LeBron James: 5 reasons why “The Essay” feels phony

Nearly four weeks have passed since LeBron James’ “I’m Coming Home” essay was posted on Sports Illustrated. Now, it’s starting to feel a little phony.

I have no doubt James wanted to return to Cleveland for all the reasons he listed. Cleveland/Akron is his home. Everyone can relate to what he said in that essay. We’re all from somewhere. If you’re like me, there’s no better feeling than going home.

Looking back at what’s happened in the last four weeks, though, the letter feels less like a heart-warming explanation for James’ actions and more like perfectly crafted PR piece by a player ditching one basketball situation for a better one.

At the time, no one could really criticize James’ essay. I mean, people did, but a lot of people thought, and still do think, James’ essay was and is sincere. After the past four weeks, I don’t know how anyone, except for Cavs’ fans, can still feel that way.

Of course, not all of James’ essay was phony or fake. Most of it is true, probably. I do believe James wanted to go home. I believe he enjoyed his time in Miami with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. I also think it must have been hard to leave Miami after everything he accomplished with those guys.

At this point, that’s about all I believe from James’ essay, and here’s why: