If you’re slightly crazy enough to think I’m talking about out 36th President, Lyndon Johnson, I’d like to congratulate you on being a nerd and not a basketball aficionado. Don’t apologize because this world definitely can use more nerds. The LBJ that I’m speaking about is none other than Lebron James. Does he need any introductions? Most recently he is now an NBA champion, 3 time league MVP, 8 time NBA All Star, 8 times named to the first team All NBA, 4 time defensive player of the year and countless other accolades fit for a man who is affectionately known(or infamously referred to as) as “King James”.
Lebron helped to infuse a character that hasn’t been played in an NBA script in a long time… The role of a hated and wanted Man. Like the “Sports Entertainment” industry of pro-wrestling, pro sports benefit when America loves or hates a team. It forces us to choose sides. Typically this hate or love is decided for some of the most well thought out reasons. In the case of Lebron James this is hotly debated amongst people of all walks of life.
Personally I was cheering for the former high school prodigy that made good on all of the hype that surrounded him since he was a 15 year old kid. His “decision” is what some of his harshest critics hold on to. Others look at him as a renegade that bucked the system and behind closed doors, orchestrated a deal that most GM’s in any professional sport are rarely able to pull off. Then we saw that god awful pep rally where he playfully counted the amount of titles this group would win.
Many of Lebron’s biggest detractors were blue-collar, hard-working people who would love nothing better than to tell a company that they’ve negotiated a salary that gives them all of the perks one could ever imagine. The harsh reality is that this isn’t the norm. Most hard working folks are just one paycheck away from bankruptcy. Sure we laugh at athletes who go broke but at our own peril.
LBJ showed us that it took grace, talent, coupled with determination and overall resolve to capture his first NBA title. Most fans aren’t aware of the history of free agency in sports. Very few sports fans could tell you the story of Curt Flood and his fight for free agency in baseball. Even fewer could recall the fight between Reggie White and the National Football League. The historic battle led to the creation of Free Agency in the NFL. Most sports zealots will only scream at their flat screens when a pro athlete does something we’re not privileged to do; CONTROL our own destiny.
In a rare case, LBJ was able to control his own destiny, but he became a hated figure just the same. The most inspiring thing that I’ve taken from this young man’s life is the fact that he’s never been afraid to take on the path he chooses. I marveled at how he returned this season stronger and more determined to reach his ultimate goal despite the constructive and destructive criticism. We can all take a page from James considering the fact that few of us are able to truly call our own shots. The freedom of choice is the very fabric of what makes us all human. To many times I’ve witnessed economically challenged sports fans hate James for choosing to leave Cleveland. We can no longer afford to make athletes or entertainers the gold standard for success or failure. We must take a page from LBJ and learn to control our own destiny when we have the opportunity. The take home message (The Lebron Effect) LBJ’s title run has had on me as a father, professional and sports analyst is to be decisive, bold and self-assured in the decisions I make for my life. Let those who doubt me, doubt me; sooner than later, my dreams will come true fueled by the belief that I have in my inner being.
Thanks Bron Bron!!!
By: The Sports Kritik@ http://tobtr.com/s/2110719
