When I read the ESPN story that detailed the comments from LeBron James on his Twitter account, about how he has been “ taking mental notes of everyone taking shots at me this summer. And I mean everyone.”, I sure hope he was including me on his list of editorials that he’s read since his televised infomercial, announcing his departure from Cleveland for the Miami Heat. I would be honored if he took note of my reaction to the formation of the NBA’s version of the Premiership, where are their are a few elite teams, and many more average or sub par teams.
I’m not quite sure why LeBron expects everyone to agree with his decision, or to compliment him on his move to Miami. Outside of Florida, I haven’t come across very many positive commentaries, in reaction to the three Miami multi millionaire mega stars joining forces. Isn’t it way too early for anyone in the NBA to be trying to use the ‘me against the world’ speeches,the way LeBron is, as motivation for his particular goals ?
The Akron, Ohio native, should take a hint from his new team-mate, Chris Bosh, about how to react to criticism, regardless of the source, or the reason for the negative feedback. LeBron should read the comments from “CB-4” quite closely. He might pick up some valuable lessons, and avoid creating more animosity than he has already generated in Ohio.
The former Raptor expressed his viewpoint for the Heat hopes, in more productive prose, as opposed to tantrum like terminology. “ We have to talk championship. I expect to win a championship and anything else is a failure – and I think every person in that organization feels the same way……..Although it’s ‘cool’ to hear people predict great things for the Heat, I think that’s going to put a bigger target on our backs. But that’s part of the game. We knew that was going to happen before we even got together.”
Bosh also took the high road when it came to responding to criticism of his play from Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo,who stated that the All Star forward was distracted by free agency, and wasn’t as dedicated as he should have been last season in Toronto. Bosh stated: “ That’s how he handled it………All I can do is react and just stay grounded and stay humble and just keep doing what I’m doing. It doesn’t bother me because I know I’ve never quit at any point in my NBA career, in my lifetime, playing basketball.”
James is already one of the best athletes to ever enter the NBA, and may complete a career that leaves him among the very best of all time, in several categories. The one area where he could use some tutoring, would be in public relations. As much as Chris Bosh can become a better basketball player by being with James, LeBron stands to better himself as well, by simply studying the smooth as silk style of “CB-4”, when it comes to articulating aspirations, anger, and anything else that requires careful consideration.