A while back I wrote about LeBron James and his big decision that was looming this summer. The hype, intrigue, and desire to have “King James” on your team were real; there has been a change in my mind, and I think in others as well. Not since the last presidential race have we witnessed such hoopla over a decision---but in this case it was based upon what the people wanted not what an athlete decided. But the difference between LeBron and the U.S. President is---one is played on a basketball court, and the other over the entire Globe. That’s a pretty big difference in playing fields.
You would have no idea this was the case based upon what has been happening since July 1st when teams could approach players about coming to play for their team. In many cities around the country, including Chicago, the world has stopped to follow LeBron’s decision. (His TV show tonight is called, “The Decision.”)
For the first few days it was pretty exciting---he met with teams, he was weighing his options, and he was trying to find the team where he could win a championship. The excitement ended yesterday; LeBron is a joke. His ego is bigger than any athlete who has ever stepped on a court, field or ice. Remember, all it takes is one bad moment to end a career---just ask any professional athlete whose career ended earlier than expected and they’ll tell you, you go from Hero to Nero. (You’ll be fiddling in the flames baby.)
When I learned LeBron was having a TV special based upon his decision, at first I thought it was a joke. Sure he is a noteworthy athlete, and yes the NBA is part of our culture, but if you ask people their preference, they will often say, “I love college hoops…not the NBA.” That’s a problem when you are shelling out $125 million for one player and hundreds of millions more for others.
What does it really mean?
It’s going to be harder and harder for the fans to watch games---ticket prices will increase, hot dogs will be priced the same as beers and beers the same as parking and parking well, take mass transit if you can. Without the fan base, professional sports are done; yes you will have corporations who will support the teams, but that ends when cuts are made to the bottom line. (For some reason courtside seats or a suite are not as important as a stock price.)
So by the time you read this tonight, the world will be able to breath easier as LeBron will have made “his decision.” If he leaves his current team, he will be missed, if he joins the Miami Heat with their latest additions, he will be welcomed. If they don’t win the championship, the team will change their name from “Heat” to “Beat” because a team with players like they will have can do one of two things---win or lose. I will still love the Chicago Bulls, and will love them no matter what happens; I am really hoping we don’t have a King on our team---we have had one in the past---and he still holds the crown in our hearts with a statue outside the United Center. MJ took the game seriously, but he was never thought of as a joke.
The photo above was taken a few years back in Milwaukee. LeBron James put on a show and it was a great show. Deep down I hope he stays in Cleveland; he is part of the community, has added a lot to that city, and frankly they have given him a life he will not find anywhere else. When it’s all over, and he becomes an ESPN sports trivia question, he will learn there is more to life than a basketball court.
Thanks for stopping by.
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