Skip to main content

He Did It: Thoughts on LeBron Finally Winning One For Cleveland


He did it. 

That is pretty much all I can muster as the final seconds ticked down on the 2016 NBA Finals. And quite frankly, after all he has endured, been through, experienced, and overcome, I am truly, truly happy for LeBron James. 

After all, how can you not be? Has there EVER been an athlete more scrutinized than James? Hey, even I have had my fair share of things to say about LeBron following "The Decision" (Disappointment: The True Fallout From "The Decision"). 

Regardless, through it all, LeBron continued to persevere through an age of social media and constant revolving negativity, ignoring the haters, the doubters, and blogging clowns like me, to bring the one thing that as been elusive and let's face it - down right necessary - to the existence of his career - bringing Cleveland a championship. 

I am a sucker for stories of such perseverance and adversity. And I too, was a sucker for James' pursuit of this title. Again, how can you not be?


There was also a part of me that loved and empathized with James in discussing his relationship with Tyronn Lue. James touched on his background of being an inner-city black kid who survived, made something of himself, and didn't succumb to the system that easily could have made him a statistic. 

Honestly, that gripped me. It really, really did. Because quite frankly, I understand that sentiment and that feeling. Maybe it's a post-thirty reflection sort-of-deal, but I too, like James, am extraordinarily grateful for such opportunities and breaks. And once you can empathize with that, it's really clear to see how much this entire journey was bigger than just basketball for him.

I can't even imagine the relief and joy felt in this moment...

And of course, there is the order of business that took place between those four lines inside the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. There are no words or reasoning needed to describe the performance of James during this series other than this:

Total Statistics from 2016 NBA Finals

Total Points - 208
Rebounds - 79
Assists - 62
Blocks - 16
Steals - 18

By the way, he lead ALL players in the series in ALL categories.

And oh yeah, he had what is THE greatest block I've EVER seen in my life. No hyperbole. The greatest. Ever. I'm still in awe of that game changing play! 



Of course, there are those who went to bed last night sour in regards to the result. Many will still dig deep to find other ways to dislike LeBron. That's cool. That's all fine, and it's their right and their feelings. 

But again, no one can deny that this story is special. That this story is epic. That this story speaks and reaches emotions that many in Hollywood are attempting to script right now. 

Somewhere, right now, someone is working on that King James statue for downtown Cleveland. 

Even for this long-suffering Knicks fan, it's a story that makes me believe someday we can enjoy such a time. 

Ahhhh, someday...

Nonetheless, I'm very glad I was able to witness it, and even more thankful I have the opportunity in my lifetime to witness not only Michael Jordan, but also LeBron James. And yeah, I went there in that statement. He's there folks. Deal with it. 

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?

Quick Ponder: Talk

They're gonna talk.  What if you just. let. them. talk.  

Now That It's Over - Enjoyable and Pain All At Once

Welp, it's over.  Is it possible for something to be so enjoyable yet hurt so bad now that it's over?  That's the only way to describe the end of this New York Knicks season. Even after giving it a few days, ironically on the night that the NBA Finals begin - the Finals I thought we really could have gotten to - I still find myself reeling.  Everytime that damn clip of Haliburton's shot bouncing into the air and dropping in...bruh... But, I needed the time to gather my thoughts and feelings, reject the crazy hot takes and absurd opinions, and adjust to some of the immediate changes the Knicks made.  So here we go:  Immediate Thoughts This was easily! - my favorite Knicks season and team since 1998-1999. I know I said that last year, but this era of Knicks basketball has provided me with such luxury to move the goal posts and update these personal lists.  I genuinely loved this run despite its ending.  Jalen Brunson's shot in the Detroit Pistons series ...