LeBron goes from Cleveland to Miami, from hero to villain
In an hour of unbelievably overcooked live TV, LeBron James went from being the nice guy you hoped would someday win a championship to the schemer you hope never does. He went from being John Elway to being A-Rod, from hero to villain.
It must have seemed a good idea at the time: LeBron and his “team” went to ESPN and pitched an one-hour special, and the Worldwide Leader does as the Worldwide Leader invariably does — it turned a news story into a circus. It offered up Stuart Scott, who said “two-time MVP” so often in the space of 10 minutes you wanted to shout: “Bill Russell was a five-time MVP, and he never needed a one-hour special to remind us!”
Bill Russell also won 11 titles, and he never had to cherry-pick his team. Neither did Michael Jordan, who took six, or Magic Johnson, who won five, or Kobe Bryant, who has five, or Tim Duncan, who has four. Even if LeBron does win a championship with the Miami Heat — and there’s no guarantee he will — it won’t be seen as a great player lifting a team; it will be seen as a bunch of glitzy free agents banding together just to burnish their respective images.
The Heat won’t be seen as the Celtics, where three guys who had never won big came together near the end of the careers to enhance one another. They’ll be viewed as the Yankees, where the operative word is always overkill. LeBron James just told us that, for all his exterior bravado, he didn’t trust himself to be the linchpin of a champion. He needs Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Can Carmelo Anthony be far behind?
We the people are funny. We like our stars, but we don’t like sure things. It will be no news when Miami wins, but it will be the lead story whenever it loses. And it won’t just be newsworthy when/if the Heat fails — it will be laugh-out-loud funny.
Had LeBron gone to the Knicks or the Bulls, had he stayed in Cleveland, we’d see him differently today. We’d see him as a superstar looking for a team he could make better, as opposed to one that might well have made do without him. A team needs both LeBron and D-Wade? The two brand names whose games most mirror one another? Why not bring Jordan out of retirement just to complete the set?
The wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, no stranger to hype, offered two sneering Tweets in response to the word circulating early Thursday that LeBron was indeed headed to Miami to ally himself with Wade and Chris Bosh. From C.O.:
“Nickname is KingJames. Kings lead with the help of an army (supporting cast on team) – a lead dog doesn’t join superstars to make it easy.”
Also this:
“Kobe-Magic-Jordan-Bird all created legacies on their own teams. They didn’t join together to make winning a ring easy.”
We can argue that LeBron deserves credit for leaving money on the table. (The Cavs could have paid him more than any other team.) But money at this rarefied level is a given, and what’s a few million here or there? The trouble with being one of three — Miami Thrice! — is that LeBron will never be seen as a transcendent talent on the order of Jordan or Magic or Bird. He couldn’t take the guys around him and make them champs. He had to station himself next to D-Wade, who’s already a champ.
The Summer of LeBron figured to be strange, but it wound up being stranger than anyone could have dreamed. LeBron had the world at his feet, and he managed to alienate a goodly portion thereof. His ballyhooed “Decision” smacks of a calculated plan intent on world domination, and nobody likes a megalomaniac.
LeBron might well have outsmarted himself. A lot of folks who wouldn’t have minded if he won are now hoping he and the Miami Heat will lose. I know. I’m one of them.
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509 comments Add your comment
phoenix falcon
July 9th, 2010
11:50 am
@ReddJonn68
DITTO
phoenix cardinal
July 9th, 2010
11:50 am
LaBron is LaBORING.
phoenix cardinal
July 9th, 2010
11:52 am
Lebron is LeBORING
ElderDawg71
July 9th, 2010
11:52 am
Mark, thanks for your insightful comments concerning this decision. Let us not forget that this is a business. LeBron made a business decision that was best for him. The so-called fans and adminstrators of the Cavs continue to show their childish immaturity by bashing LeBron for doing what is best for him. The league should look into the negative comments being made by the team owners, but they probably wont. Have a dawg-great day.
