Comments on: Some Last Thoughts on Lebron http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/ The Official VaynerMedia blog Thu, 04 Nov 2010 19:06:42 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 By: TheGreatWazu http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1508 TheGreatWazu Wed, 14 Jul 2010 03:44:12 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1508 This Vayniak is due to visit his Brainiac buddies in person soon. This is a subject best discussed in person. There are specific reasons why the order stands at NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL. Real quick...think about it....in the worst areas in the inner city, there is a basketball court somewhere to play, all be it with no net. There isn't always a football field or a baseball field. Obversely, in the most affluent areas there is a hockey rink that only the rich can afford to attend, not to mention the weird ice times that requires two parents to help make it all possible. You can see how NBA is first and NHL is last...then the difference between NFL and MLB....you don't have to be big or strong or even quick to make it in the MLB but you need to be 2 out of 3 to make it in the NFL. The reason that there aren't many inner city folks in the NHL is because they are not exposed to hockey early in life. It sure isn't because they aren't as physically talented. Have a great night Marcus...always cool to learn and debate with you. This Vayniak is due to visit his Brainiac buddies in person soon. This is a subject best discussed in person. There are specific reasons why the order stands at NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL. Real quick…think about it….in the worst areas in the inner city, there is a basketball court somewhere to play, all be it with no net. There isn't always a football field or a baseball field. Obversely, in the most affluent areas there is a hockey rink that only the rich can afford to attend, not to mention the weird ice times that requires two parents to help make it all possible. You can see how NBA is first and NHL is last…then the difference between NFL and MLB….you don't have to be big or strong or even quick to make it in the MLB but you need to be 2 out of 3 to make it in the NFL. The reason that there aren't many inner city folks in the NHL is because they are not exposed to hockey early in life. It sure isn't because they aren't as physically talented. Have a great night Marcus…always cool to learn and debate with you.

]]> By: MarcusKRZ http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1507 MarcusKRZ Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:57:36 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1507 You have some interesting thoughts but I fear we're getting off topic, we can discuss off the comments thread You have some interesting thoughts but I fear we're getting off topic, we can discuss off the comments thread

]]> By: TheGreatWazu http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1506 TheGreatWazu Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:21:38 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1506 Well of course we can't prove anything. That's a given. This ain't court, its a blog. As far as knowing them personally...well now just a second there, parter. While there is way more we don't know about them, what we DO know is what they show us during pre and post game television interviews, newspaper interviews and quotes, their websites, thier blogs, late night tv and the list goes on, including hour specials on ESPN. Based what I've seen and heard with my own two eyeballs and ears over the course of my 49 years, the standings are firm. NBA, NFL, MLB and distantly...Hockey. I've had the advantage of watching all of these sports progress from what they were to what they are. Have you? (that's rhetorical) Also, I put NFL as being more conceited than MLB, not the other way around. I also think that some athletes who were brought up in very tough situations, like the inner city, projects, tenements and those from broken families have a burning desire to show the world just how far they've come, hence the cockyness and conceit. Remember, we can't prove anything, but I'd confidently say that the ratio of the amount of players who have grown up with these hardships to the amount of players who haven't differs in these 4 sports. I'd also be willing to bet that the highest number of players with tough childhoods is in the NBA, followed by the NFL, MLB and very distantly, (still) is the NHL. Your turn. Well of course we can't prove anything. That's a given. This ain't court, its a blog. As far as knowing them personally…well now just a second there, parter. While there is way more we don't know about them, what we DO know is what they show us during pre and post game television interviews, newspaper interviews and quotes, their websites, thier blogs, late night tv and the list goes on, including hour specials on ESPN. Based what I've seen and heard with my own two eyeballs and ears over the course of my 49 years, the standings are firm. NBA, NFL, MLB and distantly…Hockey. I've had the advantage of watching all of these sports progress from what they were to what they are. Have you? (that's rhetorical) Also, I put NFL as being more conceited than MLB, not the other way around. I also think that some athletes who were brought up in very tough situations, like the inner city, projects, tenements and those from broken families have a burning desire to show the world just how far they've come, hence the cockyness and conceit. Remember, we can't prove anything, but I'd confidently say that the ratio of the amount of players who have grown up with these hardships to the amount of players who haven't differs in these 4 sports. I'd also be willing to bet that the highest number of players with tough childhoods is in the NBA, followed by the NFL, MLB and very distantly, (still) is the NHL. Your turn.

