Lebron’s choice to “take his services to South Beach” and join D-Wade and Chris Bosh was bigger than the new Big Three, the NBA and even his ego even though it clearly couldn’t fill the unnecessarily long hour designated for THE DECISION his people arranged. Even economically, it transcended the millions of dollars Cleveland is to lose as a city from the vibrant nightlife created from games or the Heat gain as a franchise from jersey and season ticket sales. It was bigger than the sport itself as it symbolized its’ current status overall.
Perceptions
From one perspective, the notion of James joining fellow superstars seemed commendable. Far too often superstars seduce the spotlight with tempting and tantalizing stories of mischievous misconduct. With the abominable combination of the nationally felt effects of a struggling economy in a recession and possible work stoppages in multiple sports, a player seeking more money is a serious offense and one of the seven deadly sins in sports.
His doing so during a free agent period shared with the most notably inconspicuous player, Allen Iverson, seemed to further reinforce his reputation ironically as the answer to the Answer. While Lebron turned down more lucrative deals, the dress code inspiring, former MVP, once fan favorite bad boy who took the league by storm in polarizing fashion now finds himself without a suitor. The same brash attitude and stubborn beliefs in his abilities that helped him now hold him back. James was the opposite and the antidote.
However, it was Allen Iverson’s diehard attitude and unmatched competitive spirit that propelled him to stardom. The same IS said of Kobe and best illustrated in what Jordan recently said. The notion of him teaming up with other superstars is an unfamiliar concept to the game greatest who said, “There’s no way with hindsight, I would’ve ever called up Larry, called up Magic, and said, ‘Hey, look, let’s get together and play on one team’. But things are different.”
The Right Comparison
Questions of how his move affects his perception in comparison to his contemporary standard Kobe or to Michael are irrelevant. The most fitting comparison is Lebron to Joe as in Joe Mauer. The then 26 year old decided against joining fellow all-stars, future Hall of Famers, some of the games’ greatest of all time, the defending champions and perennial title contenders. He proved his loyalty by staying in his hometown.
He did so in a sport known for unparalleled and possibly unlimited spending during free agency. He did so in a sport where he could have earned more money than the entire payrolls of others teams. He did so in a sport, unlike basketball and the NBA in particular, where even if individuals dominate they can not single-handedly ensure success and even the brightest of stars rely on their teammates.
So many people contemplate how Lebron’s move affects his move in the list of the game’s legends. In comparison to both those and a counterpart in another sport he falls short. Lebron shouldn’t be commended for sacrificing money or the spotlight because all he gave up was his opportunity to live up to the commission of being the best.
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