Raybud
July 9th, 2010
11:55 am
Also wanted to throw out there that if you think the owner made LeBron rich, you are mistaken. LeBron made him rich. LeBron is the one who sold out arenas, not Dan Gilbert. As a matter of fact, I am willing to bet anyone on here that Cleveland will be sold out only on the two games that MIA plays there.
Raybud
July 9th, 2010
11:57 am
@Elderdawg71….I agree with you 100%
cheshire
July 9th, 2010
12:00 pm
ElderDawg71, with all due respect, that’s ridiculous, and you’re ignoring a lot of the elements to this story by simply boiling it down to “well, it’s just a business”. It’s a business, but the product is personal to a lot of people… it’s designed to be personal to people. That’s what the NBA wants and that is how it should be.
People keep saying “well, if i could go to another company and make more $, i’d do it, so Lebron is justified”… that analogy is stupid because most people’s jobs don’t have a major impact to an entire city they grew up in. Most people’s jobs aren’t integrated to a product designed to create a sense of community and city pride.
And this isn’t like Tom Glavine leaving the Braves to go to the Mets a couple of years ago. This is a hometown hero to whom this city is deeply committed and to whom they have, for better or worse, tied a large portion of their economy to. Yeah, technically Lebron didn’t do anything illegal by leaving and yes, he was well within his right, but if you’re going to just say “well, it’s a business… people who are mad at him are just being immature”, then you’re not seeing all the sides of this story.
jeff
July 9th, 2010
12:01 pm
Mark, I don’t often agree with your columns, but today’s about LeBron was completely spot-on. Seriously, who does this guy think he is, and why would he think this TV “special” was a good idea?
#1 Falcon Fan
July 9th, 2010
12:03 pm
to all u Lebron haters..he gave Cleveland 7 good years, took them to the playoffs, took them to the NBA Finals, gave them the best record in the NBA 2 years in a row, so what he never won a championship..it’s not like he didn’t try. Before Lebron the Cavs was a lottery pick team, which is how they got him in the first place. Not to mention how their season ticket sales went through the roof once he got there, none of this would have never happened had Lebron not went to the Cavs..now they want to burn his jersey and crusify him for leaving. Fans always hate on players when they leave the team they have always been with for more money $$$$$ but this was not the case..Lebron, Wade, and Bosh will be making less money in Miami. Joe Johnson and Amare Stadamire will both make more than those 3 guys. But it’s not about money it’s about winning a ring. Cleveland should have done more to keep Lebron there besides tell him we can offer u $30 million more than any max contract u are offered from another team…HELLO CAVS IT’S NOT ABOUT THE MONEY! Now Lebron could have re-signed with the Cavs and got a max contract and probably would have been the highest paid player in the NBA…..but he would have never won a championship, because he doesn’t have the players around him to help him win. Miami was smart, they did not want Wade to leave, so they got Bosh, tried to get Stadamire, and now they got James. Now Dwayne wade is happy and will take less money to make room for his 2 new team mates. But all Cleveland did was try to get Bosh, but when Bosh said he did not want to play in Cleveland..did they try to get anyone else there…that would convince Lebron to stay? I think the answer is no! Miami is the favorite to come out of the East, anything less than winning a championship next year will be deemed as a complete failure. But I’m no hater..it’s all about winning RINGS!!!
ACE
July 9th, 2010
12:04 pm
phoenix falcon-You are right, an hour long show to spit in the faces of Clev. was totally the right thing to do, and not even calling Dan Gilbert to tell him in person was the “right thing” to do
Q
July 9th, 2010
12:07 pm
@phxfalcon,
I think it’s the fact that he CHOSE to go where hall of famers already are…it makes it seem as if he’s too weak to make other people look good, like he needs to be with other HOFers to look good himself.
he is the ‘big man on campus’. if bosh/wade had gone to cleveland, it would have seemed more appropriate because the perception would be that people are coming to him….not that he’s going to other people. if he had chosen chicago, he would have instantly made AA arena the ‘house that james built’, made the finals next year with them, and would have continued to be KingJames. if he would have gone to the Knicks, it would have instantly been the dynamic duo, but he would be THE markee player and Amare would be his sidekick.
Now, you can’t call him King James anymore, because Miami is not his castle for him to rule. He’s reduced his role.
Obviously, he is perfectly comfortable with sharing the role of leader with other people, but this lack of leadership ability is what will keep him from being one of the greatest to play the game.
And, he may not believe it now, but perception is everything!
I hope he get’s his ring, but after their first year of playing together and the honeymood period is over….there will be problems in South Beach. ESPECIALLY, if they don’t win a ring next season.
Smart Move
July 9th, 2010
12:10 pm
I truly believe that the TV special was to raise money for the boys and girls club. Being in buiness myself, I can see where he knew consumers would tune in to watch his decision. Advertiser knew as well that millions of individuals would tune in. Actually it was a brilliant idea. Why not sell advertising spots to raise money for your favorite non-profit? The organizations don’t fund themselves.
Q
July 9th, 2010
12:15 pm
@smart move,
If i was a cavs fan or owner, i would have been PI$$ED with him. The only part of this whole production that I likede was the fact that he had the network give the advertising proceeds to charity. That was admirable.
But, that is not how you go about telling an entire state that worshipped you that you are leaving them. I mean, even the govenor made and a$$ of himself with those silly songs and videos. That was a complete slap in the face.
And, there is such a thing as not burning your bridges. Even regular working folks give their employers two weeks notice that they are quitting…or risk being black balled from that company in the future.
cheshire
July 9th, 2010
12:18 pm
Yeah, Phoenix Falcon, let’s not pretend that the primary driver in this production was “charity”. Lebron wrapped himself up in the middle of this too much to make this some sort of selfless act. My hats off to him for giving the $ to charity, but i’m not sure we should be applauding him here… it sort of diminishes the act when you announce your generosity to the world.
cheshire
July 9th, 2010
12:22 pm
#1 Falcons Fan – i can’t believe you are actually peddling the “this shows how selfless Lebron is because he took less $” angle. That’s absurd. Yeah, wow, he’ll take $25 million instead of $30 million, a difference that we all know he will make up by Florida having no income tax and the endorsements and publicity tied to joining this three headed monster. If you think this somehow proves Lebron doesn’t care about $ (this is the same guy who wants to be the first billionare athlete), you haven’t been paying much attention to this story.
But you are a falcons fan, so i respect you for that
FD
July 9th, 2010
12:23 pm
I find it curious that when owners make decisions based upon what they feel is best for them its called business. LeBron made a decision based upon what he felt was best for him and he is a traitor, disloyal…yada, yada, yada. Either the NBA is a business or its not…which is it? You can’t have it both ways. I am sorry Cleveland for your loss but at the end of the day the Cleveland Cavaliers and their ownership will march on…pockets full of money, living lives of luxury.
Moonlight Graham
July 9th, 2010
12:26 pm
A victory for American labor. Three workers united against the gazillionaire team ownwers, to play together, where they wish.
They got tons of money but still took less to win championships.
It doesn’t sound selfish to me.
To the owner of the Cavs you are just pi$$ed that you lost your main cash cow, that you let run your team over the past 7 years.
Smart Move
July 9th, 2010
12:26 pm
@Q,
No doubt he should have given his two weeks notice, and left time for his master, former employer, whatever you want to can this guy to get over it. At the end of the day it is all about money. Everybody from David Stern to the street vendors want to get a piece of the pie. We can’t truly be mad at this man for wanting to help some kids out along the way.
Delight23
July 9th, 2010
12:27 pm
An entire city builds it’s economy around one person, an athlete at that; pathetic. Congrats Mr. James on moving onwards and upwards after 7 years of beating your head against a wall, you finally figured out the definition of crazy. All the money in the world means nothing to a true athlete who at the end of their career has nothing to show for it. Be that a championship ring, superbowl ring, or even a world cup.
