A Case On Perception Part 1: Legacy of Lebron

We all know the story of Lebron James: the chosen one, the #1 pick in the best draft since 1996, the playoff success and the disappointments that accompanied it over the years. We also know what happened once Lebron in 2010 decided (ha) to “take his talents “to Miami to team up with friend and fellow superstar, Dwyane Wade, and All Star Forward Chris Bosh. The reaction by Cavaliers fans was ridiculous but expected, but the reaction from the rest of NBA fans to “The Decision” all over was confusing. The perception transformed overnight turning Lebron from hero for carrying his “hometown” team (he’s from Akron), to that of a frontrunner who took the easy way out by teaming up with other star players. Lebron became the most hated player in the NBA.

In an effort not to bore you with details you already know (zzzzzzzzz), we’re going to skip past the whole 2010-211 season and loss in the 2011 finals to Dirk and the Mavericks where Lebron seemingly threw the series by underperforming. I’m going to take you to end of the Eastern Conference Finals Game 5, which the Miami Heat lost to go down 3-2 to Lebron’s postseason nemesis, the Boston Celtics. One of Lebron’s biggest detractors has been Skip Bayless, who has questioned his “clutch gene” for years, and was seemingly vindicated by his performance in last year’s NBA Finals.

The Heat had been escaping by the skin of their teeth in a couple games against the Celtics even through a lack of 4th quarter production by their Superstar players. Game 5 they would not escape. On the Western front, Kevin Durant and the Thunder had just beaten the Spurs to advance to the NBA Finals, which prompted many people to proclaim Durant as the best player in the NBA, or better than Lebron (however you perceive it). Durant had dazzled in the playoffs with a couple game winning shots and “clutch” performances. This same clutch was an area people perceived Lebron to lack in. 

Even tho he had dominated the previous two rounds and put on one of the greatest playoff games in nba history against the Indiana Pacers with a statline of 40 points, 18 boards, and 9 assists. This was their reasoning as to why he could not be the best player in the NBA, regardless of him filling up every statistic on the sheet. Kevin Durant was the player Lebron was allegedly supposed to be; humble and clutch, with the possibility of winning a title with the team that drafted him. Fans that had once supported Lebron through thick and thin were now turning on him and a good amount relocated to Team Durant.

What occurred in Game 6 was a transformed Lebron. Maybe he had heard the detractors doubting him and aimed to prove them wrong.  There was no joking, no smiling, just straight domination to the tune of 45 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists in an elimination game, one of the greatest games in playoff history. Lebron proceeded to splash jumpers left and right with an assortment of other shots, ending up with 30 points in the 1st half. The Heat possessed a sizable lead and it was thought that maybe Lebron would slow down in the 2nd half. NOPE! Lebron continued to apply the pressure and eventually built up an even bigger lead on the Celtics home court. Clutch? Certainly. Clutch isn’t just the 4th quarter, or just the last 4 minutes of the 4th, or just scoring in the 4th. It’s more than just a last shot. The Heat ended up advancing in 7 games to the NBA Finals (zzzzzzzz).

In the 2012 NBA Finals, Lebron more than made up for his gaffes in previous finals and dominated thoroughly. Never before had he scored more than 25 in a finals, he easily eclipsed that mark multiple times in the series. One game where he had a near triple double, he suffered a cramp in the 4th quarter and the Heat lost the lead and went down 2 without him. As soon as Lebron returned, he hit a huge “Clutch” 3 pointer and the Heat went on a 7-0 run with him to retake the lead. He had to leave this game, but the heat held on to take a 3-1 lead. 

Eventually the Heat won game 5 in dominant fashion (featuring a Lebron triple double) to capture another NBA Title. Lebron’s first title. No more ringless jokes about Lebron. He finally got over the hump and proved his detractors (*cough, skip bayless cough*) wrong. Oh and…Finals MVP. Two long years after becoming the most hated player in the NBA Lebron finally did it.

           Media influence often shapes our view of players even though these sensational stories are often concocted to up the drama.  On one hand, it makes sports more enjoyable, and on the other hand agendas can ruin basketball due to the faulty, incorrect logic that often is associated with it. Perception or reality….I think I’ll side with reality.

A Case In Perception Part 2 Coming Soon (I Think)!