Some may call me a hater, but that is fine. I’m simply a girl who, after a rollercoaster of emotions, has had enough of Lebron James. After James abandoned Cavalier fans, only to return to us with unfulfilled promises of glory and gold in the 2015 NBA Finals, I am ready to call it quits in this hurtful relationship. I, for one, have had enough of hearing how incredible Lebron is when I have had nothing but sorrow come from the “King.” Therefore, I will continue to sip my, what one may call, “haterade”, and write about my tragic love story with the man, the myth, the legend: Lebron James.
1. The Decision: This was the start of it all. “The Decision” was the infamous interview conducted by ESPN when Lebron James went from a beloved hometown hero to a backstabbing betrayer in about two and a half seconds. As a free agent, James had the opportunity to take his talents anywhere his heart desired. Six teams were still eagerly waiting to hear the coveted decision when the live interview aired, including the Cavaliers. About five people knew James’ decision prior to the interview, not including his teammates or coaches. His decision shocked the country and rocked the people of Ohio. Without a hint of agony, he decided to move to the Miami Heat. James wanted a championship and with his incredibl talent deserves one or two in his career. However, I could have taken the news a bit more gracefully had he not aired this on live national television. The hype that went into this ESPN segment, at least to me, made it seem like he would stick it out in Cleveland. It appeared he would truly grind to make the city that raised and revered him a winning city. I remember where I was when the decision was made. I was at a pool party, when some kid with a Heat shirt started jumping up and down screaming, "Lebron is moving down south!" I was scared to return home to see my father in his sure-to-be broken state. He did not speak for a few days, but simply walked around with a glimmer of hurt in his eye. Also, don’t blame this poor decision on his youth: he was 25 and by then your brain is developed.
2. A Second Chance: Once the jersey burning had stopped, and we had finally overcome the devastation of James’ departure, what does he decide to do? He comes back. Once the Heat no longer had anything to offer him and the Cavs looked like a promising team, the man returned with the slogan, “I’m Coming Home.” As I was protesting, “Stay there,” Cleveland’s hearts swelled with hope and joy over their returning superstar. James and many fans acted as if he had gone off to battle for the motherland and he had returned from the lines a decorated hero. Need I remind all that James left us to win, he left us for a ring, he left when he had an opportunity to achieve greatness for himself. James admits that he didn’t realize how much his connection with Northeast Ohio meant to him four years ago, but now he does, of course. The fact that Lebron returned to a team that included star Kyrie Irving and a strong bid for Kevin Love, which put the prospective Cavalier team in great standings, must have just been a coincidence. So, Lebron comes home and promises to bring a championship to this weary hearted city.
3. Broken Promises: I was always skeptical of Lebron and his promises, something that saved me the pain of losing in the sixth game of the 2015 NBA finals. I will admit, however, that with a healthy Love and Irving the outcome may have been significantly different. Yet, wouldn’t one think that the greatest in the world could carry his team to victory? Well he sure thought so. And so continues Cleveland’s 66-year championship drought, even with the world’s greatest in the driver seat.
4. The Humble King: Nicknames often range from Maddog to Buddy. Occasionally Champ will be thrown in, but that is about as far as glorification comes. Rarely do you find a hothead athlete that deems themselves royalty. But, per usual, Lebron has to be the exception to the rule. I’m not sure when or where the title “King James” arose, but he surely seems to like it. He has proceeded to make his Twitter and Instagram screen name accordingly.
5. It's Simple: If his title doesn’t prove just how humble this superstar really is, his words surely will. When asked how he felt going into the sixth game of the 2015 NBA finals he could not be more blunt about his level of confidence. With a rather monotone voice, Lebron simply answered, “Nah, I feel confident because I’m the best player in the world, it’s simple.” It’s one thing to actually be the best, but to announce it in a press conference is another. Regardless, we all know just how far “being the best in the world” gets you when you’re up against the best team.
6. There is no "I" in team but there is "ME": Speaking of team…I would like to just point out how much I would hate to be on Lebron’s team. Sure, you are likely to win often, but no one knows your name, cares about your stats, or owns your jersey. You work so hard to make it the highest level of basketball only to fall under the shadow of Lebron’s enormous fame. Now, I cannot find evidence of team animosity. However, the way he treats his coach is what ESPN deems unbecoming. He seems to coach the coach with no respect for authority and clear disapproval when he disagrees with anything Blatt says. He makes it fairly obvious that he thinks he should run this whole operation. Yes, Blatt is young but the organization has placed him in a position in which he should help players grow. He is the coach; sorry Lebron, but you’re just a player.
7. Hometown Heartbreak: Cleveland sports simply have a way of breaking your heart. Browns, Indians, and Cavaliers fans are a tortured people. Consequently, we haven’t had a reason to celebrate any kind of victory for far too many years. However, when Lebron James committed himself to the Cavaliers fresh out of high school, Ohio saw a beacon of hope. They saw a light; for the first time there was a hint of optimism. Lebron James would be the hometown hero that would end the drought and bring a championship to the Buckeye State. It was music to our ears when Lebron promised a championship to the city years ago. But alas, James broke Cleveland’s already tattered heart; he left without a tear. During the previously mentioned “Decision”, Lebron so eloquently decided to leave Cleveland and take the hearts of fans with him. I wonder if he realizes the emotional toll his choice had on fans. When he left, my father was actually depressed. He was hurt. Lebron had created a wound only time could heal. I suppose his return healed most hearts, but not mine.
8. He Says It All: DISCLAIMER: These quotes are taken completely out of context but simply help illustrate my point. “For me it’s not about sharing.” “... I've done so many great things for that team…” “Put it on me.” “I’m terrible.”
In conclusion, I do not hate Lebron James. I think he has made some poor decisions that, for me at least, have called his loyalty into question. I just had to share my feelings amongst the hype and adoration this athlete has been receiving recently.
All Images Found On Google Links Below:
http://voices.suntimes.com/sports/lebron-james-mad...
http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/index.ssf/2015/05/c...
http://www.parlezsport.com/nba/pics.aspx/LeBron_Ja...























