The notion that indifference, and not hate, is the opposite of love is challenged by the existence of LeBron James. His nature seems to inherently require you to feel something about what he does and who he is. He doesn’t court ambivalence and any narrative surrounding him is sure to develop an element of exaggeration. Every play is dissected ad nauseam and every spoken word given added (and often incorrect) meaning.
Part of this is undoubtedly his doing. Perhaps it is the unexpected consequence of a life viewed primarily through and under lenses, of cameras and microscopes alike. It’s laughable to judge him by our standards considering the scrutiny he’s endured for nearly 15 years. But there’s also enough evidence to suggest that he seeks this level of attention, as well — whether positive or negative doesn’t matter. If nothing less, it’s an effective marketing strategy to remain constantly in the public’s consuming eye and James is at least as great a businessman as he is a basketball player. That those historically diametric worlds should blend so seamlessly for James is just one of his many talents.
As he leads his team to a second consecutive NBA Finals appearance, there is one among the many opinions swirling about him that is particularly troubling; the idea that he is seeking redemption. At its core, redeeming oneself is about atoning for a prior mistake, a way to make good after previously going bad. Given his nature of forcing a subjective judgement, there will always be some detractors and these will continue to find fault in James’ masterful career, like pointing out cracks in the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. There’s no pleasing everyone, after all, and it’s likely that James might not — and shouldn’t — care about his critics.
Moreover, what redemption could he be seeking? The list of overwrought issues with James is comprehensive; from passing up an open shot in the waning moments of a game, to reacting to contact to overzealously sell a foul call. While less level-headed individuals might cling to these as evidence of James’ faults, they hardly seems significant enough to invalidate his success, particularly in the context of everything else he does.
If his departure to Miami still sticks in your craw, that says more about you than it does James. The televised Decision wasn’t as much an insult as it was required television and, above all else, a charitable event. He left, achieved success, and then returned, closing the circle for good. The version of James that we witness today is more a byproduct of four years with the Heat than he previous seven trapped in Sisyphean efforts along the Cuyahoga River.
LeBron’s individual greatness has been undeniable throughout his 13-year career, as has his ability to lead a team, regardless of composition, to great heights. He’s carried the Cavaliers to the Finals on three occasions. On both previous trips, his team has been greatly flawed, either through a lack of talent or health and yet, with James, there was always the feeling that victory was possible.
Even the title itself seems a misguided pursuit, as if it was the only means through which to validate his vast accomplishments. Hasn’t James achieved enough for Cleveland to make his tenure overwhelmingly successful? The hunger for a trophy could very well be self-imposed; while obsessing over the championship cherry on top could have you totally disregard the dessert below it.
If the Finals do offer a chance at redemption, it’s one that likely applies to two parties other than James: the general public and his teammates. For fans, it’s an opportunity to appreciate a player unlike any other in NBA history, a unique combination of power, grace and skill. The Most Valuable Player Award is a good measure of an individual’s impact and Steph Curry is certainly deserving of the recognition. But, again, just as failing to secure a championship doesn’t invalidate what a team is able to accomplish, neither does James’ recent lack of hardware discredit his production on a nightly basis. It’s a gift that many have taken for granted in recent years.
As for the other members of the Cavaliers roster, the onus to achieve championship success falls mostly on them. However fairly or not, James’ legacy is intact regardless of where you fall on the spectrum of appreciating his greatness. A title would be more of a relief for his adopted hometown, unburdening them from decades of failed opportunities in every major sport.
But for players likes Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, still relatively early in what could someday be Hall-of-Fame careers, this is a chance at being immortalized, to prove they are worthy of the challenge James issued to them two years ago when he returned to the Cavaliers. For castoffs like J.R. Smith and Channing Frye, it allows them to shine on the brightest stage, to show they were undervalued by the teams they previously played for. Tristan Thompson and Matthew Dellavedova might not be as productive anywhere else but with Cleveland, they are essential to the team’s success.
Nothing is ever easy when it comes to describing James and what he does. Despite this plea, he will remain the barometer for Cleveland’s chances at victory. It’s perhaps a testament to his versatility and greatness, or maybe just a consequence of marketing a team sport by concentrating on the individual superstars that play it. Regardless, all eyes will likely be on him even as his physical supremacy provides a sharp contrast to the deadly sniping of Curry, Klay Thompson and the rest of the Golden State Warriors.
So, if you’re looking for narratives to artificially make the series more entertaining, then at least recognize that James’ atonement isn’t one of them. After all, he’s done enough to justify his place in history and he doesn’t need redemption.
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