As for the genius who changed his name to numbers, I believe he needs to focus on the next baby mamma of the 85 he plans to run through on his new reality show.
gcs
July 9th, 2010
12:29 pm
Before all this silliness, I really had no problem with LeBron. He is an exciting player and what appeared to be a charming personality. But now he has exposed himself for what he really is: just another egotistical millionaire basketball player. Ooh, look at me! Give me attention! He can go to H-E-double hockey sticks.
.
Red
July 9th, 2010
12:29 pm
Although, I did not agree with LeBron having a major announcement on tv last night, I do agree that it’s all business. C’mon, let’s look at both sides of the fence. If a player is slowly deteriorating, an NBA owner would be looking to trade that player for someone better. LeBron did what owners would do, look elsewhere to have a better chance of winning a ring. It’s obvious from the Cavaliers owner’s comments, he is only looking out for his wallet. Well, Mr Cavalier owner, don’t spit into the wind ’cause it will come back to you.
Although, I did not agree with LeBron having a major announcement on tv last night, I do agree that it’s all business. C’mon, let’s look at both sides of the fence. If a player is slowly deteriorating, an NBA owner would be looking to trade that player for someone better. LeBron did what owners would do, look elsewhere to have a better chance of winning a ring. It’s obvious from the Cavaliers owner’s comments, he is only looking out for his wallet. Well, Mr Cavalier owner, don’t spit into the wind ’cause it will come back to you.
Matt
July 9th, 2010
12:31 pm
Frankly, Mark, I haven’t had any use for you since you decided to slam Arena Football, probably nine years ago now, but this has to be the most sensible thing I’ve read since the Lebron circus began.
Red
July 9th, 2010
12:31 pm
Although, I did not agree with LeBron having a major announcement on tv last night, I do agree that it’s all business. C’mon, let’s look at both sides of the fence. If a player is slowly deteriorating, an NBA owner would be looking to trade that player for someone better. LeBron did what owners would do, look elsewhere to have a better chance of winning a ring. It’s obvious from the Cavaliers owner’s comments, he is only looking out for his wallet. Well, Mr Cavalier owner, don’t spit into the wind ’cause it will come back to you.
Al in ATL
July 9th, 2010
12:31 pm
FD, Your comment makes perfect sense. If LB didn’t live up to the hype out of high school, the Cavs would have gotten rid of him without a second thought. Kudos to him for not being OWNED by anyone. As much money as he made that franchise in such a short period of time, he didn’t owe them or anyone in Ohio anything.
People paying checks have no loyalty. Just think about YOUR employer and how easily you’d be released. Yet, the worker bees (e.g. LB, Wade, JJ, and every other player getting paid by super rich people) are expected to have unyielding loyalty. Shouldn’t it go both ways?
Al in ATL
July 9th, 2010
12:32 pm
Kudos too to Midnight Graham. I view it the same way.
Delight23
July 9th, 2010
12:32 pm
Giving 2 weeks notice is the funnest isht I’ve read in a long time. I mean free agents do it all the time right?
Hell employers even give 2 weeks notice prior to handing out the pink slip. The tears and moaning is downright pathetic and all so laughable.
bigeasy830
July 9th, 2010
12:33 pm
@Raybud, @phoenix falcon
Thank you, well said.
@Simpdawg,
No one wanted to come to Cleveland. Lebron did raise the level of the players around him. Lebron averaged 28 ppg, and almost 8 apg and 8rpg, come on people. The man could not carry that cast of supporters to the title and the Cavs could not improve his supporting cast and he knew it. He did not want to be like Karl malone and chase the title too late. It was said that Lebron did not want to end a max deal contract in Cleveland at 31 without a ring. Look at the wear and tear that all those minutes are taking on Kobe’s body. The man wants to win it all. He said he wants to put himself in the best position to win a ring. This team, barring injuries, will dominate for the next 5 yrs easy. Decent players will take less money to play on this team. They will make up the salary money with endorsements. Don’t under estimate the power of Nike and etc…
Also if Lebron and company or should I say after Lebron and company win multiple titles then we can compare him to, Magic, Ducan, Jordan, Bird, Kobe, but if he would have stayed in Cleveland you would be comparing him to Karl Malone, John Stockton and Sir Charles, and soon to be Steve Nash and that is great players who never won it all.
