Photo from Google Images
LeBron James didn’t choose to grow up in Ohio. He never had a national signing day and he’s never be able to choose where he would play. Cleveland crowned him the Chosen One to build a seven year relationship that was based on hope he could save a city. LeBron James didn’t choose to save Cleveland.
The idea of a national TV special to announce his decision of free agency is not shocking. I can’t be the only one who expected this type to attention on a day that we all saw coming.
LeBron James is more than an athlete, he’s an international brand! Of course the world wanted to ‘witness’ HIS decision. The problem is that the city of Cleveland took it as a public breakup and a slap in the face of un-loyalty. I would argue that the city of Cleveland is the crazy ex-girlfriend in this breakup. Burning LBJ’s jersey, riots, and the deepest burn came from the nasty words of Cavaliers owner, Dan Gilbert. This isn’t Lane Kiffin, this is a six time all-star and a two time MVP. He played his heart out in a Cavalier jersey! If he wanted to “rub it in” he would have sat behind a table lined with team hats, smiled and cheered while yelling “South Beach baby”. Instead, he made it a charity opportunity, had a conversation -not a press conference and held back tears as he announced he would be heading down south.
The pressure of his decision was written on his tired face and shown in his glossy eyes. He carried the weight of not only a franchise, but the weight of an entire city. No one would choose that pressure and no one could succeed alone. It takes a team to win a championship and a team to save a city.
Even when LeBron showed signs that he had an interest in other cities, Cleveland fans sill worshiped him. Remember when he wore a Yankees hat to an Indians game? He has openly stated that yes, he grew up in Ohio, but he also grew up a Yankees fan, a Dallas Cowboy fan and a Chicago Bulls fan-why else would he wear “23”?
He didn’t breakup with Cleveland for more money. He’s said all along that he plays to win. Seven years of sell-out games and ESPN highlights without a championship in a Cavaliers jersey can only leave LeBron the one with a broken heart. So yes, breaking up is hard to do.
I respect LeBron more for admitting that it’s not about the money and that he can’t do it alone. By joining Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh- the Miami Heat just got hotter. Professional sports are fueled by ego’s and dollar signs. To see a team that chooses to ban together to build a team fueled by passion and teamwork is almost an unheard of relationship. A team that has chosen to give up their individual net worth to build the teams net worth is so rare and inspiring –and quite possibly the best illustration of teamwork in the NBA. Now, we can only count down the days until we witness a championship team.