Young King holds his head high -- but the crown is heavy
Worth the wait
The people who believe that James is overrated (unbelievably there are those critics), believing he is a better sneaker salesmen and ad man than he is great player, did not witness what he did Dec. 23 against Orlando.
There are so many moments of brilliance already in this young career. One occurred against the Magic as James broke their backs by scoring 19 points in the fourth quarter on 8-of-10 shooting from the field. During that streak he made four straight baskets.
Inside Cleveland's arena, a raucous, fun place to watch a basketball game, fans went berserk. It is clear how much he is a Cleveland heartthrob.
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| Though people might occasionally try, there really is no denying James' talent. (Getty Images) |
Since being drafted, he is the league's leading scorer with more than 7,000 points.
The Cavaliers, before James, suffered five sconsecutive losing seasons. By that 22nd birthday, with James, Cleveland was 142-130.
As for now, right now, that game against Orlando is over and the media wait to speak with James. A group of about seven to 10 people hold positions outside James' locker, which is tucked away in the back corner of the room. The media wait. And wait some more.
About 25 to 35 minutes after the contest, James emerges. He is asked about how he took over the game with his dramatic fourth quarter. His responses are measured, precise, carefully picked.
It is moments like these where you notice that James is extraordinarily mature and wise; it is easy to forget that he is just 22.
Still, he publicly conducts himself as if there is a guardian political adviser nestled on his shoulder, whispering advice in his ear.
"Be safe, LeBron," that guardian must tell him. "Don't give them too much. They'll kill you if you do. Be safe, brother. Be safe."
After the group breaks up, he is asked if this is the kind of game that demonstrates he is a true superstar. He smiles cautiously, hesitating to give a 30-second one-on-one interview with someone he barely knows. Such a thing is something that he apparently feels is akin to being water boarded.
"I don't know about all that," he responds, smiling. "I just don't want to lose. (No one) wants to lose. I don't care if they are a superstar or not. OK?"
OK -- it is a signal. It means goodbye. James turns his back to get dressed. Interview over.
You wait. You wait some more, but the wait will be worth it.
James will not just win. James will probably win big, free of the handcuffs that make a troubled reputation.
Free of handcuffs, period.
In February: How Mark Cuban saved basketball in Dallas and became one of the best owners in sports -- all while sticking his finger in the eye of David Stern.
