LeBron took the easy way out going to Miami

Tuesday, July 20
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If at first you don’t succeed, then try, try again – at least that’s what I was always told.


Unless, of course, if you’re LeBron James – then you can quit, take the easy way out and run to Miami with your tail between your legs and a big Band-Aid over your now greatly damaged pride.

All this while having an egotistical one-hour TV special in your honor, as well.


That’s exactly what the self-proclaimed “King” did a few weeks ago when he shunned his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers and signed on the dotted line with the Miami Heat – a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the entire sporting world.


Hey, bending or breaking the rules laid out for the “subjects” of the world isn’t out of the ordinary for King James, right?

This is the same dude, after all, who’s won approximately the same number of NBA championships as my mailman (zero), but is still widely regarded as the best player in the world – even though Lakers star Kobe Bryant now has a full hand full of rings (five).


Oh yeah, that’s right. LeBron is better because he’s funny and likes to dance on the court. He has a prettier smile than Kobe, too, and is nicer to his teammates than the Mamba.


That thing he does when he throws the powder in the air before the games? Priceless. The kid’s got to be the best in the world for doing that.

Sounds stupid, right? But that’s exactly why public perception of LeBron is what it is and exactly why he’s allowed to be portrayed as a hero when he’s actually … a coward.


Yes, a coward.


When the going gets tough, the true champions get going. They don’t run and find their friends, then attempt to win a 3-1 fight.

Did Rocky call for Mike Tyson’s help when Apollo Creed was beating his brains in? Did Tiger Woods look for crutches when he was playing – and winning the U.S. Open with a torn ACL?


No, they stuck it out and trusted their own abilities.


And in a “King’s” case, that ability should be enough to not have to join forces with the other top players in the NBA, right?

I understand the desire to leave Cleveland – that’s not the issue in question.


The Cavaliers truly have not ever surrounded James with the pieces he needs to consistently win games.

When a senior citizen like Shaquille O’Neal is probably the biggest move you’ve made to help your star shine, then yes, you’re probably not trying hard enough.

But running scared and joining the All-Star team will do nothing but make you look like Adam Banks in my book.

So, LeBron, how does it feel to be a cake eater now?

Don’t ask him that question after a loss – he definitely wouldn’t be in the pressroom to answer.

What the “King” should have done was sign with either the Chicago Bulls or the New Jersey Nets. Both of those places could have provided him the upgrade he needs to A) win games and B) cement his legacy as the best.

Because that is, after all what the NBA is all about – individual success.

We don’t remember the Bulls; we remember Michael Jordan. We don’t remember the Lakers’ dynasty; we remember Magic Johnson. It’s same with the Boston Celtics. Danny Ainge got a ring, too, but it’s Larry Bird that is in everyone’s memory.

So how exactly will this Miami thing fit into your plans to take over the NBA, King James?

Because according to my math, Dwayne Wade will always have more championships than you if you guys are on the same team for the rest of your careers.

That is, of course, assuming you all win a championship, because playing 3-on-5 doesn’t always equate to success when you’re taking on the likes of the Orlando Magic, the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics.

On a team of stars, who exactly will do the dirty work? Will James, himself dive on the floor and pick up a loose ball? Will Dwayne Wade take a charge? Will Chris Bosh go in the paint – ever?

Having great players is nice, but only one person can shoot the basketball, and Miami will lack the worker bees necessary to make the Queen bee happy – or in this case, the King Bee.

This issue will not be decided ultimately for another 10 or more years when the dust is settled and everyone’s legacy is already written.

But the present is already pretty clear: the King took the easy way out.

The ball is in your court, Mr. James. You can’t say you don’t have help anymore.