Lightning Lebron
All I have to do is mention the name “Lebron James” on radio or twitter, and off you go. His name sparks an immediate reaction, just like a bolt of lightning from the sky. A passionate, volatile, emotional reaction. The responses are as varied as the kinds of flowers in a botanical garden. But that’s probably not the best analogy since most of the reaction isn’t sweet or pretty or flowery or pleasant. He’s the Tim Tebow of the NBA: a household name about whom everyone holds a strong opinion. Even the marginal fans who can’t name more than one of Lebron’s teammates will be happy to tell you what they think of him. Trust me, he’s the last person I thought I’d be blogging about before the NBA Finals. Not after his epic performance in Game 6 and his leadership in Game 7 of the East Finals propelled his Heat past my Celtics. I spent more than a hot second screaming at Lebron’s face on TV during that series. But there I was on ESPN Radio Sunday night defending Lebron from his numerous detractors…and here I am now doing the same.
It took more than 24 hours to sift through all your tweets about Lebron, and the creativity is impressive! After I solicited your reaction, you came up with dozens of reasons to hate him and root against him. Everything from a perceived arrogance to his desire to be liked by the fans to the way he announced his divorce with Cleveland in the now infamous “Decision.” One tweet accuses him of constant flopping and whining and being out of touch with reality. According to so many of you, Lebron is not clutch and not a team player and nowhere near as talented as Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant, mostly because he doesn’t have a ring. When it comes to Lebron, the numbers don’t seem to carry much weight. Forget that’s he elevated his play in the postseason to carry Dwayne Wade and the rest of the Heat. Forget that he’s averaging more than 30 points per game (and nearly 10 rebounds) while defending every position from point guard to center. Forget that he recently earned his third MVP award despite facing more criticism and venom than any other athlete in the NBA.
It’s somewhat ironic that I’m a voice of reason when it comes to Lebron since his Heat unceremoniously ended Boston’s playoff run the last two seasons. I hate the way he embarrassed the Cavaliers and his hometown fans by forcing them to watch his free agent “Decision” like everyone else. It still makes me angry to recall how Cleveland found out he was leaving for South Beach on TV. But I can’t fault him for choosing Miami and the chance to play with one of his best friends. I can’t fault him for leaping at the opportunity to win championships (“not one, not two, not three…”) because that wasn’t going to happen with the Cavs. Basketball is Lebron’s business, his career. Put yourself in his shoes and remember he was making a professional decision about what was best for his future. His immaturity showed in the way he announced his destination, but he’s expressed regret over that moment. After a year of playing in anger and lashing out at his detractors, he’s changed his attitude, outlook, and tone when dealing with the media and the fans. He’s learning and growing up and still carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. He’s mentally focused – a man on a mission.
Hard to predict what happens when the Heat and Thunder tip off in this highly-anticipated NBA Finals. Lebron may revert back to his previous Finals form when his scoring average dips almost 10 points below his production in other playoff series. He may not be able to handle the pressure, and his teammates may not provide enough support. You can be sure millions will root against him and say “I told you so” if he fails. As for me, inexplicably, I find myself hoping Lebron finally proves to everyone he’s a worthy champion – that for a few hours at least, it doesn’t matter what people say.
Play by Play Day by Day with Amy Lawrence 
June 12, 2012 at 6:36 pm
UNRELATED TO THE BLOGS…
You fascinate me in the most unusual way. The more I try to learn more about you ( biography, education, experience, etc) the less likely I can find anything about you. Need to make your bio more accessible.
ADDED NOTE: like your radio show
June 13, 2012 at 5:19 pm
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog – and thanks for your interest!! My blog is a little bit like my extended bio, and I tell some of my story (as it relates to business) in my first entry. Since you listen to my radio show, you know I share personal experiences when I’m on the air, so it comes in bits & pieces. If you haven’t found me on Facebook, that’s another way to get to know me. Of course, there are some things about my life such as family & relationships that I prefer to keep private. I’m sure you can understand. I’ve had stalkers in the past so until I get married and have a husband around to protect me… 🙂
Again, really appreciate you reading and listening and supporting me! Amy
June 13, 2012 at 11:39 am
You’re right, there are a few names that bring with them automatic opinions like Tim Tebow, Lebron James, Pete Rose, and Barry Bonds to name a few. Part of the problem with being a fan is that we only know what we see on TV, and Lebron has repeatedly given us the image of someone who is completely self-involved and doesn’t have a whole lot of regard for others. I’m sure he’s probably better than that behind closed doors, but that isn’t what we get to see and form our opinion around. I usually root for the players (football mostly, I’m not a huge NBA fan) that I can identify with on some level, and James isn’t someone who I see a lot in common with. I’ve always liked the players and teams that don’t necessarily give the most aesthetically appealing performance, but they get the job done.