Give Us Competition, The Real Show

I am about to write something that I haven't written in quite a long time here at the DP. A statement, that seems so foregin to this little blog that and I'm sure to all of the DP devotees. So without any further adieu, here goes: everyone needs to lay off LeBron James.

What?!

Yes. That is right. And no, I'm not punching the keys under some type of influence or against my will. I willingly clicked that "post" button fully aware and in agreement of this statement.

As the clock came to three zeroes to conclude the NBA All-Star Game last night, the overreactions and the haters were in overdrive criticizing James' pass in the final seconds of the game.

[Sideblog: Apparently we decided to neglect the Deron Williams' potential-winning three ball that barely touched rim.]

The argument being used is once again James is shying away from the big moment, and is once again deferring during clutch time. Or as this Knicks fan refers to it through gritted teeth, "Miller Time". Because Reggie Miller was just that good in those moments.

Then again, I'm sure if he hits that three over Kobe Bryant to win it, today's water cooler talk would be about LeBron winning games that don't matter.

Go figure.

Nonetheless, in a rare occurrence, I will defend the self-proclaimed "King". This time, whether you are a fan, a hater, still in disgust, reside in Ohio (which is an whole other level and temperament of hatred) or just don't care, the criticism is ill-advised and downright wrong.

In fact, James' should be commended.

Whoa, whoa, whoa! What?! Are you feeling okay?

See, what had happened was...

During a weekend where the NBA decided to turn their once anticipated event and the reputation of sport's best All-Star event into a farce with overrated celebrities, poorly executed skits, watered down play, glow-in-the-dark uniforms, cameras in participant's headbands, and an overall flash over substance product, James was a superstar amongst stars that broke the mold. Why? He put on a true show. A show no one else made the effort to put on. James engaged in a missing ingredient that somehow has fallen through the cracks in recent NBA All-Star Games and has long abandoned the NFL Pro Bowl - competition.

The MLB All-Star Game, despite the quirky and silly gimmick of the winning league earning home field advantage in the World Series still has the best on-field product All-Star Game in sports.

James, taking a page out of the MLB's playbook, poured in point after point, while playing defense on the other end of the floor to help spur the Eastern Conference's comeback. Ironically, he was helped by Heat teammate, Dwyane Wade, who also competed, finishing with a triple-double.

In a game where players coast, throw lobs to one another, stand in amazement on defense, and claim to be "putting on a show" for the fans, James gave the fans what they really wanted - competitive basketball.

It is why we tune in all year. It is why we are hooked, and to be honest, it is why we hate his team, the Miami Heat.

Competition.

The REAL show.

Yet, somehow, James is thrown under a bus for making an effort to win a game no one else cared about.

James is ridiculed for giving effort during a weekend that is supposed to be dedicated to us - the fans.

And he's the bad guy for competing?

LeBron James is hated for a lot of reasons, and I can write another column solely on those reasons, but never, ever, will I knock an athlete for competing.

For the first time, in a long time, it seems we're the ones making the wrong decision.

Recently Read Posts

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 5/22/22

3 Up 1. NY Times Investigative Series on Haiti - The history of Haiti is such a complex (and unfortunate) one. Really, it's a story that goes untold, specifically for the context of how the country is viewed. From being forced to pay operations to enslavers (yeah, you read that right), to so many other historical setbacks - including American interventions - the nation's history is so well laid out in this latest NY Times piece. I urge you to give it a read. 2. Equal Pay for US Women's Soccer Team - Kudos to US Soccer on coming around to giving the USWNT their due - equal pay for prize money from the World Cup. It's a start, and more importantly, it's a push forward for women's sports that do in fact push the needle in comparison, or more so, to their male counterparts. 3. Kate McKinnon - Random "UP" here, but I'm doing it anyway...A few SNL usuals are rumored to be walking away, including Kate McKinnon. The show obviously doesn't carry the

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 5/1/22

3 Up 1. Harvard Statement on Enslavement Past - We're currently in a world where dealing with slavery and oppression and all that it was in the past has created further division of the present, as well as ideals to move forward. We're all still trying to figure that out, but as we do, props are given to those who do it without the trendiness of the gesture. Harvard can be slammed for a whole lot in this arena, but they get the top spot this week for taking steps in a major way - just admitting its connection - is a great start. 2. "Out of Pandemic" Phase - The world surely feels as "normal" as it's felt in a long time. While Dr. Facui's comments were well...confusing and required some cleaning up, the gesture is very much understood - we ain't that bad anymore! Things are definitely not going to snap back to pre-2020, but it definitely feels as close to non-pandemic-ish as it ever has.

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 5/15/22

3 Up 1. California Church Heroes - It's soooooooo weird that the top spot is a result of something so horrific as our ongoing domestic terrorism problem of mass shootings. Still, the courage shown by the five members who stopped the shooter deserves it. Those individuals tackled the shooter and tied him up with an electric cord, while wounded. It's so tough to fathom that those possibilities are within the realm of your Sunday worship, within the sanctity of your church. But such is America... 2. Olivia Rodrigo & Drake - Rodrigo continues to reap rewards on an excellent album in 2021 as she topped the Billboard Music Awards with seven awards. There was also Drake who I'm beginning to sense we won't really appreciate his body of work until he's near the end of his career. But yeah, Drake poured in a few more for the legacy debates and discussions.

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 5/8/22

3 Up 1. Mother's Day - It's a day for mothers everywhere, and really, since becoming a dad, I've advocated that it should be an entire weekend. But ah well - Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms out there - past, present, and subbing in. And of course, Thank You! 2. NHL Playoffs - I've really gotten into hockey over the past two weeks, especially, the Rangers/Penguins series. Honestly, in my opinion, the Turner deal might just be the best thing the NHL has ever done. From the production to the in-studio crew, the product is immensely better - and easier to locate. 3. Pusha T - After over 20 years in the industry, rapper Pusha T finally landed a number 1 album with It's Almost Dry . Following a well-publicized battle with Drake, one in which he outed the mega-star for hiding his son (or you know, it was Drake just hiding the world from his son, yada yada), Pusha follows it up with a solid album, one that is a favorite of mine thus far in 2022. Kudos to Pusha.

Dome Pondering

Search This Blog