a rant from an angry child.  Rather than attempt to be professional, Dan Gilbert attacks Lebron and places his “curse” on him.  Lets not talk about the fact that Gilbert and the Cavs had Lebron for seven years and failed to build a team around him or how they clearly weren’t aggressive enough in free agency, just blame someone else for the administrations faults.  I understand the disappointment of the fans but sometimes they have to understand that this is a business.  Players are skilled employees, and it remains the responsibility of the management to maintain and retain those employees. Dan Gilbert did more damage to his team by berating a man that doubled the value of his franchise, than Lebron by leaving.

Another major point of criticism is that Lebron has essentially chickened out by teaming up with Wade. Many say he Lebron doesn’t have the makings or character of a true great to go out and be on his own. To all those that believe this it is time for a history lesson, really courtesy of Dwyane Wade strangely. Wade put it best when in an interview he challenged critics and fans to look at film and stats, no one ever did it alone. Lets go back to undoubtedly the greatest player ever, Michael Jordan. He was the best of everything with just about no faults; in my opinion far better than Kobe Bryant or Lebron James (dont know why people love to make this comparison so much). Even Jordan didn’t do it alone, recall a player by the name of Scottie Pippen. I have been shocked to see that his feats have already have been forgotten. Pippen in his own right was a great player, had he not been in the colossal shadow cast by Jordan he would be considered on of the elites to have played the game. It is true that in Basketball, more than most other team sports, one man can make a difference, but one man cannot be the team. This also brings me to something I’ve noticed; athletes like to play with others on their level. For Lebron that leaves a very small list of players since his level is so high.

There will continue to be an unending stream of criticisms most likely straight through this season, especially in how this team fairs in its first season. Ultimately this was Lebron James’ decision and his alone to live with. Regardless of your opinions, one thing is for certain, the Miami Heat are a team to be reckoned with this coming season. They are also a team with a bulls eye on their backs. I personally wish Lebron, Wade, and Bosh the best (No more rings for Phil Jackson dammit!!!!).