Yesterday, LeBron James signed with the Miami Heat, leaving his beloved Cavs behind. This is BIG. I am not a die hard NBA fan. I am not even really that much of a basketball fan. I only watch the Lakers (my home team) when I know it is going to be a good game. Yet, I feel like I need to weigh in on this issue. I caught most of the live interview with LeBron on ESPN yesterday. This and other times I have seen him showing his personality really convince me he is a great guy, and maybe one of the best role models for how a sports superstar should think. One comment I really liked was: "Whether I am slamming on hoops or at home being a Dad, I am happy." I don't know much about LeBron and his personal life, so I won't comment much on that; but I feel I have a good view on why its such a great thing to make this move. Lets just review what is happening:
1) LeBron will be playing on a team with other superstars: D. Wade as well as C. Bosh. Taking less of the spotlight every game.
2) All three will be taking a pay cut.
3) All three wanted to play together and were hoping for this move.
Let me tell you what I like about this. Every player in any professional sport has one goal: WIN. Yet, many of the really gifted players are so concerned with being the superstar that takes their team to a championship that they end up losing sight of what a team sport really is. Like that saying goes, "There is no 'I' in team, except in professional basketball"(Okay, so I added a little something of my own to that). Each one of these fantastic players has clearly stated that they want to win and have fun playing the game. To me it almost seems like these guys are now the minority thinkers and being persecuted for it. LeBron's Cav jersey was being burned by Cavalier fans and there are statements about his legacy being tarnished because of this move. That may be true, but think about the kind of sacrifice of personal endeavor one of the most, if not the most, talented players in the NBA just made for truly The Love of the Game. You also have to think about the fact that this is his career. Just as anyone wants to excel in a career, you would make a job change if the opportunity came and you couldn't get where you wanted in your old job.
Like I said, I am no expert on this sort of situation. But from a casual fan's perspective, I tip my hat to Wade, Bosh and especially, the king, LeBron. I hope this sort of passion stays in sports and we see a great team play from the Miami Heat this next fall.
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