Last night brought us yet another perfect example of what we’ve been discussing the past two weeks. Lebron James is undoubtedly one of the most gifted basketball players ever to grace the earth, and arguably one of the most talented all-around athletes as well; however, talent doesn’t equate to greatness.
Not sure how many of you follow basketball (I myself must admit that I’ve yet to even watch a full half of NBA basketball this season,) but last night the Celtics and Cavaliers met for game 5 in a best of 7 playoff match-up tied 2 games apiece. Cleveland is the number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference this post-season and on paper should be able to route an aging Boston squad; however, this stage of the season truly separates and defines greatness, and last night the self-proclaimed “King” James was anything but. Every player, no matter how talented, is certainly allowed a bad game here or there, but it is the player’s attitude toward the poor performance that truly defines who he is and where his place is in the pantheons of basketball lore. Lebron’s play isn’t necessarily what I want to point out, but rather his attitude following it. Here’s his post-game press conference:
“I put a lot of pressure on myself to go out and be great and the best player on the court… When I don’t, I feel bad for myself.” What?! Lebron’s apparent arrogance throughout the 2 plus minutes shown here is more than appalling to me, and is exactly why I find it so difficult to watch the NBA anymore. Here sits a man with the talent to be compared to the upper-echelon of the greats (Russell, Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic, etc.) instead we see a spoiled kid without the slightest idea of what’s at stake. He has concerned himself more with running a business, and becoming a “mogul” (Warren Buffet and Jay-Z are amongst those he considers peers) then actually becoming the “King” he truly could become. Worse still is the fact that Lebron doesn’t realize that championships and his play now, in the trenches of battle during the playoffs, define his legacy, and actually prop up the other side of his persona he continually seems to care more about.
I do not mean to “hate” on King James here or even declare that I am not a fan; however, it is my desire to show yet again that the power of thought is real. With the proper focus and mental toughness, the “King” could very well receive the crown he feels is already his to claim. Sadly, his lack of focus and willingness to carry the team on his shoulders and take on the responsibility that is his to bear could very well mean an early exit for him and his teammates yet again; once again showing that thoughts can truly change the environment in which we find ourselves. As is the case with all of us, Lebron may never get this opportunity again (you never know what life has in store for you), so the real truth is to make the most out of every opportunity you’re given. Now that's living like a Lion!
Posts
Chief, interesting post. While I agree that his comment consisting of that he feels bad for himself was poor; I would have to argue with the rest. And yes, I'm a little surprised myself that the Celtics are making a series out of this. While he did have a bad game; he certainly knows the magnitude of what's at stake. His focus may have been lacking last night, but he definitely carries the team on his shoulder night in and night out, and may I add, he doesn't complain about it like a certain Kobe! I contend that he is not a spoiled kid and he did not give himself the nickname the king. Furthermore, he actually is a great student and historian of the great game of basketball. People always want to talk about his legacy and he constantly reminds them that he is still 25 and he has many years left! His prolific passing supports just how humble he is. The whole retiring the 23 jersey league wide was a little stretch; I admit, especially with him wanting to switch to 6 which was Bill Russell's. I also have to admit I don't know much about his off-court business running with good 'ole Warren. I know they have appeared together, but I also feel this doesn't affect his play on the court one bit. And I actually have more beef with him for not shaking hands with the Orlando Magic after last year's Leastern Conference defeat, than I do with this presser. Yes, the power of thought is indeed real. And I hope he can come back and win the series :) Out...
ReplyDeleteYou prove my point by bringing up the Orlando Magic non-shake. It is true that he is most unselfish on the court, but I would argue that he continues to get more and more selfish off it. If Larry Bird had shot 3 for 14 in a game 5 like this, without even getting on the scoreboard until the 3rd quarter (when his team is expecting him to pick up the slack) would he spend the press conference afterwards talking about the team's inconsistency? I think not, which is the crux of my argument. He even goes so far as to say that he's not really the "motivational" type, which to me says a lot.
ReplyDeleteAs I say in the post, I actually do like Lebron, and I appreciate is work ethic during the off-season. Guess for me I would just like to see that same focus and drive now, in the heat of the battle. Instead of appearing without a care while addressing questions after such an embarrassment.
Lastly, I'd say that anyone who was truly focused (eye on the prize so to speak) they wouldn't allow each off-season, and therefore each season, to be driven by speculation as to whether or not you'll be in New York next season. To me this is the biggest sign that he's more interested in marketing himself then actually winning it all.
I'm with you in that I hope he comes out tomorrow night to torch in Boston. More than anything I'd like to see him win it all (much more than another one for Kobe for sure, so this was my pep talk to get his "motivational" juices flowing and live up to the "King" he could and should be.