Happiness not hatred for LeBron
When I worked in Cleveland we did a documentary on LeBron James in high school.
Jul 6, 2012
I was thrilled to see LeBron James win his first NBA title. In a perfect world it would have happened in a Cleveland Cavalier uniform. That city hasn't celebrated a pro championship in a major sport since 1964. They would have changed the name of the city had LeBron brought a title to Cleveland.
But we don't live in a perfect, pristine world, and LeBron certainly didn't grow up in one.
I worked in Cleveland from 2000-2003 when LeBron was in high school at St. Vincent-St. Mary in Akron. We did a documentary where we followed him from football season (he was an all-state receiver) through the state basketball championships. We interviewed his close friends, his coaches, his mom and the man he called dad.
LeBron has never met his biological father. He was raised by a single mom, Gloria. At one point in his youth, the house he and his mom lived in was condemned. Gloria had to basically give LeBron to another family while she searched for shelter for her family.
By the time LeBron reached high school, he and his mom lived in a two-bedroom apartment in Akron. It was small and modest, but it was home. The walls in his room were covered with pictures of his favorite players. Jordan, Iverson, Kobe, Vince. They were his motivation, and LeBron would drift off to sleep surrounded by those he wanted follow.
Duke and North Carolina were on his final list of five schools, but all the coaches knew LeBron was going straight to the NBA. Being drafted by his hometown team generated dynamic energy in Cleveland, but I wondered if he would be able to handle the expectations of being a sports savior. He did, getting the Cavs to the NBA finals in 2007 where they were swept by San Antonio.
In 2010 came the biggest mistake in LeBron's 27 years. No, it wasn't the decision to leave Cleveland. It was the decision to have "The Decision" carried live on ESPN. That night he spit in the face of Clevelanders saying he was taking his talents to South Beach. Long-term popularity quickly turned to hatred.
Many fans across the country and those who didn't even like sports joined Cleveland's fan club of fury. They celebrated every mistake or shortcoming LeBron was a part of, especially last year when 250 pounds of talent disappeared at critical times in the NBA Finals and the Heat lost to Dallas.
He played with bitterness last year, but looked in the mirror and vowed to get back to enjoying the game he has loved for so many years. It showed this year in the regular season and shined in the postseason with one of the most incredible, clutch performances in NBA playoff history.
LeBron was finally introduced to Larry, the NBA championship trophy named after former commissioner Larry O'Brien. He held it like a newborn baby, seeing his reflection in the gold basketball at the top of the trophy. LeBron James was an NBA champion.
This week, LeBron has chronicled on his Twitter account @KingJames a visit back home to Ohio driving some of the streets of his youth, visiting relatives he will never forget. He remembers where he came from, and I got a small glimpse of his past. That's why I have nothing but happiness not hatred that LeBron got his championship wish.
Most Recent Comments
RE: Happiness not hatred for LeBron
Lebron's hunger for a championship was far greater than staying in Cleveland to build his team better. He has the Potential to be a humble guy, long as he continues to be a team player.Posted Jul 9, 4:46 p.m.
Rank: Sports Legend Posts: 19509
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RE: Happiness not hatred for LeBron
I'm neither happy for Lebron, nor do I feel any ill-will toward him. I do believe he forfeited his chance to surplant MJ as the greatest, when he effectively said to the world; "I can't lead a team to a title unless I have just the right pieces in place. I'm not a Jordan. I can't make those around me become stars. They already need to be stars. Then I can win." And, like it or not, that's what his move from Cleveland to Miami did in the minds of most sports fans.- Posted by grannyisabeast
I see your point, but there were times during the playoffs this year when LeBron did take the team on his back and carry them to a win. When Wade was in a funk, LeBron kept feeding him the ball, because he knew all Wade needed was to sink a few baskets and his conficence would come back (it did). When Bosh went out with his injury, LeBron worked harder. I was not a LeBron fan, and I hated "The Decision", but after watching the playoffs, I have respect for his grit and determination and hunger to achieve his dream of winning a championship. I can't say he'll ever achieve what MJ did, but what he did this season is a good start.
RE: Happiness not hatred for LeBron
- Posted by Packman24There's nothing easy about winning a championship! LolGood for LeBron, but it will always seem tainted to me.- Posted by forautumn
Players like Bird, Magic, Duncan, Jordan, Dirk stayed with their team and took them to the Championship. Lebron left Cleveland only two years after being in the NBA finals. One year after being in the Conference finals. He didn't leave a team that was in last place. He just didn't want to put the effort into making Cleveland a champion. He wanted the easy way out.
His choice.
oops...never said that winning was easy. The "easy" comment was directed at moving to a team with players, versus staying and trying to make a team better.
The bigger challenge is making those around you better....James took the easier path.
Posted Jul 9, 11:40 a.m.
Rank: All Star Posts: 651
Joined: Apr, 2011
Location: Clayton, NC
RE: Happiness not hatred for LeBron
Jordan had a future Hall of Famer on the court with him in all his championship runs. Sounds like hate!!I'm neither happy for Lebron, nor do I feel any ill-will toward him. I do believe he forfeited his chance to surplant MJ as the greatest, when he effectively said to the world; "I can't lead a team to a title unless I have just the right pieces in place. I'm not a Jordan. I can't make those around me become stars. They already need to be stars. Then I can win." And, like it or not, that's what his move from Cleveland to Miami did in the minds of most sports fans.- Posted by grannyisabeast
Posted Jul 9, 11:37 a.m.
Rank: All Star Posts: 651
Joined: Apr, 2011
Location: Clayton, NC
RE: Happiness not hatred for LeBron
There's nothing easy about winning a championship! LolGood for LeBron, but it will always seem tainted to me.- Posted by forautumn
Players like Bird, Magic, Duncan, Jordan, Dirk stayed with their team and took them to the Championship. Lebron left Cleveland only two years after being in the NBA finals. One year after being in the Conference finals. He didn't leave a team that was in last place. He just didn't want to put the effort into making Cleveland a champion. He wanted the easy way out.
His choice.
