image from espn.com
I didn't get home to watch the hour long LeBron James announcement on ESPN the other day, not that I would sit there intently to watch it either, because honestly, I'm not a big fan of his. Whether he stayed in Cleveland or even came to LA to play for the Lakers, I wouldn't care. LeBron did what he had to do and as a person, I would've done the same.
It's a joke to me, to read some sports writers jumping on the bandwagon and bashing him for ruining the game of basketball and betraying everyone that supported him. Thanks to the Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert for openly trashing him and getting the anti-LeBron snowball rolling. Look Gilbert, if it wasn't for him, your team would still be running as a second rate team. LeBron has made millions for the franchise and raised the team's profile. He got people to fill your stadium, fan merchandise bought and free marketing as people spoke about your Cavs.
I don't think that Dream Team in Miami is going to do much, they'll get far, but not far enough. A dream team of just 2 1/2 exceptional players surrounded by bench warmers can only take you so far. That 1/2 player I'm referring to is Chris Bosh. He's a very good player, but I don't think he's great, please prove me wrong as I'd like to see it. Remember many years back when the Lakers had the 2004 Dream Team with Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, Gary Payton and of course Shaquille O'Neal? THAT was a dream team and they still fell short. Unlike the Miami dream team now, the Lakers had a decent bench.
LeBron was a one man wrecking crew in Cleveland and basically carried the team. He needs a few others to step up and be of the superstar caliber to take it just a little step further. The Cavs ownership should've stepped up also and give him the support he needs. Pay a little more now and reap the rewards with a championship for many years after. LeBron has all the money he needs right now, he wants a ring. That's what probably haunts him day and night. That's what is driving him and how can you blame the guy? If he stays with the Cavs, he'll probably be like Karl Malone. An excellent player in his prime, but took too long to finally put his ego to the side and make that very last push to get the championship ring. He did the right thing now while he's still in his youthful prime.
How about all the people and fans that supported him all these years? What about them? As a fan, unless you're a Cleveland native, it's just another jersey in another town. For the Cleveland fans, I can get an idea of their feelings of betrayal, but if you truly wanted to see him succeed, you would be happy that he pursued his dreams and wish him luck. Keep the doors unlocked and if he decides to come back, just welcome him back. The people they should be angry at is ownership and management for not doing more. If they built the team right, all this would be moot, and LeBron and team would be flashing their rings.
Karl Malone is funny and he says lots of things that makes you wonder just how drunk or bent on drugs he is when he is talking. It's probably him beating himself up for never getting that elusive ring. LeBron could've followed in his steps at the end of his career and when he retired. A sad and pathetic sight, or do what he did and jump ship now.
On a personal level he did the right thing. No regrets. You should live your life with no regrets. Otherwise LeBron would be regretting it for the rest of his life and never have the chance to get what he really wanted and just be another Karl Malone.
Good luck LeBron. Do what you need to do, but don't forget the people that helped you!
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