The (Tough) Decision in Making the King James Version

Indeed, he is the most criticized athlete we’ve seen in generations. Nothing he does is ever enough. For all, even those claiming to be supporters, it all only comes down to this: “can LeBron James win a ring?”

With talent so out of this world that he would pack arenas, while still in high school, LeBron James has had incredible expectations heaped upon him since he entered the NBA. He adopted the nickname “King James.” Every move he made, both on and off the court, was heavily scrutinized. Anything seemingly negative was blown out of proportion. Most notably, people like to use “The Decision” and his departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers to take his talents to South Beach, as a depiction of James’ supposed arrogance.

But, under closer examination we can realize the tough decision in making the King James version.

Now, I’m no apologist for LeBron James. I don’t know him personally. I don’t follow sports closely enough to say I know him well through the media. But enough people have judged and misjudged him that I can make these assertions.

It has been said that “Watching ‘The Decision’ last summer was one of the more unsettling experiences most of us have ever encountered.” Folk such as @RealSkipBayless have used every moment to rip LeBron for the way he made his announcement to leave the Cavaliers, disparaging James’ character because of the primetime special where LeBron James announced his determination to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and join Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat.

People criticize James, calling the nationally televised display both immature and arrogant. They say that LeBron James had not done anything worthy of such a display and that he needed to win an NBA Championship before any coronation as king could take place.

The tough decision in the making of the King James version doesn’t require an NBA Championship…but, hopefully the championship will help highlight the true value of “The Decision.”

In the absence of an NBA Championship, people were able to focus on the triviality of trophies, rings, and banners. The lack of those accouterments served as a distraction, allowing critics to ignore the implications of James’ decision.

Yet, true kings don’t act because those actions are always most pleasing to their subjects. True kings act in ways that are most beneficial to the most vulnerable in their realm. And it was in making that tough decision that LeBron James truly established the King James version. Maybe now that he’s won an NBA Championship, Society will appreciate what was accomplished in “The Decision.”

People criticize “The Decision,” but fail to criticize a Society that made such a display possible. If there was not a market for an hour-long televised show, “The Decision” would have never taken place. If there weren’t advertisers willing to pay for a time-slot during such a display, no network would have determined the show worth their investment. Yet, ESPN determined there was a market for the show. Advertisers determined it would be profitable for their brands. And, LeBron James’ (and his team) decided it was a good opportunity. All of this, because the public and critics created the market.

Yet, more than taking his talents to South Beach and promising a dynasty, in “The Decision” LeBron James was using the market to provide for others in need. In one hour, LeBron James was able to raise more than $2 million for Boys and Girls Clubs of America. By making a tough decision, to publicize his decision and subject himself to media scrutiny and public ridicule, King James was able to provide resources for countless children across the Country.

That, to me, is the King James version. In “The Decision,” what we saw was an athlete willing to shoulder criticism while doing something that mattered far beyond the arena of sport. Certainly, by leaving the Cavaliers, LeBron knew he would face ridicule and hatred. I’d like to believe he also knew that resentment would be heightened because he made his decision on a nationally televised primetime special. Yet, while others have been criticized for what they do (or fail to do) in the arena of sport, LeBron temporarily sullied his reputation and endured harsh critique in order to raise money for youth in need.

I rooted for LeBron James in the NBA Finals. Not because I’m a Miami Heat fan. Not because I’m a groupie for LeBron. But because I hope that by winning an NBA Championship, people will begin to stop with the nasty criticism and speak up about the huge generosity. That, to me, is the marks of a king. And, if that is how King James will rule then long live the king!

Now that he’s won the NBA Championship, have your thoughts changed on the Decision? Does it make a difference to you that $2.5 million was raised for children?