Also Lebron skills are second to none, to think that he will not be great along side another great player like D. Wade is stupid. if Lebron average slips 5 or 6 points his assist and rebounds will increase by 2 or 3 per game. I am looking forward to see if he can average a triple double for the season. He averaged almost 8 apg with that cast in Cleveland now he has Bosh and D. Wade to dish to, OMG!!!!!!!
Ross
July 9th, 2010
12:34 pm
Well said Mark, and properly indignant. The NBA has become a farce – the teams will not play defense until the finals, it’s 24/7 garbage time, it’s boring and flat and as stupid and pointless as a restrictor plate race. And ESPN has really become something like TMZ.com for so-called fans – and just who are they? I don’t know anyone who thinks of that sewer as anything but an up-east hype machine.
cGator
July 9th, 2010
12:42 pm
When, oh when, will football season ever start???
MS
July 9th, 2010
12:44 pm
Maybe he got tired of being cold? Did anyone think of that? I mean, it’s COLD in Cleveland. Miami’s got an excellent climate. Yes, I know they plan indoors but I would’ve went to Miami ANY DAY over Cleveland. Plus. He’s been pulling Cleveland this whole time, maybe he needs a break or he knew the snake of an owner he was working for, that guys comments concerning ‘curse’ and all that other stuff was absolutely ridiculous. Good for you Mr. James. Get out and get some sun.
jay
July 9th, 2010
12:46 pm
“Bill Russell also won 11 titles…”
Not taking anything from Bill Russell but you’re comparing apples & oranges. Bill Russell played in an era in which most of the players were white guys who were a foot shorter than him.
Cheryl
July 9th, 2010
12:50 pm
Mark,
As someone who is from Akron, OH I find your opion to be misplaced at best. I am very proud of Lebron for taking his future into his own hands and creating his own path. As well all know the NBA is a business and for Lebron to be in a position to chart his own destiny rather than have it deceided by others is admirable. If going to Miami is a mistake, so be it, but it was his choice, and the comments and reation by team owner Gilbert were totally inappropriate. The so called curse comment showed his true colors and I really think that he will have to eat those words. Lebron is more likely to win multiple championships with Miami than Cleveland is to make it to the playoffs, and as far as Akron, OH, it is a great place to be from. It is economically depressed and has nothing to offer, crime is rampant. If you feel so sorry for the area, they have plenty of vacant homes and would be happy to have you as a resident.
WWW
July 9th, 2010
12:50 pm
I’m still a fan. He took less money and gave up the spotlight so that he could win. If he had gone anywhere else, would his team (or any team) have been able to beat the Lakers at any time in the next three years? James only has 10 years left of great play, and he wants to be the best ever.
His decision was obvious and everyone should have seen it coming as soon as Bosh went to Miami.
As far as him “quitting” in the playoffs, doesn’t anyone remember his elbow injury? As soon as that happened and he shot that free throw left-handed, I knew Cleveland was done. For the Cavs to win, Lebron had to play in a way that is ungodly good, and that wasn’t happening with a hurt elbow. MVP-good wasn’t good enough to help that crap team win.
Wreckmaniac
July 9th, 2010
12:51 pm
427 comments I didn’t realize there were that many NBA fans in Atlanta
hotlanta
July 9th, 2010
12:56 pm
Wow the man is acting like a scorned girlfriend. I wouldn’t want to be in a town where folks threatened to burn down your house, etc., etc. Isn’t that a threat and why are they not in jail for getting on television saying such things. Wow did he have to bring the kids into it as if LeBron is now a babysitting now to make sure the kids have morals and values. That is the parents job not his. He was with them for 7 years. I know some people who don’t stay married that long. Now watch somebody blame President Obama for this as well.
