A Guide to Arguments Against LeBron James: 9 Gripes Quashed in 30 Words or Less

Miami Heat superstar LeBron James has been crucified by NBA fans ever since he made “The Decision” a little over a year ago.

Formerly lionized by all and even anointed as the potential heir to Michael Jordan’s vacated throne by some, James has since endured an unprecedented level of ubiquitous abhorrence.  His critics can be spotted anywhere you look: sports sites, bars, basketball courts, nunneries, etc.

Be this as it may, their bandwagon hatred is similarly predicated upon bandwagon logic. As such, their anti-James arguments can be effectively exposed as specious and gratuitous.  And dumb.

In 30 words or less, here are nine common examples of such sentiment, as well as their inherent flaws.

James Betrayed the Cavaliers and the City of Cleveland

No more than any other free agent “betrays” their previous team’s city.  Living there his entire life is all the more reason to leave.  It’s Cleveland, after all…   

James Couldn’t Win One on His Own

Neither did MJ, Magic, Kobe, etc.  However, LeBron did manage to single-handedly resurrect a Cavs team bereft of ballers even carrying them to the Finals.

He Needed Help from Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade

As opposed to thinking, “I’d enjoy signing with them, but we might be too talented?”  And I suppose Kobe should have objected to adding Pau Gasol?

James Isn't Clutch

LeBron James.  Game 5.  2007 Eastern Conference Finals.  'Nuff said.  (See above video...unless you're a Pistons fan.  At least you've still got Eminem).

James and Wade Can't Coexist

Except for in EVERY SERIES LEADING UP TO THE FINALS.  The Thunder won fewer games and failed to reach the Finals. Does that similarly mean Durant and Westbrook can't effectively play together?

He Prematurely Guaranteed Multiple Championships

We eagerly await athletes to speak their mind instead of regurgitating prescribed clichés and platitudes, yet, inexplicably fulminate against them if they do.  If Peyton Manning predicted similar results, would anybody care?

It's Still Dwayne Wade's Team

Says who?  What's the barometer for this flimsy allegation?  If anyone can actually present definitive evidence supporting this silly surmise, then we'll talk.  Until then, it's absurd to even acknowledge.   

The Decision Was Arrogant and Narcissistic

OK, maybe...get over it, I guess?  If you still are whining about the unorthodox method he used to announce his decision, then you better at least have an Ohio area code.  Even then...  

Panacea for All LeBron James' Protests

Despite popular belief, LeBron James ultimately doesn't owe anyone anything.  

He essentially hijacked his own life's narrative and shifted it into a direction that fans hadn't anticipated.

James is a young man who wanted to join his friends in Miami, even accepting less money to do so.  He didn't break any laws, kill any puppies, manufacture methsicles or do anything that most people in his position wouldn't also do. I'm sorry if this didn't satisfy your prior plans for him.

Ironically, his purported selfish decision exposed everyone else's own selfish motives for him.  But it's not about you.  Let it go.