]]> By: MarcusKRZ http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1505 MarcusKRZ Wed, 14 Jul 2010 01:54:05 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1505 I think it's pretty much impossible to prove that one type of athlete is more conceited than any other type, especially when you don't know them personally. I'd also be interested in how you came up with NFL above MLB as your criteria would suggest that MLB players should be more conceited than NFL players. I think it's pretty much impossible to prove that one type of athlete is more conceited than any other type, especially when you don't know them personally. I'd also be interested in how you came up with NFL above MLB as your criteria would suggest that MLB players should be more conceited than NFL players.

]]> By: TheGreatWazu http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1504 TheGreatWazu Wed, 14 Jul 2010 01:40:59 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1504 I respectfully disagree. Considering the 4 major sports, the NBA has by far, the most spoiled, self- centered "God's gifts to the world" athletes in professional sports, followed by (in order of conceit) the NFL, MLB and in a very distant last place, the NHL. It ain't close bro. I think your referencing that superstars dominate in the NBA lends creedence to my argument and let me also say that the players are quite aware this fact and of themselves. The reason why Basketball has the most conceited players are:<br>1. There are only five players.<br>2. There are way more point opportunites and chances to show off their "skills". <br>3. Its the only sport where they are dressed in shorts and sleeveless jerseys.<br>4. Its the sport where players are physically closest to the fans, sometimes even landing on the fans.<br>5. Overall, the nature of the game lends itself to the opportunity for an athlete to show his individuality. Often.<br><br>Yeah, it's probably true that the Heat has the best chances (on paper) to win the most over the next few years but there's the intangibles, most notably juggling those 3 Ginormous, bigger than the other sports, NBA Egos. If anyone can do it Pat Riley can. I respectfully disagree. Considering the 4 major sports, the NBA has by far, the most spoiled, self- centered “God's gifts to the world” athletes in professional sports, followed by (in order of conceit) the NFL, MLB and in a very distant last place, the NHL. It ain't close bro. I think your referencing that superstars dominate in the NBA lends creedence to my argument and let me also say that the players are quite aware this fact and of themselves. The reason why Basketball has the most conceited players are:
1. There are only five players.
2. There are way more point opportunites and chances to show off their “skills”.
3. Its the only sport where they are dressed in shorts and sleeveless jerseys.
4. Its the sport where players are physically closest to the fans, sometimes even landing on the fans.
5. Overall, the nature of the game lends itself to the opportunity for an athlete to show his individuality. Often.

Yeah, it's probably true that the Heat has the best chances (on paper) to win the most over the next few years but there's the intangibles, most notably juggling those 3 Ginormous, bigger than the other sports, NBA Egos. If anyone can do it Pat Riley can.

]]> By: MarcusKRZ http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1502 MarcusKRZ Tue, 13 Jul 2010 23:55:07 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1502 I don't think NBA players are any more or less spoiled than any other professional athletes. I actually think it was awesome that NBA players finally had some power in free agency, it blows my mind that people blamed them for wanting to take more control over their future. Chicago definitely has a good team but missing out on adding one of the big three free agents has definitely stunted their upside. It may take a year or two for the Heat to gel, but superstars dominate in the NBA and the Heat have two, plus an all-star and really nice complementary players in Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem.<br><br>I agree though, Lebron handled the situation poorly and made a tough situation harder for himseld. I don't think NBA players are any more or less spoiled than any other professional athletes. I actually think it was awesome that NBA players finally had some power in free agency, it blows my mind that people blamed them for wanting to take more control over their future. Chicago definitely has a good team but missing out on adding one of the big three free agents has definitely stunted their upside. It may take a year or two for the Heat to gel, but superstars dominate in the NBA and the Heat have two, plus an all-star and really nice complementary players in Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem.

I agree though, Lebron handled the situation poorly and made a tough situation harder for himseld.

]]> By: MarcusKRZ http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1503 MarcusKRZ Tue, 13 Jul 2010 23:51:14 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1503 A-Rod situation doesn't compare, the effect of a baseball star on a team is much smaller than the effect of a basketball player. Superstars have a much bigger effect in basketball due to the nature of the sport and the amount one person can control a game. Realistically, no one can expect a baseball player to carry a team (even though some misguided people do).<br><br>Moses Malone wasn't nearly as important to the city of Houston as Lebron is to the city of Cleveland. Also, he didn't announce his departure on national television during a hour long special<br><br>Just because you don't care doesn't mean you can just dismiss everyone else. Lebron makes a lot of money from people who are currently not happy with him. That's a pretty big deal for him and it's important to understand how he could have avoided this issue. A-Rod situation doesn't compare, the effect of a baseball star on a team is much smaller than the effect of a basketball player. Superstars have a much bigger effect in basketball due to the nature of the sport and the amount one person can control a game. Realistically, no one can expect a baseball player to carry a team (even though some misguided people do).

