No Defense for a King

NBA

Last week, The Lebron James returned to Cleveland for the first time as an opposing player.  This spurred talk about his highly publicized exit.  In case you've been quarantined from the sports world or just overwhelmed by all the Brett Favre talk, here's a quick recap:

Last season, Lebron James (2-time defending MVP) was headed towards a highly anticipated free agency; the hype building for about two years.  His Cavs went down to the Celtics in the conference semis with a three game collapse after a 2-1 series lead.  Lebron's play was not so Lebron-esque.  Then came "The Decision."  This was an unnecessary ESPN special where Lebron "addressed the nation" to divulge his future path culminating with the infamous quote "...I'm going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat." There, he would join forces with fellow Team USA stalwarts Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. This "collusion" of free agent superstars was unprecedented.  Some were excited for this monster team while others (including MJ himself) disagreed with Lebron's actions.

As a result, Cleveland got burned.  At least, that's how they felt after Lebron stunned the city during his TV special.  His approach to delivering the message was received critically by media across the nation.  Everyone condemned this spectacle, disgusted with Lebron's disrespectful treatment of his supposedly loved home state.  This controversy became the center of attention (again!) during The King's return last week.  I'm not here to condone his actions, but to explain them thanks to a story I heard from my buddy Trevor.

While Lebron and the Heat were murdering the Cavs on their home court, Trevor informed me of a rumor that one of Lebron's teammates may have had some involvement with a family member of LBJ's.  Apparently, Lebron found out after ALL his teammates and sometime around game 4 against the Celtics.  As the rumor goes, The King would not have reacted favorably to such a rumor.  This rumor is of course unconfirmed (as it should be).  However, it's interesting to notice Lebron's disinterested play, a certain player's sudden drop in minutes played, and the demise of the Cavs in the next three games.

"Goodbye Cleveland."  That's what got into LBJ's head.  He had to know he was peace-ing out at that point.  He can't feel uncomfortable around his teammates; you know, the people you are supposed to bond with to create the perfect formula for a champion.  Lebron probably remembered a quote from one of his favorite movies (or maybe just one of mine) Office Space. "Mr. Samir Naga... Naga... Naga... not going to work here anymore, anyway."  The true competitors need to win, which requires team chemistry.  Even in a highly individualistic sport that is professional basketball, you still need a complete set.  That's why they call it "team" sports, kids.  No team, no win.  O.K. Lebron, what's next?

Hmm, tough decision.  Probably should look for some advice. How about family? Oh no... Your other family, Cavs' teammates? Ouch...  What's left?  How about your more extended family, Team USA.  Yeah, the one you spent a summer with in a foreign country, actually won a team championship, played not for a city, but for the redemption of an entire country, and had fun at the same time.  Nice in, Wade.  Insert Pat Riley and South Beach is a done deal.  Personally, I was rooting for a New York landing, predicting that The Garden would be the perfect launching pad to catapult a king of a sport to a king of the world.  My selfish desire to witness an Ali 2.0 was outweighed by a man, a boy, a beast's desire to play a kid's game with his pals.  An understandable dream, yes?

So, Mr. Lebron James knows that he is leaving for Miami, but hasn't informed the public.  You know what would be a great idea? Making a ridiculous media bonanza about it that would show massive disrespect towards Cleveland.  While that's the effect it had, it was not the King's intention.  The purpose was to fuel the fire that is the Lebron James hype.  Let's not forget that attention and expectations are pretty much all Lebron has experienced since puberty.  His "King" moniker was already known as a junior in high school!  For those struggling with math, that's usually a 17 year old. Far from a mature mind that understands the world.  I remember his high school games seemed to be more nationally televised than a handful of professional teams (my poor Warriors...).  His unique abilities were showcased nightly on Sportscenter's Top 10, every time he stepped onto the court (pre-game practice highlights even made it).  You cannot blame Lebron for thinking he is bigger than Cleveland because, it is true.  We've been oohing and aahing at his mythical abilities for nearly a decade starting when he was just a teen.  Akron, Cleveland, and Ohio couldn't contain Lebron. Society demands that he venture into something big, real big.

The "American Dream" took over.  A region's most precious natural resource was extracted (obviously, to the detriment of the area) for a bigger more profitable splash elsewhere.  It's tragic, but it's been the course all along.  I'll admit, my roommate and I have been salivating for several years in hopes of investing in LBJ inc. You know how valuable those shares would be worth if the man went public? Someone work out the legal loophole here. 

The inevitable path of LBJ inc. exodus from Cleveland was widespread knowledge. Hence, why last week you kept hearing "It's not a problem with that fact that he did leave, but how he left."  Many wanted to see him leave, but still couldn't agree with how he said goodbye, paying zero tribute and even taxing his formally loyal fans.  True, however, his dishonorable departure is "un-defendable."  It's only explainable with the reasons for leaving, which is Classified Information.  Then why keep Dan Gilbert (Cavs' owner) in the dark until the last minute?  Because, we taught him how valuable the hype of Lebron James is.  Respectfulness and manners took a back seat to maintaining the confidentiality of where The King could end up.  Everyone was far too giddy.  The secret would be poor treatment of some, but a treat for many.

Thus, I find LBJ's actions understandable.  I don't like it, but I can't expect anything else.  Understanding the psychological roots is important for us to separate the thinking of the idolized versus the common man.  Sports figures are role models. Their role is in sports, they are not model people.  Realize it and learn from it properly.  It's more useful to learn why such things happen, rather than to simply learn about the goods and bads of an outcome.  Lebron will always take shots for his "decision," but it won't matter if he suits up his kevlar of basketball powers.  Because as we learned with Kobe and Bill Belichick your sins are either forgotten or ignored when you win in this country.

Americaaaa! It's all about coming out on top and ignoring the fine print.
Your actions are exploitative and harmful.  This pattern of behavior may be falsely rewarded but future generations will suffer because of your irresponsibility.