For several years now I've held a strong dislike for LeBron James. The amount of praise leveled in his direction, for someone who hadn't earned it (read: NBA championships), was, and still is, astounding to me. And every time he would fail, the blame wouldn't lie with him, but with the Cavs organization for not supplying him with adequate help. All those 'witnesses' definitely witnessed something. Unfortunately for them they were successful regular seasons followed by playoff flops.
More than anything the thing that bothered me most was how LeBron always did the politically correct thing. Every action appeared to be calculated so that he was loved more and more. It was nauseating; mostly because people were so blind to how narcissistic he was and still is.
I think one of the first glimpses we saw of the 'real' LeBron was when he walked off the court following the Cavs defeat at the hands of the Magic in the '09 playoffs. He actually seemed human and fallible. One of the things I dislike most is when a person puts on a facade and hides their true nature.
When it was announced that LeBron wanted to make his 'decision' during a hour-long special on ESPN I couldn't help but laugh. It was the ultimate ego-maniacal move. The height of arrogance. Of course he would donate all the advertising revenue to The Boys and Girls Club, but when you're LeBron James you can afford to do this. You see whether, or not, LeBron went to the Heat or Knicks or Bulls or back to Cleveland he was saying to the rest of the NBA, in particular Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, "you guys may have been a big story when you announced that you're going to Miami together, but I'm still the No. 1 attraction in the NBA".
And with LeBron's 'decision' all the unquestioning followers of the 'King' (I called him 'prince' because a king would have at least one ring) have awakened to the realization that LeBron is not, as the media previously had you believing, a great guy.
He's just a guy.
Human. Just like the rest of us.
In the moment that LeBron made a decision based on what his wants/needs/desires are (read: NBA championships), not what the public would approve of, he drew the ire of a great many people. And while he's lost many fans he's gained one in me. I've always thought he's a great talent, but I cannot root for a phony. I only expect people to be themselves.
It's very cool to see three superstars take less money in the name of championships. I've wondered, for a while now, why players did not sacrifice money to play along side other superstars so they can achieve greatness and what would happen if they did. Clearly their egos get in the way of this happening. That ego is part of why they've gotten to where they are; and who wouldn't want to win by themselves as the No. 1 guy? Still, championships immortalize players and who doesn't want to see a 'super team'? I know I do.
Now I finally get to see it.
