Take My Crown

Steal My Crown

words and art by Devin Gray

“Go on, take it” he dares. LeBron’s crown has grown thorny as he has dealt with the pressures of performance and NBA idol status. It’s just not easy being the king as LeBron James has found, not just recently, but throughout his much-scrutinized career. LeBron has become the caged lion that roars for freedom, bound as he is on display for a judging public.

After two MVP seasons without an NBA title for his hometown Cleveland, LeBron decided to seek the easy route to dynastic titlehood, empire, and adoration via Miami and a new “Big Three” /family unit. All hell broke loose. The King was free, or so it seemed, but his persecution now permeates his entire life. Fame is a dangerous thing, and legacies are fickle. Built up by media and fans as Ohio’s savior, the “next Jordan,” and “Chosen One,” he was dismissed as a quitter, liar, “narcissistic coward,” and worse.  LeBron’s career has been under the spotlight at all levels beyond any other player, ever. LeBron has lived up to the hype, but didn’t ask for this kingship and will always be chasing unrealistic expectations.

He is mortal in a world of demands and expectations. No one man is an island, and LeBron is no exception. He was gifted with the skills, talent, and prophecy to perform at an unprecedented level. In other words, he had to win. On-court, his pressures remain the same, but off the court LeBron’s celebrity has opened him to a world of criticism. What Kobe and Mike earned (NBA kingship), LeBron has had thrust upon him.

 

Sternbot remarked, “Fans feel disappointment. You might feel jilted. We’ve seen that in other circles. Maybe not quite as dramatically.” The hero and the people’s champ is hated, simply trying to live up to expectations. James and the Heat seemed comfortable being hated, until they started losing. LeBron is framed as innocent, he is the specimen of NBA perfection so something else must be wrong. LeBron has blamed the Heat’s overly-high expectations, coaching, chemistry, and over-playing, but has never admitted fault.

These high expectations aren’t unfair, we’ve seen that next gear that he can possess when he takes responsibility and steps up. James Johnson glimpsed this last year in the first round for an instant. The court should be LeBron’s sanctuary, free from the media and the hate, where he can just play. “What should I do?” LeBron asks. He should rise to the occasion, play, win and let his game speak for itself. Titles and legacy are within his reach, but he must be clutch amid the pressure. His cage is not permanent, he can free himself if only he roars and really lets the league have it. Then he will be free. Then we’ll all have some real fun.  

You can try to be the best but you never winning/
money longer than a mile, and we never slipping
You coming for the top, wishing to be the king but you're not/
You should probably take another minute.
Cuz you ain't gonna knock my throne

 – “Knock My Throne,” Jimmy King