I've always liked LeBron James, the human being I've seen grow up in the spotlight in Northeast Ohio and then the world.
I liked him best of all on Saturday Night Live, showing how much I'm not a professional sports fan.
I also certainly appreciated his efforts to get out the vote [1] in Cleveland in 2008, as shown in these photos from a Russell Simmons Rally [2] then.
While I know the unreal NEO media and many citizens will attack LeBron for his decision to continue his professional basketball career with the Miami Heat, next year, I'm thrilled to see an exceptional young man from my region succeed at such a huge level, and with so much of his life ahead. Regarding LeBron changing teams now or ever, that is how the game is played - and often it is teams sending players packing - so it is not like the sports playing field is local, fair or level. LeBron seems to have made a smart, tough career and life decision - one described by an ESPN commentator as the greatest experiment in basketball history.
It seems from an unbiased, sports-loving, global perspective, fans around the world should be very excited by the prospects ahead for LeBron and the sport they love - LeBron is changing how basketball is played to the core.
I believe as a kid LeBron was encouraged to be the world's greatest basketball player... not greatest Cavalier... not greatest Akronite. That he was all those things for seven years here is truly a miracle - I know fans have really enjoyed King James' rule, so far.
Wherever LeBron plays basketball he will be amazing, and elevate the sport of basketball - and professional sports - and he's "still my dude", as an Akron fan described him in sad but still-loving reaction to his moving to the Heat.
Having lived in Miami Beach, and seeing how Madonna was able to play Queen status there, I know King James will have a great town at his feet and love it. So long as he stays out of trouble - doesn't crash a $50 million yacht - he should be in heaven, and well positioned to live the life of a King.
I'm sure his fans, new and old, will not let him sit on a throne long if he does not take to the heat well... perhaps even share his court.
And, as the latest Madonna of the crazy Miami celebrity court, LeBron must juggle a whole new level of community dysfunction ahead... and I wish him well with that.
After a few years surrounded by Miami vice, we may see LeBron hanging around his Akron haunts frequently in the future... I don't think a guy like that can ever really leave his home, and Miami is not a place for an Akronite to retire.
Best wishes with the Heat, LeBron, and many happy returns!
We'll leave a light on for you [3].