Moses Malone wasn't nearly as important to the city of Houston as Lebron is to the city of Cleveland. Also, he didn't announce his departure on national television during a hour long special

Just because you don't care doesn't mean you can just dismiss everyone else. Lebron makes a lot of money from people who are currently not happy with him. That's a pretty big deal for him and it's important to understand how he could have avoided this issue.

]]> By: MarcusKRZ http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1500 MarcusKRZ Tue, 13 Jul 2010 23:45:40 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1500 Thanks! Thanks!

]]> By: MarcusKRZ http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1501 MarcusKRZ Tue, 13 Jul 2010 23:45:30 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1501 Not shaking hands was a much smaller deal than that, if anything it reinforced the image people had of him as someone who wanted to win more than anything. People already saw him as young and potentially immature, those actions didn't change anyone's real perception of him.<br><br>I think we're pretty close to the same page as well, I don't think this is going to ruin him but I think it's going to negatively effect him going forward and definitely could have been avoided in a big way. Not shaking hands was a much smaller deal than that, if anything it reinforced the image people had of him as someone who wanted to win more than anything. People already saw him as young and potentially immature, those actions didn't change anyone's real perception of him.

I think we're pretty close to the same page as well, I don't think this is going to ruin him but I think it's going to negatively effect him going forward and definitely could have been avoided in a big way.

]]> By: Londono83 http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1499 Londono83 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 23:39:41 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1499 Great post Great post

]]> By: Ohdoctah http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1498 Ohdoctah Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:31:16 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1498 Do you remember his early exit from the playoffs and not shaking hands.. how ppl called him spoiled .. players called him out... bottom line is ppl forget.. but I think we are all on the same page here! Do you remember his early exit from the playoffs and not shaking hands.. how ppl called him spoiled .. players called him out… bottom line is ppl forget.. but I think we are all on the same page here!

]]> By: TheGreatWazu http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1497 TheGreatWazu Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:20:30 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1497 A whole television special devoted to "The Decision"? As if it were the most important announcement since, "It's a boy" from Joseph to Mary. Man. Was I interested? Yes, of course. I'm a Knicks fan. I would have liked to see him become a Knick despite his narcassism. He's no different than the rest of the stuck up self centered people we call NBA Players. Was I disgusted to hear that there was a television special dedicated to his decision? Yes. What has happened to Class in the NBA? Did Lebron annoint and appoint himself with the name,"King" James? I didn't know that. That makes me wanna puke. Whether it was his agent, or ESPN or himself, he allowed this decision to become a huge televised event and that was a classless mistake. No class whatsoever. Now he'll never be able to fill the shoes he's made for himself. Never. Even if he wins he's a loser now. I miss the days of Walt Frasier, Jerry West, Dave Debusher, Michael Jordan, Larry Byrd, Magic Johnson and so forth. The days when the gameplay did all the talking. The weight of how Lebron handled this...not neccesarily the move he made or why...will be on the shooting wrists of Bosh, Wade and Lebron. Superstars don't win championships, teams do and I don't think Miami has enough money to create the best team night in and night out. Look out for the Bulls. They have more evenly spread talent, and a lot of it at that. Off the record...GO KNICKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A whole television special devoted to “The Decision”? As if it were the most important announcement since, “It's a boy” from Joseph to Mary. Man. Was I interested? Yes, of course. I'm a Knicks fan. I would have liked to see him become a Knick despite his narcassism. He's no different than the rest of the stuck up self centered people we call NBA Players. Was I disgusted to hear that there was a television special dedicated to his decision? Yes. What has happened to Class in the NBA? Did Lebron annoint and appoint himself with the name,”King” James? I didn't know that. That makes me wanna puke. Whether it was his agent, or ESPN or himself, he allowed this decision to become a huge televised event and that was a classless mistake. No class whatsoever. Now he'll never be able to fill the shoes he's made for himself. Never. Even if he wins he's a loser now. I miss the days of Walt Frasier, Jerry West, Dave Debusher, Michael Jordan, Larry Byrd, Magic Johnson and so forth. The days when the gameplay did all the talking. The weight of how Lebron handled this…not neccesarily the move he made or why…will be on the shooting wrists of Bosh, Wade and Lebron. Superstars don't win championships, teams do and I don't think Miami has enough money to create the best team night in and night out. Look out for the Bulls. They have more evenly spread talent, and a lot of it at that. Off the record…GO KNICKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

]]> By: MarcusKRZ http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1496 MarcusKRZ Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:18:33 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1496 I'm almost positive I've seen the quote, but I'll take down that part of the blog post until I can find proof I'm almost positive I've seen the quote, but I'll take down that part of the blog post until I can find proof

]]> By: MarcusKRZ http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1495 MarcusKRZ Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:18:05 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1495 Thanks, I really liked your article as well. The Maverick Carter situation is ridiculous, not sure how someone hasn't been able to get through to him on how much it's hurt him. Thanks, I really liked your article as well. The Maverick Carter situation is ridiculous, not sure how someone hasn't been able to get through to him on how much it's hurt him.

