I am a big sports fan and so I return from self imposed social media black out to express my respect for LeBron James’ recent decision. Athletes like actors know too well that million dollar paychecks pose great demands on personal freedom. Scripts are written for you that impact your ENTIRE life to suit the near term benefits of owners, coaches, investors, media, sponsors and fans. So why shouldn’t LBJ walk away from a script written by others to continue to pursue the one he has been living since childhood? LBJ never claimed that he wanted to be the next MJ (look to Kobe for that). Rather if you look at Jame’s demeanor and skill set, you might notice he is on track to replicate if not exceed the accomplishment of the more prolific Magic Johnson. Magic has triumphed as an athlete (at all levels), a sportscaster (still the face of the NBA to many), a business person (a prodigious portfolio of business ventures), a humanitarian (His AIDS work has been significant, especially given his popularity), and a person. Through basketball Magic affects life beyond basketball. LeBron has been candid that his ambition requires him to be more than a basketball player and affect more things in life then sports. So I look forward to watching this remarkable young man pursue the worthy goal of being more than any one thing.
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Well Said.
That’s the right perspective! Thanks for voicing this.