Read the opposing argument from Bleacher Fan.
LeBron James may choose not to represent America by playing for Team U.S.A. during FIBA World Championship tournament this summer in Turkey. Say it ain’t so LeBron, say it ain’t so.
Although I have never been the biggest basketball fan in the world, I have pretty much always been a LeBron James fan. Since he burst onto the scene in the NBA during the 2003-2004 season, his dynamic play captivated the attention of millions and made him a national icon. He is athletic, entertaining, and dominant – all qualities that endear him to the public, as well as Babe Ruthless. But my support for King James may come to a screeching halt depending on the choice LeBron makes this summer between the love of money or country.
For those unfamiliar with the FIBA World Championships, it – like Ron Burgundy – is kind of a big deal. The U.S.A. Basketball website even states that, “The World Championship title is considered as prestigious as the Olympic title.” It could accurately be compared to the World Cup in soccer. Bailing on Team U.S.A. for reasons other than military service or death should be out of the question. But LeBron has alluded to bowing out for the ultra-convincing reason of, “I got a really, really, really, really, really busy summer.”
Well since he used five really’s, I understand. Had he used four then I would question it.
So what’s going to keep the Cavaliers’ star so busy that he cannot take two weeks to represent the country that gave him the opportunities to be successful in the first place?
If he is worried about getting an injury that would lower his value in free agency, he needs to think again. If Albert Pujols or Peyton Manning had injuries during the offseason before their free agency, does anyone in their right mind think they would still not receive top dollar? Certainly not. Elite players are often worth their salary in terms of the draw they bring at the gate and on TV, let alone their contributions on their respective playing fields. LeBron James would be no different. Hypothetically, in a worse case scenario, he blows out a muscle playing for Team U.S.A. I firmly believe he would still demand top dollar on the free agent market simply because he’s LeBron James – one of the most marketable players in sports right now.
It is rumored that part of the reason LeBron could choose to skip the tournament is because of a movie deal. Are you freaking kidding me!? Pardon my shock and utter lack of enthusiasm for the project, but I thought it was clear by now that basketball players and movies go together like peanut butter and turds. Maybe he can follow in the footsteps of Dennis Rodman and make a great action movie like Double Team. With a powerhouse teaming of Jean Claude Van Damme and Dennis Rodman, what could go wrong? The film poster could have read, “One is not from this country and the other is not from this planet.” Or if LeBron is finds he is really good at acting – as most professional athletes with just a high school education are – he might be lucky enough to mimic the acting career of Shaquille O’Neal. I do not know how anyone could forget Shaq’s epic portrayal of a genie granting children wishes in Kazaam. The tagline for this little cinematic wonder was, “He’s a rappin’ genie with an attitude… and he’s ready for slam-dunk fun!” I hope for the film goers’ sake there are some good previews.
It is also believed that James wants to take time to choose where he will be playing next season. With free agency quickly approaching, LeBron must decide whether to stay in Cleveland or departure for a bigger market – perhaps the Big Apple where his beloved New York Yankees play. While I respect him for wanting to make a decision about his future after the season rather than creating a huge distraction, I do not believe that it would actually prohibit James from playing in the World Championships. Whatever his choice, I feel certain he would have enough time to make it. The last time I checked you can still make decisions just as well in Turkey as you can in Cleveland.
The most frustrating aspect to the whole situation is that it is clear LeBron likes representing America, he just seems to have his priorities out of whack right now. LeBron has played for Team U.S.A. during the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics, and played in the last FIBA World Championship in 2006. But it appears his self-interests are getting in the way of his duty to his country.
His decision to miss the 2010 World Championships also comes with future repercussions. U.S.A. Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo has stated that missing the World Championships without an acceptable excuse would prohibit a player from playing for the U.S.A. during 2012s Summer Olympic Games in London. I would hate for a poor decision to tarnish the legacy LeBron is building for himself, not just as an NBA legend, but an ambassador of basketball to the world.
I know that LeBron never took an oath to represent America against threats both foreign and domestic, but some American athletes have. A special few athletes like Pat Tillman have given their last full measure of devotion to the protection of this country. No one is asking LeBron James to raid caves in Afghanistan looking for Al Qadea, they are just asking him to do what he does best for the benefit of his country. It is well said that with great power (in LeBron’s case, talent) comes great responsibility. James is arguably the best player in America right now, and he should be representing this country to the rest of the world. Maybe my admiration of LeBron has caused my expectations to be too high, but I do not think so.
LeBron James has a duty to serve his country. Money, movies, or personal decisions should not hinder him from doing what so many others would gladly choose to do if they had the God-given talents that James has. It seems to me that basketball is running short of reputable heroes… the type of players that kids can look up to. LeBron has the opportunity to be that type of hero. I sincerely hope that he strongly reconsiders his current stance on playing, or he will surely loose patriotic fans.
My personal advice to LeBron is to rent the movie Miracle, actually listen to the national anthem they sing before each ballgame, and take a trip out to see the Statue of Liberty the next time he’s in New York. After having a heart to heart with Lady Liberty, I think he will make the right decision. U.S.A., U.S.A., U.S.A.!
Posted by Babe Ruthless 
