Did I Lose You?
Kendall Lewis
Sports Writer/Music Analyst - Notoriety
This is a
world-class evaluation of where LeBron James stands in his career with an
assist from lyrics off of Drake's song Lose You, courtesy of the More Life
Playlist:
"I'm in for the glory not the honor mention. Not trying to
be fourth for inches, I'm tryna go the distance. Yeah, distance, I'm on a
different mission."
The 32 year old
veteran is at a crossroads in his career right now. The Cleveland Cavaliers are
in a steep uphill battle for control of first place in the Eastern Conference.
The Cavs are
certainly defending champions, but defending that honor has been far from easy
this season. Contenders around the NBA collected premier free agents in the
offseason, and also acquired veterans during the midseason trade deadline
period.
Teams like
Golden State, San Antonio, Boston, Washington, Toronto and others are aware
that the time to defeat LeBron is now. However, in order to become a champion;
you have to dethrone the King. It's been an up-and-down season for Cleveland,
but the real basketball season takes place in the playoffs.
"Be honest with myself, and take ownership. Opinions
started to burn when tables started to turn... [con't] Exciting times,
revitalized. Trust this little light of mine is going to shine
positively."
Two steps
forward, and one step backwards.
That's how
Cleveland's season has been.
People aren't
going to see a team work harder to win 51 games. The Cavs have had their fair
share of winning streaks, but they've also reverted back to descending
struggles.
It seems like
the only ones that can defeat the Cavs, are the Cavs.
Players have
been whining and complain on and off the court. There was a time when LeBron,
who's the main focal point of the team, criticized the organization for not
adding enough help to make another run at a title in 2017.
General Manager
David Griffin negotiated, and acquired G Deron Williams and C Andrew Bogut from
waivers. Unfortunately Bogut got hurt less than a minute into his first game as
a Cavalier, and is out for the rest of the season.
The cameras
quickly shifted towards Griffin, whom was visibly frustrated. He was annoyed,
and had every right to be because he worked hard to give LeBron what he wanted.
Their potential defensive anchor in the middle won't be available in the
playoff, and that's a bummer.
James has also
been critical of the team's poise, effort and ability to show up and close
games when it matters most.
Since January,
the Cavs have had three 3-game losing streaks and embarrassing blowout losses
to contending teams. It certainly isn't the end of the world, but Sunday
afternoon's loss to Atlanta hurt because they came back and won in a game that
should've have been close.
LeBron's no
dummy, and this a big reason why he's one of the greatest to lace up a pair of
sneakers. He's a wiser, and has realized that his public rants were simple
mistakes. He recently acknowledged Griffin's efforts, and vouched for him to
receive a nice contract extension.
He's apologized
for his actions on and off the court towards teammates, but it only came from
his competitive nature.
The things that
people tend forget about LeBron, is that he's been in this situation for years.
He's in The Finals every season, constantly prepping his body for a continuous
grind and staying mentally ready for any challenge that comes along the way.
Life for an ultimate competitor and champion isn't always sweet,
especially when it comes to reclaiming a position at the top of the food chain
365 days a year.
"Winning is problematic. People like you more when you
working towards something, not when you have it. Way less important for my
peers in recent years as I get established. Unforgiving times, but f*** it, I
manage. Why is my struggle different than others?"
It's easy to
forget about someone in a society when everyone's wondering "what
have you done for me lately?" Especially when greatness has been displayed
during too many occasions over time.
LeBron averaged 29 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists in the regular season. That's amazing,
especially considering the mileage that body has been through over the years
(leads the NBA in minutes per game - 38 mpg).
The NBA is the
youngest it's ever been, and he's still one of the most fit players physically,
athletically and mentally. James goes off in gradual spurts throughout a game,
and his teammate Kyrie Irving can steal the show at times as well. However,
there's no reason why people are overlooking a legend that can go off for 30+
points, at least 8+ rebounds and assists on any given night.
James has a lot
more competition to deal with when it comes to individual statistics and
performances. Westbrook, Harden, Leonard and plenty others are coming for him.
However, there can only be one King, and that's King James.
Opponents and
media members alike are all constantly hovering over his back these days, but
that isn't an issue for him. His main focus whenever he wakes up every day is
getting the Cavaliers back to The Finals. He might not win the MVP award again
this year because the hype isn't there, but it doesn't matter.
It's all about
rings. At the end of the day, LeBron James has the most among this group. He's still
the best player in the world, respectfully...
Comments
Post a Comment