NBA: It's Time to Stop Hating Miami Heat Star LeBron James

Do we hate LeBron James because he made "The Decision"? He's overhyped? Oh wait, he created a super squad?

Wait, why do we hate this guy again?

July 8, 2010 marks the date that LeBron James instantly became the biggest villain in sports. It's possible that an athlete has never received this much heat in his career, and now we are going to look at why this happened.

After seeing many terrible arguments of why James is the most despised athlete in the world, it is time to put them to rest.

The Hype

LeBron James is easily the most hyped player in sports history. The thing is, he lived up to his hype of having the potential to be one of the greatest ever.

The media is known for building up stars; that's their job. If James was a bust, I could see how this would be a negative thing, but he is nowhere near that level.

From a fan's perspective, I am always interested in seeing the next crop of young players who will enter the NBA. There is nothing wrong with the hype James has received. It's just part of sports.

Still young in his career, there is no reason James couldn't live up to his "Chosen One" title.

The Decision

Ok maybe this wasn't LeBron's best move of his career, but at least he had good intentions.

Raising over $2 million for the Boys and Girls club was a great gesture from James. All he had to do was make a television appearance and announce where he would play in 2011.

However, the special itself wasn't what James was criticized for. The way he went about it was.

Yes, he should have informed his former team of his departure sooner. Also, making it shorter and a better choice of words would have helped.

This move by James will always be rightfully mocked and used against him, but considering that is the biggest mistake in his young career, that shouldn't make him the most hated athlete in the world.

When all is said and done, the decision to sign with Miami was a great idea. The decision to have his own special wasn't.

By the way, don't act like you didn't tune in to watch the event either.

The Big Three

The NBA is stacked with talent across the league, so once in a while you're going to run into a team with more than one star.

I understand that James, Wade, and Bosh all took pay cuts and planned to play together, but what's so wrong with that?

Let's look at the other teams that tried to court the king:

Chicago Bulls- The Bulls became the top seed in the East in 2011 and also had the league's MVP. Imagine what people would have said if Lebron joined that team.

Los Angeles Clippers- LA was never a true option for James. It was good to see Donald Sterling showing a little effort though.

New York Knicks- The Yankees are known for buying championships. The Knicks are well on their way of trying with the recent acquisitions of A'mare Stoudamire and Carmelo Anthony. Now there are talks of trying to bring in a star point guard? C'mon now.

New Jersey- New Jersey might have been an option that people wouldn't have bashed LeBron for. However, with the franchise getting ready to switch locations, it doesn't seem like the ideal situation to put yourself in.

Cleveland Cavaliers- Don't worry, Cavs fans. I have a whole slide for you. Let's check it out.

He Abandoned Cleveland

Look, Cleveland fans. I understand you are upset LeBron left for South Beach, but let's move on.

Is your city that desperate that they would burn jerseys in the streets and actually create a Cavs for Mavs campaign?

LeBron James owes nothing to the city of Cleveland. The fact is he gave Cleveland great years, fulfilled his contract, and moved on. 

If you're looking to point fingers, look no further than the Cavaliers' front office.

It takes a team to win a championship. Too bad Lebron never had one.

The front office never made the necessary moves to put Cleveland in true contention. Unless you count the trade for the future hall of famer Shaquille O'Neal when he was 37. Or Antawn Jamison, who was truly never a star. But you see how those turned out.

Who was the best role player for Cleveland during James' run? Mo Williams?

That right there doesn't make you an instant contender.

So James did have justification in packing his bags. The truth is he had no chance of winning in Cleveland.

Dan Gilbert showed his true character right after LeBron left by writing a letter in comic sans font (yeah seriously). It's one thing to be upset that James didn't sign with Cleveland, but to blast someone publicly shows who the true coward is.

Besides Dan, if LeBron was such a quitter, why the hell waste effort and money to try and resign him? Sounds like a sorry excuse if you ask me......

He's No Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is the best player to ever step on an NBA court. But unfortunately for most upcoming stars, fans will always be looking for the next MJ.

This isn't a bad thing, but Jordan was the complete package. He has the skills, persona, and drive that it takes to be an all-time great.

But in all honesty, LeBron is a different type of player.

James is a big, physical player who uses his body to get to the rim. He doesn't have the pure scoring ability of a Michael Jordan.

Defensively, both are shutdown defenders. You will see LeBron make Defensive First Teams, and maybe even nab a Defensive Player of the year award, but Jordan's drive and determination will always make him the better defender. 

Overall, they are different breeds of players. While Jordan is the better player, that doesn't mean James is not a future legend of the game.

However, even if LeBron was better than Jordan, would we ever admit it?

In my eyes, no one will ever be better than the Bulls' number 23.

LeBron James Is Not a Winner

Thus far, this statement is true. However, you need one of three things to be a NBA championship team.

1) Two or more stars.

2) One star and a top notch group of role players.

3) Tim Donaghy and a point spread. (zing!)

Jordan had Pippen. Magic Johnson had a star studded team in LA. Duncan had the Spurs. Dirk had the Mavericks.

Now that LeBron has two stars behind him, don't look for this statement to be here much longer.

Conclusion

LeBron haters can rest easy for now as he once again failed to win a championship. However, it's most likely not going to last forever. 

A year has passed since the decision and odds are people will look past this thing like everything else.

But for now, James will remain the most talented player in the game, and yes I will argue that all day. I understand it's always fun to root for the underdog like the Dallas Mavericks were, and we should embrace that.

However, James has never affected any of us personally. In the end, the NBA is a business, and decisions will always be made that people do not like. That's just life.

I guess for now it's more acceptable to commit crimes than to have a tv special.

Kobe was accused of rape. Tiger had more affairs than I can count on all of my fingers. Vick killed dogs.

If all of these people can receive second chances, why can't a guy like James get one?

Like my article? Disagree? Leave a comment and lets discuss.