8 Ways LeBron James Can Get Back on Everyone's Good Side

On July 8, 2010, LeBron James hooked up with ESPN for a special called “The Decision."

Here, James told the world that he “would be taking his talents to South Beach." Those words will live in NBA infamy and have since made James the most hated player in the NBA.

Anyone can respect why James chose to leave Cleveland to a certain extent, but the reason he has had so much hate is the way he decided to go about it.

It’s been a year since the decision and James is still one of the most hated players in the NBA.

Here are some ways he could possibly get back in our good graces.

Be Clutch When He Actually Needs to Be

Whether you love to hate or hate to love James, the one thing that fans and analysts alike often discuss is his lack of clutch performances in the playoffs.

James has a history of basically dominating the first three quarters, then not showing up for the final one.

Until James can become a threat in the fourth every night instead of a few, he will always be looked at as the guy who can’t get it done. 

Win a Championship

The whole purpose of James going to Miami was to win a championship.

While Miami got close, being second best gets you nowhere.

James will have to win a title here. If he does not, the whole plan will just look like a bust.

Although winning a championship may not win him a ton of fans outside of Miami, he will please the diehard LBJ fans and sports analysts alike. 

Remain Humble Even Under Bad Circumstances

When you make it to the top, there will always be people who want to see you fall.

James, of course, didn’t help his case with the decision.

But even moving past that, James also didn’t help his case by the way he reacted to people in the media.

Here is a comment James made about all the people who wanted to see him fail last season right after losing the finals. 

Start a Rivalry With Another Hated Player

Before James became the most hated player in the NBA, Ron Artest and Kobe Bryant could have arguably held that spot.

Now that Bryant and Artest—Metta World Peace...or what ever you prefer to call him—are on the same team, it raises the stock in Laker hate.

James may be the most hated thing in the league right now outside of the NBA lockout, but a rivalry with the Lakers would bring some fans back to the King’s side.                

Continue to Put on Shows at Summer League Games

Thanks to the lockout, we have to depend on summer league games to hold us over until the NBA is back on.

James has participated in a couple of Goodman League games this summer and has put on good showings.

It’s good that James can participate in games like these because the atmosphere brings fans closer to the players. It shows that James isn’t above participating in a pick-up like game.  

Help the US Win Another Gold Medal

James recently announced that he was committed to playing for the US in the 2012 Olympics.

Although many hate James for his actions off the court, he is one of the best in the game today, and anybody would love to have them on his team.

The Olympics is the one time James can play for everybody in the US without having to go through a long free agency waiting process.  

Participate in a Slam Dunk Contest

James may go down as one of the best dunkers never to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

After watching the 2009 contest, James stated he would participate in 2010.

Of course, that decision didn’t go over well for James, either.

Although the contest does have its risks, it would be great to see James participate in just one contest before his career is over with. 

Continue to Entertain Us

Despite how we may personally feel about James, he is still one of the most entertaining players in the league today. 

From throwing the powder up in the air before the game starts, to his spectacular dunks, no look passes and great defense, James is one of the most entertaining guys on both ends of the court today.

Does he have his flaws? Of course. He's only human.

But compared to many other players in the league, James is one of those few special players that comes along and has everybody watching.