sound bwoy shep: June 2011

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Friday, June 24, 2011

in defense of lebron james.

"With the same sword the knight you, they goodnight you with." - Jay-Z

Betrayal is the first word that comes to the minds of most Americans when you mention the name LeBron James. By now the story has been told ad nauseam. The media has dissected and scrutinized LeBron's every move since his decision to trade in the harsh Cleveland winter and "take his talents" to sunny South Beach Miami. In the wake of "The Decision", he left behind a city of angry, bitter fans and a vengeful and extremely spiteful owner. Since then he's become public enemy number 1. A target for ridicule. The most hated man in America. So when that final buzzer of the NBA finals sounded, just about every person outside of Dade County, cheered, laughed at and applauded LeBron James' failure. Not the Miami Heat. Not Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, but LeBron James. LeBron James, the villian. The small city of Cleveland erupted with feelings of vindication and the moment the media had anxiously waited for arrived, "I told you so."

Just a year ago LeBron was the media darling. A gifted phenom that made an incredible leap from playing basketball with teenage boys to banging bodies with grown ass men. But today he stands alone with his potential legacy marred by immature decisions and poor crunch time performances. But why does the world hate LeBron James? Most people cite the hour long "Decision" special. They called it ostentatious and arrogant claiming LeBron's ego had become too big for his "crown". But what is never mentioned is how the same media that criticized "The Decision", hounded LeBron since the moment he signed his initial contract; badgering him about whether he would stay in Cleveland once said contract expired. For 7 years, LeBron handled the constant questioning, trying his best to deflect media distractions. The type of distractions that can cost a team the invaluable "team chemistry". So why are we appalled and more importantly surprised at LeBron for deciding to make his announcement on primetime television? The media asked for it. LeBron is still a young player with a lot to learn about how to conduct himself and his business. He should not be vilified for his decision to leave a team that didn't have the key pieces for winning a championship. He did what any honest, hard working American would do. He left his job in Cleveland for a better opportunity in Miami. Isn't the goal to win a championship?! Why are we upset that LeBron and his buddies called for winning "not four, not five, not six, not seven" championships?! They want to build a dynasty and deserve to do so. Should he have came to Miami and said "hopefully, we'll win a championship"?!

It's going to be a LONG offseason for LeBron James and he knows it. He's been humbled. He's going to be haunted by this years finals collapse until he finally holds up that Larry O'Brien trophy. But, let's not forget how much talent is on that floor when #6 decides to tighten up his laces and play ball. He has 7 years in the league, 2 league MVPs and he's only 26 years old and that's scary.