(Site note: Look to the bottom of this post to find links to the other opinions and intro to this debate).
LeBron James is a leader. He has always been a leader. Some leadership traits are contained within DNA (for example, being 6’ 8” and 265(ish) pounds), while others are learned. LeBron has both the DNA and a demonstrated capacity to learn and improve. Recently we all Witnessed a very public example of the latter.
There is no question that LeBron was wrong in failing to shake the hands of his competition after they fairly, and roundly beat him and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 09 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. That’s bad sportsmanship. Bleacher Fan spent plenty of time making excuses for poor, woe-is-me-LeBron, but I’m not buying it. No, I’m not pulling out the old, “he can just go cry into his gold pillows and wipe the tears away with the millions of $100 bills he doesn’t need” argument. I’m pulling out the old, “you’re a man, act like it” argument. He’s a grown man. No pouting. You got beat. Accept that you got beat, spend minimal time dissecting why for the press who have treated you with kid gloves for the most part, and move on.
Bleacher Fan also insinuates that LeBron isn’t the media savvy professional we’ve all come to know and respect. I completely disregard the notion that LeBron can’t carry on a conversation with the media without disparaging teammates. He is smart enough to not lay blame at the feet of his coach, GM, or teammates (though I think there was plenty of go around). A leader has to face these kinds of questions, and how they answer them is what defines them as a leader.
This is real, adult life. You can’t run away from problems or failure. To be a true leader, you must accept the good with the bad and take it all in stride. What kind of signal is LeBron sending to his teammates when he refuses to face the music after a failure? He’s the proven leader of a very good basketball team. But, that mantle can’t disappear if he encounters some bumps along the road. Leadership isn’t a part time job. In fact, LeBron missed a key opportunity to lead his team. Standing up in front of the press and accepting the fact that the Orlando Magic are a better team this year shows strength. Accepting the facts, and demonstrating the desire to fight and be better than ever when he gets the next opportunity show leadership.
I hate to be another person in the College Football Tim Tebow Love Convention (it usually goes by its acronym… ESPN), but his post-game press conference where he tearfully pledged that his team made mistakes and lost to Ole Miss was impressive. There he faced the media and said his team would be the hardest working team anyone had ever seen, all without trashing his teammates.
In that instance, Tim Tebow demonstrated better leadership skills than LeBron James.
Now, LeBron’s jaw could have been bothering him (though that didn’t show up in his playoff stats), or he was cramping up, or any number of excuses could be offered. But, they would be insufficient. LeBron should have demonstrated sportsmanship and leadership in a crucial moment of vulnerability.
It’s just another area LeBron where will grow and get better.
(Site note: Read the intro to this debate, Bleacher Fan’s opinion, Sports Geek’s opinion, and Loyal Homer’s opinion, too. Let the voting begin!!