]]> By: MarcusKRZ http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1493 MarcusKRZ Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:11:03 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1493 Thanks, glad you liked it! Thanks, glad you liked it!

]]> By: MarcusKRZ http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1494 MarcusKRZ Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:10:47 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1494 If people listened to your arguments Lebron would be a much poorer man. The passion that people have for sports is why its a billion dollar business, when you become a professional athlete and take on millions of dollars in endorsements that's one of the negatives you have to accept.<br><br>Lebron stands to make a very small amount of his money from playing basketball, the majority is going to come from ventures outside the sport. As a result, his personal brand is a pretty huge issue. When Lebron takes as big of a public beating as he has recently, it's definitely a misstep on his part that could cost him millions of dollars. Going to Miami is one thing, mishandling it the way he did is another. If people listened to your arguments Lebron would be a much poorer man. The passion that people have for sports is why its a billion dollar business, when you become a professional athlete and take on millions of dollars in endorsements that's one of the negatives you have to accept.

Lebron stands to make a very small amount of his money from playing basketball, the majority is going to come from ventures outside the sport. As a result, his personal brand is a pretty huge issue. When Lebron takes as big of a public beating as he has recently, it's definitely a misstep on his part that could cost him millions of dollars. Going to Miami is one thing, mishandling it the way he did is another.

]]> By: MarcusKRZ http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1492 MarcusKRZ Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:06:36 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1492 Whether or not this was his best option for winning is definitely debatable, I'd argue that Chicago has similar levels of talent and fits together as a "team" much easier than the current Miami configuration. <br><br>"The Decision" has to be judged on a personal branding level because that's what it was. It certainly doesn't help the Heat win any games, so any criticisms of it are obviously going to focus on the marketing aspect, at which it most definitely failed to succeed. <br><br>Many people will forgive, but few will forget. The way Lebron is viewed by the public has changed and it would be impossible for him to reclaim his previous perception. Winning will definitely help his popularity but he has much less room for error than he did a few months ago. Whether or not this was his best option for winning is definitely debatable, I'd argue that Chicago has similar levels of talent and fits together as a “team” much easier than the current Miami configuration.

“The Decision” has to be judged on a personal branding level because that's what it was. It certainly doesn't help the Heat win any games, so any criticisms of it are obviously going to focus on the marketing aspect, at which it most definitely failed to succeed.

Many people will forgive, but few will forget. The way Lebron is viewed by the public has changed and it would be impossible for him to reclaim his previous perception. Winning will definitely help his popularity but he has much less room for error than he did a few months ago.

]]> By: Alphonse Hà http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1491 Alphonse Hà Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:01:34 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1491 "People aren’t angry that Lebron James went to Miami, they’re angry that he misrepresented himself."<br><br>QFT<br><br>Dead on. “People aren’t angry that Lebron James went to Miami, they’re angry that he misrepresented himself.”

QFT

Dead on.

]]> By: Mike Brown http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1490 Mike Brown Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:25:15 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1490 Simply put, the American people demand spectacles like this. I'll grant you that "The Decision" was a semi-contrived idea and probably not the best way to announce it. However, as much as I agree in principle with the importance of "personal branding," those who say that that should have been his primary consideration are putting a little to much weight on it. LeBron made his primary choice what it should have been: Going to the place that gives him the best shot to win 1 or more titles. If Cleveland can't act like an adult and handle this maturely (see Dan Gilbert's open letter), that's their problem. King James will win at least 2 titles in the near future, and most will forget and forgive. Those who can't, remember this: It's only eating you up inside, not me. Simply put, the American people demand spectacles like this. I'll grant you that “The Decision” was a semi-contrived idea and probably not the best way to announce it. However, as much as I agree in principle with the importance of “personal branding,” those who say that that should have been his primary consideration are putting a little to much weight on it. LeBron made his primary choice what it should have been: Going to the place that gives him the best shot to win 1 or more titles. If Cleveland can't act like an adult and handle this maturely (see Dan Gilbert's open letter), that's their problem. King James will win at least 2 titles in the near future, and most will forget and forgive. Those who can't, remember this: It's only eating you up inside, not me.

