Death of a King, Birth of a Champion: Act 2
abdicating the thrown
Call the Guards! Quick! At once, call the Guards! The King is dead!! The National Basketball Association threw it’s hat into the reality TV ring with Lebron James as its leading man, culminating in a season ending episode that will forever be regarded as perfect theater. With the weight of the entire state of Ohio on his broad shoulders, Lebron James stared absolute criticism in the face, took off his self proclaimed crown and opted to live in someone else’s castle for what he calls, a chance at winning now; The King has chosen to play for the Miami Heat this fall.
With tensions mounting in several basketball cities throughout the country, James did not disappoint in providing another show stopping performance. Only this performance would come in the form of a sit down interview with media correspondent, Jim Gray, rather than in a basketball arena. The wooing process for Lebron’s services took on a life of its own and it seemed as if every water cooler, barbershop, coffee shop, and sports blog in America entertained the question: Where will Lebron James Play? Paparazzi followed the 6′8″ forward at every stop hoping to get a glimpse of which way he might lean. Meanwhile the Cleveland faithful organized community groups, erected billboards, printed T-shirts, and danced in the streets, all in a collective effort to convince their King to stay. As we now know, it was not to be, as James will don a different jersey in South Beach this October. Reactions across America ranged from all night beer chugging parties on Collins Ave in South Miami to ceremonial Jersey burnings in the streets of Cleveland, OH. While Miami Heat President, Pat Riley was receiving the proverbial cigar for his accomplishment, Cavaliers owner, Dan Gilbert sent a scroll of banishment to the Kingdom that James will leave behind. In fact, Gilbert had some pretty harsh words for the King and scolded him by saying in a letter to fans:
“As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier. This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his “decision” unlike anything ever “witnessed” in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment. On the prized championship rings sought by many, Gilbert stated “I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE.”
What’s done is done! Lebron James will never be the Lebron of old on the basketball court while sharing the spotlight and responsibility of bringing a championship to Miami. Gone is the all out style of play that vaulted James into becoming who many proclaim as the best basketball player in the world. James will have to learn when to give way and when to take charge, something he never had to worry about before. Those who love his game will have to adjust to seeing him take 12-15 shots per game as opposed to his customary 18-25 shots per game. No more MVP awards, scoring titles, or 60 point games. Get accustomed to the possibility of seeing someone else take the final shot to win a game and someone else be the aggressor to close out games with James on the floor.
After all, the Miami Heat play in “WADE” County. 
While King James cannot truly wear that crown in Miami, he took a step forward like no other Basketball elite superstar has ever done in the prime of his career. With millions urging him to do otherwise, Lebron chose the increased possibility of winning over financial security, world wide fame, and the prospect of disappointing those he loves. This is a moment that transcends the world of sport and speaks to each of us on a much deeper level. While some have called Lebron’s decision to leave Cleveland a cowardly act, I applaud James and call this move, heroic. There are those who are saying he quit, and i say he elevated the best part of himself. We can all learn something when we minimize our ego for a greater good; Even if it comes to the detriment of our so called acclaimed status. Of course, this historic move will not be justified unless there are multiple victory parades in the streets of A1A and Biscayne Blvd in Miami, and contrary to popular belief it will take an adjustment period, sometimes longer than we want to imagine. James will need to fit in and mesh with new teammates, Riley will need to add pieces that compliment his new trio of superstars, and the city of Miami will need to be patient as it all comes together. Only then will we approve Lebron’s apparent act of defiance and re-classify it for what it truly is…..bravery, unselfishness, and ingenious. This King maybe crown-less and currently resides in someone else’s castle, but he has opened himself up to entirely new world of stardom, and hopefully for him, it ends with a new crown……….. ” Champion”.
That’s How The Big Man sees It~
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