James is a coward for not letting the Cavs know of his decision before the public, and really is narcissistic for making them and the world wait for an adoring one-hour ESPN special to learn of his next destination. But he didn't "betray" anyone by using his right to test the free market to determine his future.
Right now, Miami aside, LeBron James is hated among many corners of the NBA fandom, especially in Cleveland, where they will likely not forgive him anytime soon. That is understandable. LeBron was their closest hope to seeing a pro athlete lead a team to a championship in years. And now that hope is gone.
But among the larger sports world, the all-about-me way LeBron went about his big decision, plus his sore-loser mentality - refusing to shake hands with Orlando in the playoffs two seasons ago, his seeming lack of 100% effort against the Celtics in this year's playoffs and quick toss off of his Cavs jersey for the last time after the C's eliminated him - has tarnished his all-around, nice-guy image some.
For good and bad reasons, he has become the A-Rod of the NBA. Good because he's leaving a longtime franchise for a team with actual championship experience. Bad because both have a narcissistic personality (though LeBron has yet to be photographed kissing himself in a mirror).
Is there anything James can do to repair this media-obsessed, full-of-himself image he has cast of himself?
After the details of James' new Heat contract is worked out, he should write an open letter to Cleveland Cavaliers fans and those in and out of the organization who worked with and supported him since he came into the league in 2003.
In the letter, he could also apologize with some actual heart this time, for not being able to bring the city an NBA title. That would be a good start.
Photo of LeBron James credit: Chris Chappelear of Flickr
Article comments
1 - Lynn Voedisch
He hasn't made any friends in Chicago, let me tell you. Wade expressed interested in coming here, but then Bosh chose Miami and what is this herd mentality? Jordan certainly didn't need a supporting cast when he made his choice.
Also he didn't need an hour-long TV special.
Like you say, LeBron has made a lot of--I wouldn't say enemies--but non-fans. Remember "He Got Game," when the young player was offered lots of money and hype and had to make a choice? He made the right one. LeBron did not. And he will not shine surrounded by Wade and Bosh.
2 - Doug Hunter
Yes. You don't get a legacy by joining with the best and winning the title on an all star team, you get it by facing the best on the court and beating them. The legacy will go to whoever faces Miami's three headed monster and wins (I'm hoping it's Kobe and the Lakers).
3 - Lynn Voedisch
I think Kobe's already established a legacy for himself, IMHO. But it was LeBron's stated objective to be the next Jordan, and he sure went about it the wrong way. Jordan did not need a posse to be the best.
4 - El Bicho
Jordan needed Scottie Pippin and three-point shooters like Paxson and Kerr to be the "best".
5 - John Wilson
It may be a good thing for Cleveland. Unplugging the talent bottleneck may enable new players to develop and create new fan interest.
6 - Arch Conservative
Lebron was a free agent so none should begrudge him his decision to leave Cleveland. That being said, the dog and pony show leading up to the announcement, the fact that ESPN gave James primtime air time to hold a press conference, watching James refer to himself in the third person...well, it was all sickening. I'm surprised James didn't have an "I'm bigger than Jesus," moment during the press conference.
He's a friggin basketball player. The whole sordid situation has left me, and I'm sure many others, with a personal dislike for James. I hope he never wins a championship.
7 - John Wilson
It's just a game.
8 - bob
He's a friggin basketball player. The whole sordid situation has left me, and I'm sure many others, with a personal dislike for James. I hope he never wins a championship.
9 - RJ
LeBron James is in love with himself. And that's not a crime. But what is arguably criminal is the way so many have worshiped him - including the Governor of Ohio - as if a millionaire who can dribble a basketball is some sort of hero. He's not a hero. He's not even really that much of a role model. He's just an egotistical multimillionaire who is really, really good at basketball.
My 2 pennies...
10 - El Bicho
the ratings proved ESPN was right to show it. Drew better than many playoff games