In a heartbreakingly disappointing public display for Cleveland fans, LeBron James just made history in his unprecedented hour-long television special that announced his decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and play for the next five seasons for the Miami Heat.
By choosing the Miami Heat as his new team, James now joins basketball stars Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh to form a "super-team" that many believe will be a dynasty for years to come. At the same time, many others are criticizing this decision for numerous reasons: 1) LeBron is "giving up" on Cleveland and breaking the heart of a community that has already experienced much turmoil; 2) LeBron is "tarnishing" his legacy by essentially admitting he is not good enough to win championships on his own but must join someone else's team (i.e., Dwayne Wade); 3) LeBron is blind to the reality that, even with three great players, a team requires the talents of an entire roster of quality athletes, and the Heat will have a difficult time attracting additional players who will agree to the minimum-level salaries that they will be forced to offer due to the league's salary cap; 4) etc., etc.
I read news of LeBron's decision and find myself coming away disappointed (and not just because I'm a Spurs fan). I had hoped that LeBron would be loyal to his hometown fans and stay in Cleveland. I also have a tough time believing that a "super team" concept will be good for the NBA, as certain teams will be stacked with the league's best talent while other teams will struggle to attract any fans with the remaining players they will be able to field. Most importantly, I observe how athletes such as Kevin Durant sign contract extensions and simply offer brief press releases to inform the public of their future plans, while LeBron schedules an hour-long show to essentially inform the world that he is leaving Cleveland, sending fans soaring in Miami while some fans in Cleveland are shown to even be burning James' jersey. At the same time, part of me appreciates the idea that LeBron is willing to sacrifice his personal image or "legacy" as an individual superstar in order to be a part of a team that is focused on winning championships. It seems to continually be the case that superstars can win MVP trophies, but only teams win championships.
In perspective, basketball is simply a game, and the NBA is simply a business of entertainment. I find it hard to believe that one player's decision would incite so much anger that people would be burning his jersey, but at the same time, perhaps LeBron's decision and his actions speak louder than just a game. In many ways, his decision to change teams speaks to our perceptions of loyalty, or the lack thereof. His decision to publicize his decision speaks to our desire to command attention and demand the spotlight. As I find myself disappointed in the spectacle, I also find myself asking questions about my own life:
- Just as I long to see someone exhibit loyalty in their decisions, despite what temporary privileges and luxuries it may cost them, I have to ask myself if I exhibit loyalty in my own decisions. Am I a loyal servant of Christ? Or do I choose "other teams" when faced with difficult decisions, temptations, or persecution?
- In what ways do I live life as though I am the center of attention? Where do I seek the spotlight? What acts in my life do I believe merit their own one-hour television special?
- Do I live as though I can live this life on my own, doing things my way? Or do I recognize that I cannot live this life on my own but am called to live in community (as a "team player") with others, sacrificing my own individual desires for the needs of others out of love?
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