ACE
July 9th, 2010
12:56 pm
Accept the World Cup is all about honor, and pride not $$$$$$$$$$$$
LCDawg
July 9th, 2010
12:56 pm
I think I finally finished puking. WTF do BLACK athletes make such a spectacle of themselves Not enough love from the family unit I suppose. This whole charade was an absolute disgrace and ESPN, Sports Illustrated et al should all be ashamed of themselves. It’s truly disgusting to put these effing idiots up on a pedestal from grade school on just because they can shoot a basketball, throw a football etc. I LOVE sports, I have played them all my life (college scholarship in baseball) but am ashamed of what we as a society are holding up as the standard for success.
hotlanta
July 9th, 2010
12:58 pm
I haven’t gotten over his comment when he said “THE CHOSEN ONE”. As if you better not leave this plantation because Cleveland “OWNS” you. I thought slave days were over.
Mark Bradley
July 9th, 2010
1:02 pm
Oh, yeah, jay. That Wilt Chamberlain was really short.
DPHIL
July 9th, 2010
1:07 pm
Wake up people this is a business. Be honest with yourselves. Cleveland was not going to win a championship in the next couple of years. I think Lebron did the best thing for himself and his family, also he is taking less money. Obviously he is not after the money, so Cleveland find you another lower tier talented basketball Freshman in college. Start recruiting now!!
Scott
July 9th, 2010
1:08 pm
Mark–I’m in town for a two-day conference and read your article this morning in the AJC. Thanks for putting into words what my heart and gut are feeling. I’m wondering how long before one of them asks for a trade or the large egos now present won’t be stroked and soothed. And, like you, I could care less. I’ll be rooting for them to lose every game.
Mark Bradley
July 9th, 2010
1:13 pm
Thanks, Scott.
Nobody wants to play for Cleveland
July 9th, 2010
1:18 pm
YOU PEOPLE STILL DON’T GET IT. LEBRON WANTED TO STAY IN CLEVELAND, BUT HE COULDN’T RECRUIT ANY PLAYERS TO COME THERE. BOSH SAID NO. NOBODY WANT TO PLAY IN CLEVELAND
jfreak13713
July 9th, 2010
1:22 pm
Couldn’t have said it better myself! I’ve never been a fan of LeBron but enjoyed his talent and figured he would one day go down as one of the greats and now he’s just another self absorbed sports figure that I’d rather watch paint dry than him play. I suppose the Heat will probably win a title but I will pulling for the other team every night.
nique
July 9th, 2010
1:26 pm
Agreed all around.
LeBroward County
July 9th, 2010
1:30 pm
All the haters out there need to get a life. If LeBron had stayed in Cleveland or gone anywhere else for that matter he would have been crictized for going for the money. Now, that he has chosen to play for the most desired achievement of his career, a NBA title, he is being hated on too. Then, how are people going to hate on his was of making the announcement. Once again he was being unselfish and donating all proceeds of commerical revenue to a children’s charity.
don
July 9th, 2010
1:39 pm
Mark – not sure why you would want to root for a team to lose at all? – especial as a sports writer. Usually as an analyst you predict a team to win (or lose) based on some criteria – but not because you hate them… It’s unfortunate that sports have to come with this type of baggage – but it does (all sports). It does not mean we cannot have opinions as we all do, and we all have likes and dislikes (hate) even in sports – but to want harm to come to a person (or team) because you hate them would be even beyond you…
Arlo
July 9th, 2010
1:40 pm
I can either live in Miami or stay in Cleveland… let me think.
And as always…Who cares, it’s basketball!!!
who cares
July 9th, 2010
1:41 pm
The NBA is quickly turning into MLB, with the haves and have-nots, basically rendering the regular season meaningless and the playoffs a foregone conclusion. Its little wonder more people watched US v. Ghana than any of games between the Lakers and Celtics.
hotlanta
July 9th, 2010
1:53 pm
You people on this board kill me hating, talking about is about the money when you yourself don’t work or do anything for free.