LeBron recently went after Charles Barkley a week after Chuck (and Kenny) called out LeBron for being whiny. Mainstream sports media has come to LeBron's defense, with the most ridiculous being this piece from The Ringer. (I really should unfollow that site. Bill Simmons has lost his edge. Everybody there is a conformist.)
LeBron made it personal. But he was unresponsive to the criticism. He cited facts about Chuck, but they're irrelevant to what Chuck said. Ad hominem. Chuck wasn't talking about LeBron not being a good role model. He said that LeBron doesn't want to compete. It should be obvious that LeBron's response is all about trying to control the public perception of his legacy (he's like the Donald and his alternative facts that way). "I'm not going to let him disrespect my legacy like that." Let's get this legacy thing right by doing some quick fact checks:
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). And make no mistake, the Love deal was already in place before he signed--that's why he never mentioned Andrew Wiggins in his essay.
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. Except that, 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. I guess 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.
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