If Only Lebron Would Go

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The rumbles of the obsession began long before the last buzzer– only to get louder as Lebron opts out of his contract. Where will he go? What will he do? What is he thinking? Has he already made up his mind? This summer could shape up extremely interestingly, or a dull bust. Yet, imagine the extreme scenario. Lebron and Bosh leave. Carmelo leaves. Kevin Love gets traded. These players are the best of the league, aiming for a legacy that we recount to our kids one day- “where I was when Kevin Love was traded then won his first championship in Boston—reviving the franchise.” “When Lebron brought his legacy back to Cleveland.” I’m not saying these things are going to happen, but they are not out of the question. In this 2014 era of free agency and team hopping, does one’s legacy tarnish by following a new path? A new path unlike those we deem the “greats’ of this sport—and therefore choosing not to become a franchise player? Take Michael, Larry, Magic, Kobe, Duncan. Franchise players. On the other hand take Shaq, Wilt Chamberlain, Moses Malone, Gary Payton, Charles Barkley. The question is, how does longevity as a great with one franchise affect your legacy?

Arguably, had Lebron stayed in Cleveland and was unable to win a championship he would not be the storied player he has become. He made the changes necessary to become a real champion. But one move, ok. Two moves? In all honestly I would be surprised if he chose to leave Miami after four straight runs in the Finals– but doesn’t it make for an interesting story? A new type of NBA player where loyalty is no longer valued but your ability to win championships, no matter which team you were playing for when you won them? Does it hurt Shaq’s legacy today that his fourth championship was not with the Lakers? This new style of player would be reflecting an American trend of going where the situation is best for you instead of staying in the same place your whole career. This is the American way, go for the opportunity. So why should Lebron be chastised for doing the same thing the rest of America is pushed to do? If he feels that he can no longer thrive in Miami, as the best player in the league he should go where he can thrive, whether it be Cleveland, Chicago, etc. I like the idea of the NBA emulating the way that our country is moving– starting to value players for doing their best and going where they can see themselves doing their best rather than faulting them for a lack of ‘loyalty.’

To be fair, I think Lebron will stay in Miami. Yet, as a basketball fan I cannot help but to enjoy the idea of a new era. With the news of Dwayne Wade opting out of his contract, chances are the ‘Big Three’ will all restructure their contracts and opt back in. I do think there is something to be said about loyalty, as one can wonder, who will celebrate one’s legacy after they are gone if their legacy does not belong to just one team? If he jumps ship another time, Lebron can’t expect to be David Robinson in Game 5 of the 2014 Finals. Celebrated, sitting in his free courtside seat to watch the Spurs win the championship another time– the whole team happy to celebrate with him. I think that there is a lot to be said about a franchise player, but as a fan, it would make for a much more exciting season to shuffle the league up again and create a new type of legacy.