The Engima of LeBron James

LeBron James is an enigma. Not the carefully constructed Tiger Woods puzzle, where we are force-fed a specific public image and shrouded from his real life. No, LeBron is a paradox - an egotistical megastar, a self-absorbed, alpha male whose greatest basketball skill is sharing in a sport where individual dominance reigns supreme. He is the ultimate alpha dog. Yet while he preens and flexes and struts like other NBA stars, his most valuable attribute is creating for others and elevating the play of others around him.

He is narcissistic. I don't think anyone can argue that. Anyone who has been bludgeoned repeatedly for the past two years, and in particular at an intensified 24/7 over the last two weeks, about LeBron's gut-wrenching "decision," can attest to the absurdity of his self-absorption to near-Favreian levels. There is no need to build hype for three years, to call an ESPN press conference, etc. for a free agent decision. There is no doubt that this man craves the spotlight. It is all about him.

Yet he will get blasted for being unable to handle the spotlight. He will be criticized because many believe he should stay in Cleveland, go to Chicago or New York, and build his legacy on his own. His teams, his titles. Instead of being the undisputed leader, who has the ball in his hands for the last possession, LeBron will share the glory and limelight with Dwayne Wade, and even Chris Bosh. Undoubtedly, since he is no longer THE man, his perceived legacy will be tarnished because of the inability to compare him on a scale with greats like Michael Jordan and even Kobe Bryant.

But isn't that being hypocritical here? We criticize athletes for their egos, for their thirst for cash over rings, for their quest for individual glory. Isn't it refreshing to find someone committed to winning? Who has built his entire career on the pretense of being the undisputed man, yet is clearly willing to sacrifice his reputation for the best opportunity to win a title.

I've always thought that if I were a professional athlete, I'd be willing to take a pay cut if it would better my team's chances of acquiring other players to help us win. You're making millions of dollars anyway, what's the harm in leaving a few bucks on the table? But the truth is that most athletes aren't willing to make that sacrifice. LeBron is willing to make that sacrifice here (granted, he makes his real green from endorsement deals).

Is he ducking the spotlight? Copping out because he can't do it alone? Maybe. He understands that he can't do it alone, because he has tried repeatedly and failed repeatedly. But there shouldn't be shame in his decision. For a man who cares so much about his legacy, he ultimately did put winning above his image with this decision. And for that, I can't help but respect his choice.

For the record, LeBron doesn't owe Cleveland anything. The disgusting lack of grace that owner Dan Gilbert displayed is utterly classless and pathetic. Yes, he could have handled the situation better. No need to crush your hometown and show little public remorse for it. But remember that this story has always been about him, and not about the city of Cleveland.

So what now? The real truth is that we focus on the glamor stats, like points, and glamor moments, like who takes the last shot. But that's not necessarily what LeBron is best at. Yes, he's better than 99% of the league and thus can shoulder those responsibilities, but that's not what fits his skill set the best. Basketball is a team game. There is a right decision and a wrong decision, and the right decision isn't always shooting the ball (ahem, Kobe). LeBron has always understood that, but as Donyell Marshall can tell you, hasn't always had the supporting cast to do so. He is now in a situation where his talents should shine. Take a step away from the Jordan comparisons, because like Mike he clearly ain't, but with an apology to the bullied adolescents out there, LeBron is special in his own way.

The bottom line is that the pressure is square on his shoulders. No more excuses, it's time to deliver titles. Enough waxing poetic, time to resume yearly inane summer sports drama (ahem, Brett Favre).