Cut me a slice of humble pie - and while your at it - how about one for yourself.
With no consideration paid to his season and an uncharacteristically sub-par playoff performance; I think an unfair amount of unreasonable hatred has been directed towards Lebron James.
Following 'The Decision', Akron's own became a lightning rod for criticism from sports writers and fans alike. Much of this criticism was deserved immediately after the televised declaration, as Lebron's method and its representation of all that is wrong with sports became a focal point. He represented the spoiled superstar capable of holding one franchise by hold, while the jobs of front office executives and season ticket subscriptions hung in the balance for a half dozen teams vying for Lebron.
Beyond the Kornheisers and Wilbons of the world spouting vitriolic diatribes towards the man on national television, both sports fans and atheist alike found commonality in a general consensus of dislike towards Lebron. Momentum gained all the while Lebron and teammates made promises of multiple championships with generous helping of speculative cocksure.
As a collective, much of the Lebron hate surrounds his decision to join a fellow top 5 player and NBA title winner Dwyane Wade and perennial all star Chris Bosh in Miami.
For me, this is the most unfair element; we put such a great value on winning, but criticize the man for making the decision that arguably gave him the best chances to do exactly that. Bill Russell sits comfortably within the pantheon of greats; why? Because he won 11 Nba Titles, including Two as a player/coach. Part of the reason for why Jordan has been anointed the greatest of all time is because he won 6 rings in 6 opportunities and topped-it-off by winning MVP in each of those series. Recently, with Nowitzki winning his first title, conversations on sports radio and television argue whether he is a greater player than those who never hoisted the Larry O'Brien trophy like Charles Barkley and Karl Malone.
Considering how much of winning depends on variables like teammates and opposition, perhaps too much value is put on winning as both a statistical measure and a barometer for a player's legacy. Regardless, if winning is everything, I think we should give the man a break for his decision to join Miami.
Everything else is open-game - and please; don't get me wrong, ny no means am I implying that I suddenly like the guy - I don't. Let's just give the man a little extra rope to work with.
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