Pursuit of Happyness
13 years ago Ma$e told us all about phD’s.
Recently, people have put their dissertations on full display. When Lebron James made his “decision” on national television, hating reached a level of intensity and originality that I’ve never seen before. It was like we entered a parallel universe where hyper-criticism took the place of all rational thought. To me, this just proves one thing…
Do whatever makes YOU happy in this world.
Because you will never, ever make everyone happy.
Lebron went from the most beloved NBA star to the most detested in a matter of hours. People didn’t turn on Michael Vick this fast. If Lebron is guilty of anything, its arrogance and even that is probably our fault. He was a national superstar since he was 17 and we practically deified him.
These same worshipers (read: Cleveland) have very short memories. In 2002, the Cavs were non-existent; they didn’t do Lebron any favors, he made that city relevant for 7 years. And after those 7 years, he finished his contract and was free to make a decision with his future. And because he chose to play in Miami, he’s somehow the bad guy? He’s a 25 year old millionaire, would you choose to live in South Beach or Cleveland? Yup, that’s what I thought. He’s playing with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh and a bunch of other teammates who aren’t attracted to his mother (allegedly). He wanted to make the best decision for himself. The nerve of him.
These same worshipers (read: Cleveland) have very short memories. In 2002, the Cavs were non-existent; they didn’t do Lebron any favors, he made that city relevant for 7 years. And after those 7 years, he finished his contract and was free to make a decision with his future. And because he chose to play in Miami, he’s somehow the bad guy? He’s a 25 year old millionaire, would you choose to live in South Beach or Cleveland? Yup, that’s what I thought. He’s playing with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh and a bunch of other teammates who aren’t attracted to his mother (allegedly). He wanted to make the best decision for himself. The nerve of him.
People who just a few months ago called Lebron the best player in the league and the heir apparent, were now calling him scared and nothing more than a sidekick. Unbelievable. Ignore the fact that he was humble enough to go to a team where he won’t be the main attraction every night. Ignore the fact that he took a pay cut. Ignore the fact that he put winning ahead of fame and fortune. Instead, be mad at his decision because you wouldn’t have done the same thing if you were him.
In life, we have to make tough choices that won’t please everyone. Always choose your happiness first. Sure if Lebron would have said "Cleveland" that night, there would have been no controversy, no burned #23 jerseys and no ex-owners acting like scorned lovers. But Lebron would have been stuck in a city he doesn’t want to live in and on a team that won’t win a championship. He wouldn’t be happy... but I’m sure that makes you smile.
I see you, hi hater.
I agree with the post. Him going to another team isn't a betrayal. The problem is that fans expect a player to have extreme loyalty to a team, especially when that player is in his prime. Imagine if Jordan, Elway, Walter Payton, or Magic left at the peak of their careers. It would've been crazy. Of course, not as crazy as it is now since the media did build this guy up since adolescence.
ReplyDeleteWhat I don't agree with is an hour long press conference to toss your hometown the peace sign. If the proceeds really went to the Boys & Girls clubs then I guess that's fine, but none of the other free agents made an hour long special that involved a half an hour worth of commercials and beating around the bush just to leave the teams they were playing for. Whether his ego was hyped or not, "The Decision" was still his call and I think it was a bad one.
If he just makes his announcement during the middle of a work day then it eliminates a lot of the drama that took place in Cleveland that night.
haha, good post. Me personally, i'm not mad at him, i just think it wasn't very classy to do it the way he did it and from a competitive standpoint i think he has forever tarnished his legacy.
ReplyDelete-Bars
if he went to ny or chicago, it wouldnt be a big deal...people just want to see good rivalries...the dream team in barcelona was fun because it was never done before but after that...no one really watched those guys beating up on foreigners...but you'll see other superstars teaming up also in the future to compete...lakers will win this year regardless
ReplyDeleteJus,
ReplyDeleteI can see it from both standpoints. The "decision" wasnt the right way to do it...which I think generated some of the furor. Nevertheless, he didn't owe Cleveland jack. And based on the owners response, I wouldn't want to play for someone like that. It is also admirable to take less money for the sake of winning (something we rarely see in pro sports). On the side of it...this move was about his cementing legacy as a champion. And that legacy is tarnished by forming a super team. The great players he aspires to be like (Jordan Magic ) have both said this was the easy way out. I wasn't a part of the group of folks who said he was the best player in the league. perhaps the best in terms of athleticism or the best player without a ring. But again my opinion nor anyone else's matters except his. I t will definitely make for good basketball.