Where did LeBron go Wrong?

LeBron James is most likely the best player in the NBA today.  However, he is also one of the most hated sports figures outside of the city he plays in, Miami.  The interesting thing is that this was not always the case.  James used to be one of the most loved and respected players in the league.  Without question, the way he dealt with his free agency this last summer tarnished his image in the eyes of basketball fans everywhere.

LeBron was one of the most coveted free agents of all time in the summer of 2010.  The entire sports world anxiously awaited his decision of whether he would stay to play in Cleveland or go to another team.  Predictions about LeBron’s future inundated ESPN and pretty much every other major sports and news outlet.  LeBron’s decision was without doubt one of the major sports stories of the year.  Eventually the day arrived when LeBron announced that he would make his decision public.

The problem, however, began with the way he announced his decision of which team he wanted to play for.  Instead of just informing the major sports outlets (like most other sports stars do), LeBron decided it would be a good idea to have a one hour ESPN special which would end with an interview where he would tell the world what he wanted to do.  The special glorified LeBron as a deity of basketball who was above all other players in the game.  The interview proved even worse.  LeBron seemed dishonest and selfish.  He did not just say, “I have decided to leave Cleveland and play for Miami,” as most people would have expected.  Instead he said, “I will be taking my talents to South Beach.”

Most people in the sports world, including fans, reporters, and analysts, saw the special and the interview as a selfish attempt by an overly-cocky superstar who had lost touch with the people and with reality.  Nobody could believe his ego or bravado.   Fans wondered who this guy thought he was.  From that point forward, LeBron’s image with the public has not been the same.  Fans boo him in almost every arena that the Miami Heat visits.

The only thing that can redeem LeBron and his “talents” will be finally winning an NBA championship.  Until then, the real king in the NBA will continue to be Kobe Bryant.