The question the whole sports world must ask in the wake of “The Admission” last night by Lebron James that he is not good enough to lead a team to an NBA title and will therefore join the storied Miami Heat franchise is, who cares? Who cares now about Lebron James? And for an athlete, isn’t that the saddest question possible?
As it was reinforced last night, the number one factor in “The Admission” was “championships.” That’s why Lebron left Cleveland, that’s why he’s headed to South Beach, that’s why he “sacrificed” millions, that’s why he teamed up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. To win championships. So, then, we’re forced to ask, who cares if they win championships?
Let’s fast-forward 11 months to next June and picture the scene. Miami, after mauling the Eastern Conference, defeats the Lakers in a tight 6 game series. Lebron holds the Naismith trophy high above his head, crying. Who cares? Who’s happy? Miami Heat fans? Miami fucking Heat fans? Who cares about Miami Heat fans? What a tortured fan base. Always so loyal. They just love their Heat in Miami. Miami Heat fans don’t care about the Miami Heat. No one cares about the Miami Heat. They’re a nothing franchise in a great-weather city.
And then how about the casual fan? Would they care if the Miami Heat won the championship? Not really. Of course they won the championship. They have Lebron James and Dwyane Wade. Weren’t they supposed to win the championship? It’s like the Dream Team. Sure, when they win the gold medal, we’re happy, we’re relieved, good for them. But no one really cares. Because of course they won the gold medal. They were supposed to win the gold medal.
And how about the fans of Cleveland? Will they care if Lebron wins a championship? Absolutely not. Why would they? Lebron is dead to them. He couldn’t hurt them anymore. He already went on national television and took an eponymous steamer all over their collective conscious, what do they care if he wins a championship? Lebron is nothing to them anymore.
As for what they should do when he comes to Cleveland to play his first game with his new team. Should they boo? Should they cheer? They should not show up. That would be the ultimate statement. They should turn their back on him just like he did to them. How awesome would it be if Lebron came to town, entered the arena, and it was completely empty? Do this Cleveland. The first every athlete boycott. As we learned this week, Lebron loves attention. So he’ll relish your boos. But an empty arena is something he won’t be able to cope with.
There is not one person in America that likes Lebron James more today then they did yesterday. I honestly believe that. Even a “die-hard” Miami Heat fan must think he’s kind of an asshole. A super-star who went on national television and admitted I’m not good enough. A super-star who talked about sacrifice because he’s going to make 15 million dollars instead of 16 million, when the real sacrifice was his loyalty, his dignity, his respect. A super-star who took the easy way out and will win the least engaging championships in sports’ history. A super-star who was beloved, who was admired, who was worshipped for his loyalty as well as his greatness, who belonged to a city, who was family. And now, a super-star that no one cares about.
