He is one of the greatest athletes of all time. His presence in the NBA has forever changed the landscape with players seeking to replicate his all-around game such as Ben Simmons, Lonzo Ball and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The impact he has made on this league cannot be disputed or discredited. If so, then why do so many people hate LeBron James?
James has been the best player in the NBA for years. He has earned league MVP honors four times and won three NBA titles along with three NBA finals MVP awards.
Whatever team James has played for over the last eight years has been the Eastern Conference representative in the NBA Finals. However, despite his consistent success on and off the court, many tend to root against the king.
Whether it be in the form of insulting nicknames such as “LeBrick” or “Queen James”, or pundits nit-picking every aspect of his game. James’ naysayers have become increasingly rooted in their opposition of him. The dissection of his successes and failures only grow as his career nears its end.
While no one knows when James will finally call it quits, everyone knows that he will be one of the best players of all time when he does. Especially since he is one of the greatest right now.
James at this time in his career is in the conversation with greats such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan. He is consistently in debates surrounding the greatest of all time and the NBA Mount Rushmore. Coincidentally, those are the exact reasons why a lot of people hate him.
James elevation into this conversation happened quite seamlessly. He came into the league drawing comparisons to Jordan, even dawning Jordan’s iconic number 23. It took little time for people to start debating whether or not he was the best player in the league.
However, the appreciation of James’ talent led to resentment. Particularly stemming from those within the Jordan and Kobe Bryant fan base.
Bryant and Jordan supporters believe James received premature adulation that lacked the accomplishments to validate it. Despite the lack of championships nine years into his NBA career, many crowned James as the best player in the NBA. Leap frogging Bryant who was still in prime form for the title.
There was also the moment when Jordan’s former teammate Scottie Pippen, was quoted on ESPN’s former radio show Mike & Mike saying this per NBC Sports:
“Michael Jordan is probably the greatest scorer to ever play in the game, but I may go as far to say LeBron James is the greatest player to ever play the game.”
James still was without a championship when Pippen made those remarks.
While it is a debate that commends James’ greatness, it also is the source of a lot of the vitriol aimed in his direction. Strike one.
It is easy to define strike two with two simple words, “The Decision”. One of the most controversial instances in NBA history.
James’ intentions were in the right place because “The Decision” was an event that raised money for charity. However, the overall deliverance of his message drew the ire of the Cleveland fans he was leaving.
This event as a whole made James a villain for his first year with the Miami Heat. A set of circumstances that did not change until he won his first NBA championship. However, his mark as a villain already cost him favor in the eyes of some media and fans.
Then there is 2011. The year that is synonymous with arguably the greatest failure of James’ career. A year which he got the most criticism of his career.
It is the year where James’ Heat team were heavy favorites over Dirk Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. However, James play fell off incredibly during that series. Particularly in the fourth quarters where he scored a combined 11 points which is a 2.2 points per game average per ESPN.
This is the biggest black mark on his career. He has comeback in resounding fashion since the 2011 NBA Finals but it is a folly his detractors will never let go.
While the opinions on James’ career will vary depending on who you ask, the consensus will always be that he is one of the greatest to ever do it.
His story is closer to its last chapter than its first. It is important that both fans and critics appreciate it before it is done.
Especially since there will never be another player who will have a career quite like his.
Brendan Abban is the owner of brendanabban.com and hosts the KBR Sports podcast. Follow him on Twitter @BAbban24 or email via [email protected].
