ORLANDO – After NBA MVP LeBron James made his historic, buzzer-beating 3-pointer in Game 2 of the Eastern 
Conference Finals against the Orlando Magic, he was swamped by media and welcomed the hype and exposure.
After the astounding 96-95 victory James was ecstatic and sat with the media during post-game to continue the NBA’s ‘King James Infomercial’. “For me, a second is a long time,” James said. “For others, it’s very short. That is the biggest shot I’ve made in my career.”
With a millisecond left on the clock, James’ released the ball with a smooth flick of his wrist, sinking the high-pressure, historic shot. Much of the media jumped on the opportunity to compare it to another famous NBA moment, Michael Jordan making “The Shot” against the Cavaliers years ago in a playoff game.
When asked about “The Shot” James replied, “That guy’s not in the league anymore. The other 23 is on the good side now.”
The King James infomercial was picking up steam, the media circus in overdrive.
James is the type of player that only comes along every quarter of a century and he is expected to sign the hugest contract in NBA or even sports history, one that may make A-Rod’s quarter-billion-dollar contract ($250 million) look like pocket change.
While LeBron speaks about how he would like to become the world’s first “billion dollar athlete” the media spends it’s time validating James’ monetary worth to the world, feeding fans and NBA organizations countless articles and coverage of his greatness, reminding them that “King James” is living up to his title.
Fast-forward to Game 6 of the same Eastern Conference Finals in Orlando at Amway Arena. This night offered no opportunity for heroics. On this night Dwight Howard and his Magic smoked James and the Cavaliers off the court, sending them packing for the season.
James stormed off the court carrying with him the burden of his poorest performance of the Eastern Conference Finals, a 28-point, 8-for-20 night.
The media, just as they did when James waltzed off the court after nailing his historic 3-pointer, filled the locker room ready to gather a few comments from NBA’s superstar.
Those recorders would have to wait another day as James’ responded with a quick shower, a headset full of music and a strut out to the team bus, ignoring the same people who have been most instrumental in promoting him throughout his career.
How do you suppose the writers at the Cleveland Plain Dealer, ESPN and NBA.com should feel? A little bitter and slighted maybe?
James deserves the same recourse any other athlete would receive from the media after pulling a stunt like that. Normally a spokesman for the team, James left his teammates out to dry that night, deserting them and leaving them to face the music.
The response from the media should be to discontinue the ‘LeBron infomercial’, stopping all excessive promotion and start spreading the xposure around.
Dwight Howard said he, “was surprised” that James did not congratulate him after the game and quite frankly so was most everyone else.
James finally spoke to the media the following day claiming he is “not a bad sport.” Most say he is and you can add lack of class to that. In a recent poll taken at his hometown paper The Cleveland Plain Dealer a majority of Cavs fans said LeBron was indeed a bad sport while only 26% said LeBron was not a bad sport. And that is a poll from the hometown fans.
When asked about his bitter exit James asked why would he want to congratulate another player or team after his team was just “beaten up by them.”
Why? Because it’s good sportsmanship. It’s a positive message to all the youngsters who purchase his jerseys to wear to the games and around their neighborhoods.
How many times have we seen King James mingling with his opponents and accepting congratulatory remarks and handshakes after “beating them up.” James appears to have a double standard and it is embarrassing for the Cavaliers organization although they will never admit it.
Admitting it could possibly hinder the team’s chances of re-signing the MVP.
The media on the other hand has the professional responsibility to direct a huge spotlight on the topic.
Copyright © 2009 – Sports Climax
opponents, storming off the court in Orlando and ignoring the media.