Don’t they teach sportswriters basic logic anymore? LeBron was non-responsive to Chuck’s criticism. They’re irrelevant and ad hominem. Chuck wasn’t talking about LeBron not being a good role model. Chuck said that LeBron doesn’t want to compete.
LeBron is just trying to obsessively control the public perception of his legacy. Just like the Donald and his alternative facts. “I’m not going to let him disrespect my legacy like that.” Let’s get this legacy thing right. So let’s do some fact-check on Chuck’s criticism:
In 2010, LeBron started the whole superteam trend by joining Wade and
Bosh — despite the Cavs being the #1 seed in the East the 2 previous years.
And let’s dispel the notion that Wade was no longer in his prime in 2010.
Wade was 1st Team All-NBA in 2010, finished in the top 5 of the MVP voting,
and was just a season removed from putting up 30–7.5–5.
After the Heat was blown away by the Spurs in 2014, LeBron left
bad-knees-Wade and zombie Bosh for a pair of younger all-stars in Irving
and Love. Everybody bought the homecoming narrative, but the simple truth is that LeBron knew it would be difficult to win another title in Miami
after the Spurs humiliated them in 2014 (the Spurs beat the Heat by 14
points per game; in the four Spurs wins, they outscored Miami by 72
points).
Now, just weeks after the Cavs acquired Korver, LeBron’s complaining to the
media about needing more pieces. Despite being the defending champions
whose core remained intact. Despite still having two all-star teammates.
Despite being 4 games clear in the loss column in the East. Why? Is he so
afraid of the Warriors? The Spurs retooled on the fly and, despite having
just one all-star, are the second best team in the league. So it’s certainly not just about getting all the superstars. But to LeBron, it is.
The only reasonable conclusion is that LeBron wants the easiest way to
winning his rings. He’s the guy who plays a video game at the easiest
setting just so he can boast that he beat the game. Don’t get me wrong,
LeBron’s a very good basketball player. What he did in last year’s finals
was truly amazing. And I’m sure he wants to win. There is a minimum level of competitive spirit required in order to have that desire. But what Chuck is talking about is taking it upon yourself to overcome the challenges with the team that you have; see how far your skills can take you. No ifs and buts. That’s what LeBron lacks. And we’ve seen enough of his career to know that to be true. So when we talk about legacy, just remember that LeBron always took the easiest route.
