First of all, well done on the article.
As a vehement Lebron Hater for 7 years running attempting to explain a level headed truth.
Amidst the dozens of poor self-promoting incidents, egotistical overflow, and extremely irritating over the top coverage (by what I hear referred to as "The Four Letter"(ESPN)) that was involved in "The Decision," there is a very important aspects to last night's choice that may go neglected by some.
An easy conclusion to Lebron's decision is in regards to his legacy.
Bill Simmons recently wrote an article referring to Lebron as a "mega-Pippen" if he were to join the Heat. This viewpoint is not distant from the truth and there is also much more to it than that. While Lebron's fingers remain bare, Dwyane Wade...the leader of the Heat for 7 years running now made his impact immediately upon entering the league in '03-04 making an unexpected playoff push. He went on to ascend the throne by conquering the Mavericks with the help of an increasingly aged Shaquille O'neal. The "King" has yet to reach such a summit, no pun intended. Wade has already taken the crown, with HIS team.
Lebron's legacy, brand, and name has been greatly diminished and may never recover. Lebron has become an ex-leader, the best player in the history of the league that at such a young age no longer had the will or desire to do it on his own. He is now a sidekick to D.Wade. He has albeit, settled for a winning team. But at what cost? He is no longer the leader, he is no longer the best player in the league by some opinion. Lebron is not a player in need of help, he has become the help to Wade. How can a player in this position, with this decision, still be referred to as "The King?"
But what does it do to the NBA?
The decision has done a great deal of damage to the showcase ability of the leagues top superstars and has taken two teams of great contention with Chris Bosh as an addition of the Heat had Lebron remained in Cleveland and consolidated the talent to one. Assuming the top three players in the NBA are Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, and Dwyane Wade with Kevin Durant having a beef in the statement, two of them are now on the same team. These two players will have to complement not only each other, but also "spread the love" to Chris Bosh. So what are we sacrificing here?
Will we ever again see Dwyane Wade score 17 unanswered fourth points like he did against the Pistons in '06? Will we ever again see Lebron score 25 straight points to close out a playoff game? Unlikely. Two of the most exciting, ultra-superstars in this league will have to distribute/split moments like these. Is there a 30 ppg season in the future of either of these players? Maybe, if they aren't on the same team.
What I do not agree on is that this team is now an automatic winner, let me see the rest of the team that they sign to minimum contracts, let me see them play together, and God willing...let me see them lose.
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