By Choosing Miami, LeBron James May Permanently Damage Brand and Legacy
As we have now heard the most anticipated decision in sports history, many including Chris Broussard of ESPN had previously reported that LeBron James would sign with the Miami Heat.
The thought that LeBron would sign with the Heat and go on a one hour production titled “The Decision” indicated that James was building to leave the moment he stepped off the court in Cleveland.
Cleveland is no stranger to heartbreak, but this will sting. This will sting just as bad as the Browns leaving for Baltimore. James is a hometown kid; he was destined to lead his hometown Cavs to a prosperous NBA championship.
The decision to sign with the Heat upsets many.
The Knicks will hate LeBron because he had the audacity to come into the heart of Knicks country and announce he’s signing with Miami.
The Bulls will hate him because from a roster standpoint they believe they give LeBron the best chance to win.
The rest of the country will hate LeBron because he left his hometown for greener pastures, and gave up on the Cavs.
By going to Miami, LeBron will become the robin to Wade’s Batman.
He will become the A-Rod to Wade’s Jeter, and he will become the Pippen send fiddle man to Wade’s Jordan.
James will never win over the Heat fans, and the titles will never be his.
LeBron James is a guy who acquired the name King James as a high schooler, was called the chosen one, and has constantly said that he wants to be considered the greatest player of all time.
Choosing Miami will greatly hurt LeBron’s legacy.
By choosing Miami, LeBron is saying he’s not good enough to win a title by himself.
He’s saying he will never be considered among the Jordans, the Kobes, the Magics, and the Birds, even if he wins multiple titles with Heat squad.
LeBron has a lot to lose by picking Miami. If he wins a title, many critics including me will say that LeBron couldn’t win a title by himself.
The NBA has built a star system in which great players are spread across the league and lead their respective teams to titles as the undisputed best player.
LeBron wants to be a global icon, and a top player of all time; going to Miami will not help him achieve either.
Miami is not a global city, and while winning is the best way to enhance your brand and legacy, doing it with a team that contains two of the top three players in the NBA doesn’t make it very impressive.
Somewhere Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are both relieved; relieved that LeBron James will never be considered on par with the all time greats.
Any destination, New York, Chicago, and Cleveland would have allowed LeBron to fulfill his ambitions; however Miami is the wrong decision.
Bottom line is that LeBron James took the easy way out. After this whole process, I come away losing much respect for LeBron.
LeBron will have to win at least three titles with this South Beach super team in order for the squad to live up to its super expectations.
