The LeBrachelor show caused major hysteria across the country. Now that James has chosen South Beach, the Black Man has questions… lots of questions. Pop the top to view Part 1.
So apparently, the revolution will be televised. And what a magnificent show it was. Last night’s “LeBron: The Decision” show was secretly the highlight of my day. I’m saying that only because yesterday my fiancé and I hosted our daughter’s first birthday party. And you know… sports can’t trump family. Or so they say. Besides, I don’t want my fiancé to remove my finger nails.
Just know that I sped back from the supermarket and totally forgot (decided not to) to pick up baby food so I could make it home by 9:00 PM. And now that we all know LeBron prefers Urban Beach Week, I have thoughts. As we all know, I write text books, so I had to chop this into two sections. Just read me out on this one:
10. What is one underrated thing we learned last night? –
That LeBron James is developing into a marketing genius and an astute businessman.
Now.
There is something wrong with that, yet there’s something right with that.
I spoke to my best friend Reginald Rucker last night. And we were just talking about how we had never EVER seen one basketball player get so much hype in my lifetime. Yesterday’s Washington Post’s 1B story was on LeBron’s Decision. A full spread story about the twists and turns of his free agency… the Washington Post! Bloomberg did a ten minute report on him. ESPN literally prostituted themselves to him. There were huge billboards, signs and planned parties trying to court him.
Throughout all the hype, you have to say what an amazing idea it was for his marketing group to sell a show to ESPN for one hour. No free agent in any sport has ever been able to parlay that type of deal. Sure, the proceeds benefit the boys and girls club. But don’t forget, that primetime was also used for his new commercials, showcase his new products and expand his exposure. Brand wise, it was only going to build more buzz. And for all the media vilification about being a show man, they’re just mad LeBron is ultimately doing other athletes have been trying to do: take control of his their image.
Nobody does it better than LeBron.
We always see him laughing, except I’ve never heard one joke he’s made. People say he’s a nice guy; how do you know? Everything has been calculated, everything is pre-meditated. From his films, to his inner circle, to his specials, we all get a glimpse into his image under his control.
“See LeBron grow up as a kid and defeat adversity! See LeBron read to disabled children! See LeBron at the soup kitchen! He’s a saint! Let’s go buy his products!”
In the 90’s, players had to go through the media and get interviewed by newspaper reporters and journalists. Those beat writers, they contributed to what we thought of them. They controlled the image of the player. Back then, you had to play the media’s game. Now, in the 24-7 news cycle, the players are now playing the media. It’s a genius move, really.
Nobody does it better than LeBron.
James has made it clear that he wants to be a sports billionaire. You don’t become a billionaire by pleasing everyone. Somewhere along the line, when you are jumping every obstacle, someone is going to hate your guts. You will gain enemies. That’s just part of the price you pay. Only LBJ can decide whether or not that billion dollars is worth the trouble of making those tough decisions that break hearts and isolate your existence. Apparently, James decided he is going for it. That takes balls. I like it. And sometimes, I don’t.
9. So basketball-wise, is LeBron a punk for making this move? –
Yes. Yes, yes and yes. Would Michael Jordan do this? No. Would Kobe Bryant have joined the Suns when the Suns were killing the Lakers in the playoffs? Of course not. This move just confirms that LBJ could not be the man on a title-winning basketball team. And that is sort of sad because the basketball fan in me – and I think a lot of other people – wanted to see him realize his potential and become a winner… as THE guy. Making this trade to join up with other alpha dogs kills the process. It’s disappointing. And for that, LeBron is a punk.
8. Does this affect the competitiveness of the NBA? –
Definitely.
I’ve realized there will never, EVER be another Michael Jordan. As world famous sports columnist and author Bill Simmons once pointed out, NBA players are too buddy-buddy. They go through the AAU circuit and summer camps together. They go to school together. And then when they meet on the court, it’s all love. They don’t have the nasty edge from times past. It’s like two summer camp chums who become CEO’s years down the line.
“Hey! How are things! Glad you made it! We’re millionaires now! Let’s have lunch!”
The competitive edge is gone. Back in the days, teams REALLY didn’t like each other. You were friends by beating the crap out of your opponent. That’s what made the NBA.
Now?
We live in a world where Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh all decide that they want to play together instead of leading their own teams. I’ll watch it, but it still sucks.
7. Is LeBron going to win a title in Miami? –
At some point, their collective talents will certainly be enough to make it to the NBA Finals and compete. But there needs to be team solidarity, team defense, and role players. Will they get there? I say yes.
Just not next year – next year there is going to be a ton of issues. They don’t have enough size (big men), they don’t have enough role players, and even if they do find those players I bet the Miami Heat can’t fit under the cap.
We also forget that Eric Spoelstra, the Miami Heat coach is on thin ice. Because Pat Riley is a glory-seeking butthole who will try to dismantle the coach so Riley can coach them to a title. Just know if the Heat start off 4-4… Spoelstra better call his agent. Because if Pat Riley decides that he’s coming back to coach for glory again? It’s a wrap for Spoelstra. NBA fans know this.
6. What is another underrated thing we learned last night? –
LeBron is going to break up with his long-time fiancé Savannah. It’s a done deal. They probably don’t know it yet, but their relationship is not going to last.
Look.
I’m a 26 year-old man. I have a daughter, and a wife to be. I make a nice salary at a non-profit medical board. I have benefits. I have a town house in south Jersey. By all means, I’m a pretty regular guy. If I want my family and relationship to last, there’s no way I’m moving to Miami. Ever. That’s relationship suicide. How on earth can a grown man focus on family when it’s $2 mojito night at Club Thong on South Beach?
We saw what happened to Dwayne Wade and his ex-wife… er… wife. You mean to tell me LeBron James, who will be close buddies with D. Wade and Chris “I left my baby’s mother that I cheated on my girlfriend with while she was pregnant stranded” Bosh is going to South Beach, Florida making $96 million over the next five years??!! Not gonna happen. Remember this when you visit TheYBF.com in two years. You’ll see the words “Splitsville” and “LeBron.”
Even more telling… when three women, including my own fiancé saying the same thing when LeBron announced his move. Their first words? “I feel bad for Savannah.” If that doesn’t tell you anything, nothing will.
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