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LeBron James - Greatness Prepackaged for Immediate Consumption

© Roy Pickering

Lebron has experienced more fanfare and turmoil in the past year than many well-known athletes go through in their entire careers. He has already been plastered on the cover of Sports Illustrated and featured on ESPN. Demand for Lebron James collectibles has skyrocketed, with as many as 90 at one time being auctioned on ebay. There has been one controversy after another about what he's entitled to receive and still remain eligible as an amateur. Accepting the now infamous Wes Unfeld throwback jersey caused him to be suspended from participation in high school basketball games. His suspension was eventually reduced from eternity to two games. Lebron's response to the two game ban didn't exactly harm his reputation. In his first game back he scored 52 points. More treats are dangled before Lebron's young eyes over the course of a week than the average man can only dream of obtaining in a lifetime. He has had to learn on the fly what can be said yes to and what must be declined, or at least be declined for now. A few months down the road is a different matter entirely. There is no doubt that he is destined to be the number one pick in the draft. Who will be number two? Who cares? The frenzy over Lebron even reached the point where he was mentioned for the 2004 Olympic team. True, he has yet to how he will fare against professional caliber defenses manned by grown men intent on not being embarrassed (a.k.a. posterized) by him. Yes, a few basketball experts have actually reported minor flaws in Lebron's game, such as the lack of a consistent jump shot. Who cares? Lebron James is the greatest thing since sliced bread. That is what we are being told and sold. That is what we are supposed to believe, sight mostly unseen.

Realists may argue that although Lebron is a man amongst boys at his current level, he's about to graduate to a far higher tier of skill, will and muscle. Stating that he will dominate the NBA like none other before him is mere speculation at this point. Speculating on the future can be fun, but it does pose dangers once you've decided to put your money down on it, as anyone who has ever played the stock market can attest. So I ask again - What does it feel like to be Lebron James? Being in his shoes, whether they turn out to be manufactured Nike, Adidas or some other company, should be a wonderful thing indeed. He is an exceptionally talented young man with a blindingly bright future ahead of him. His early fame has no doubt brought annoyances into his life, but for now they are overshadowed by a multitude of perks. The higher Lebron is exalted however, the more he is being set up for failure if he turns out to be any less than Superman. The only story more reliably entertaining than that of someone fulfilling his promise, is a tale of what might have been but never came to be. Those who have convinced us, and perhaps Lebron himself, that he cannot fail will be mercilessly unforgiving if he does just that. Welcome to sports advertising 21st century style, available to any youngster capable of averaging nearly 30 points per game while passing the rock to open teammates with a court vision reminiscent of a seasoned Magic Johnson. For now, the world is at Lebron James' fingertips. I hope he has an excellent grip, for the world can be mighty slippery.