LeBron James Needs To Become A Better Friend To Himself

Lebron James Must Be A Better Friend To Himself

The decision has come and gone. Lebron has left Cleveland and come to South Beach. He has the sun, but not a lot of fun. With an 8-6 record, the Heat are severely underachieving at just about the quarter mark of the 82 game regular season.

1. Maverick Carter

Maverick Carter is probably a good dude, but the decision has highlighted his inexperience as a CEO. Critics have called the decision a poorly executed promotional stunt that has created a backlash against Lebron James. Because Carter did drop of college early his inexperience will always be questioned particularly his understanding of timing, which more seasoned CEO’s seem to understand. Carter’s input in having James come to Miami Heat has placed unrealistic pressure on James to win multiple championships. It just may not happen. If Carter had given James the suggestion of coming to New York Knicks, James could have the same record of 8-6 or maybe a couple of more losses at this point in the season and because of the lower expectations this season in New York for the Knicks James would still currently be considered a hero. Other players would have followed James to the Knicks in future seasons. James would probably be a lot happier at this point. Maverick Carter also would have more opportunities for LRMR in New York. Carter has hurt Lebron James financially. James should realize this.

2. Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade demanded more help in Miami. Pat Riley accommodated Wade’s wishes by bringing in all star caliber players, Chris Bosh and Lebron James. James joined the Heat thinking Wade would be ready to have his best season in the NBA so far. Wade has shown flashes of brilliance, but not the consistency of a teammate ready to win a championship. Wade has not looked focused, ready to be team leader, hungry and has overly complained to officials instead of ready to take care of business each night. Wade has let his personal issues off the court for the first time in his career affect his on court performance. James has been a supportive friend for Wade. But James has to be extremely frustrated at Wade’s unwillingness to play without the basketball. That is an indication Wade does not trust his teammates. James has to be frustrated that Wade has not initiated more pick and roll situations with him because the defense would be helpless. The mismatches from switching defenses would translate into easier scoring opportunities for James and Wade. Wade is forcing James to lower his expectations for this season. Wade has not been good enough. James must realize this.

3. Lebron James

Winning a championship is a rite of passage in the NBA for great players. Lebron James will only get so many chances. James must demonstrate his versatility. James needs to be more introspective. The Miami Heat this season are struggling to rebound the basketball. The Heat could continue to struggle rebounding with Udonis Haslem injured. But James could step up and rebound better in Haslem’s absence. James is currently having the lowest rebounding average of his career at 5.3 rebounds a game. James has to start rebounding more. Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, Julius Erving, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant would. James cannot look to Bosh. James cannot look to Wade. James cannot look to Coach Spoelstra or wait for Pat Riley to come back to the sidelines. James needs to grab the basketball. The choice to rebound is personal if James wants that championship. James must increase his sense of urgency. James must become more of a friend to himself. James can do it. Hopefully he will.