Having grown up in Cleveland, just about everyone I know is a fan of Cleveland sports. We pretty much eat, sleep, and breathe it. I don't know if it's the same in other places, but for us Clevelanders, cheering on our teams win or lose (I'm looking at you, Browns) is not just a hobby, it's a passion. It's practically in our blood to love all things Cleveland, and I'd say that pretty much all of us are okay with that. It's an addicting feeling to feel like you belong to something bigger, like you and thousands of other people are all on the same side, rooting for something you all believe in.
When you're a Cleveland fan, Cleveland vs. the World is just a way of life.
To an outsider, the first thing that probably comes to mind when they think of Cleveland sports or maybe even just Cleveland, in general, is more than likely Lebron James, and for good reason. Lebron is the star of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the star of a true Clevelander's heart. He's DEFINITELY the star of mine. We basically worship the ground he walks on here and he's earned it. People around the country know his name simply because he's that great, and we are proud to call him our own.
So I'm just going to say it: Lebron James is the GOAT. And that's that.
Honestly, that statement is a point of violent disagreement. I can't tell you how many posts and comments I've seen or heard in which someone vehemently sounds off about how he is or isn't the best NBA player to ever play, or how he can't compare to Michael Jordan, or that he's overhyped. But the things is...it's all nonsense.
To be completely real with you, I don't know all that much about the technicalities of basketball. I don't Lebron's stats versus MJ's, and sometimes I have to be reminded of what a triple-double means. But, frankly, I don't think that makes my belief any less true. Lebron is the best in every aspect of the word and it would take a lot to convince me otherwise.
Other stars such as Steph Curry or James Harden or Kevin Durant (the list goes on) are undoubtedly talented and deserving of praise. Curry, for example, puts down three's like it's as simple as breathing, and I can't deny how impressive is. But the fact is, these other players would be nothing without a sturdy team to back them. The Golden State Warriors have been the best team in the NBA for the past few years, sure, but that's because they have multiple stars who are fantastic at specific things who work well together and have dependable roleplayers to back them up. That being said, they aren't great in the way that Lebron is. Even Michael Jordan had Scottie Pippen. Lebron doesn't need a fantastic team to shine — he practically is a team all his own. Not to hate on the other Cavs players, because I love them and they are definitely talented in their own right, but the Cavs simply aren't stacked with talent like GSW and other teams are. Sometimes I wonder how Lebron's back is doing with all that weight he has to carry.
And yet, even without the all-star team, Lebron THRIVES. I guarantee you won't find another player who can do that the way Lebron does.
Watching Lebron James play, every time, without fail, is an absolute masterpiece. I feel bad for those who root against him because they're truly depriving themselves of the beauty of watching a masterwork at his craft. I don't know what he ate growing up but the man is a basketball genius, and anyone with a brain can grasp that. The numbers he puts up, the way he makes the impossible seem possible — it's mesmerizing and unbelievably impressive. At this point, he practically IS a basketball. OK, not actually, but you get my point.
Ultimately what I'm getting at here is this: I may not have all the basketball knowledge in the world and I admittedly don't watch every single game the Cavs play, but I have eyes that can watch Lebron James play for the city I love. And that's all I need to know that Lebron is the Greatest of All Time.