]]> By: AlexSchleber http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1489 AlexSchleber Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:15:34 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1489 I have nothing particularly for or against the guy, but the people he "offended" need to realize that no one can ultimately offend them but themselves. They are basically choosing to be offended. About something they never had control over in the first place. About a fantasy.<br><br>He's already given Cleveland more recognition than it would have ever gotten without him. Do you really think that for those who profess to be offended, that their lives would somehow be different today even if he had brought a title to Cleveland? So what has he misrepresented? He's a really good basketball player and high dollar PAID professional athlete. A modern day gladiator. That's it. All else are archetypal fantasies being projected on him, on a trophy as a form of "Grail", etc. etc.<br><br>That said, it would have probably been wise to speak to the Cav's owner beforehand, even though there is no guarantee that he still wouldn't have reacted as venomously as he ultimately did. With that much built up anguish over winning, my guess is it would have poured out of him regardless. But that's not Lebron's issue. I have nothing particularly for or against the guy, but the people he “offended” need to realize that no one can ultimately offend them but themselves. They are basically choosing to be offended. About something they never had control over in the first place. About a fantasy.

He's already given Cleveland more recognition than it would have ever gotten without him. Do you really think that for those who profess to be offended, that their lives would somehow be different today even if he had brought a title to Cleveland? So what has he misrepresented? He's a really good basketball player and high dollar PAID professional athlete. A modern day gladiator. That's it. All else are archetypal fantasies being projected on him, on a trophy as a form of “Grail”, etc. etc.

That said, it would have probably been wise to speak to the Cav's owner beforehand, even though there is no guarantee that he still wouldn't have reacted as venomously as he ultimately did. With that much built up anguish over winning, my guess is it would have poured out of him regardless. But that's not Lebron's issue.

]]> By: MarcusKRZ http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1488 MarcusKRZ Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:52:53 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1488 Tiger Woods Gatorade got discontinued due to failing sales :) The decision was made before the events though, so it's not a perfect answer.<br><br>It's too new to see what the effects of this will really be, but until you have some stats proving your side we'll be at an impasse on this one. Tiger Woods Gatorade got discontinued due to failing sales :) The decision was made before the events though, so it's not a perfect answer.

It's too new to see what the effects of this will really be, but until you have some stats proving your side we'll be at an impasse on this one.

]]> By: thejasonsadler http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1486 thejasonsadler Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:48:04 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1486 I would LOVE to see shoes sales for LBJ's shoe over the past week. I'd also love to see a trend in Tiger Woods' products and Gatorade sales during his mess up. People shout loudly, but the masses continue to act like the cattle they've been trained to be. I don't mean to over generalize, but show me stats that I'm wrong (you can't).<br><br>Regardless, LBJ is in Miami. They will be at an All-Star level next season and it will be one for the ages. I'm excited to be apart of it and feel for the Cavaliers. Who would want to play for Dan Gilbert now? Not me. I would LOVE to see shoes sales for LBJ's shoe over the past week. I'd also love to see a trend in Tiger Woods' products and Gatorade sales during his mess up. People shout loudly, but the masses continue to act like the cattle they've been trained to be. I don't mean to over generalize, but show me stats that I'm wrong (you can't).

Regardless, LBJ is in Miami. They will be at an All-Star level next season and it will be one for the ages. I'm excited to be apart of it and feel for the Cavaliers. Who would want to play for Dan Gilbert now? Not me.

]]> By: MarcusKRZ http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1485 MarcusKRZ Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:39:57 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1485 I don't disagree that many people will love Lebron again if he wins, but I don't think he'll be able to recreate the size of his following before this decision. I personally haven't spoken with a single person who's defended Lebron in the past four or five days and people were already souring to him due to the perceived attention-grabbing in the lead-up to his decision.<br><br>Lebron had a pretty flawless persona about six months ago and it's in pretty bad shape right now. His bandwagon will fill up again but his public approval upside is severely diminished. I actually think a lot of people are going to take this opportunity to see Lebron as a villain, similar to what happened with Brett Favre. There are still plenty of Brett Favre fans out there, but it's not the same as it was five years ago.<br><br>Also, I disagree that he can ever be "KING" on that Miami team. He went to Dwayne Wade's team, it's very possible he could win three titles there and never take home a Finals MVP, something that would be impossible in just about any other scenario. He sacrificed that to play with his friends, which is fine, but it definitely tarnished his "King James" persona. I don't disagree that many people will love Lebron again if he wins, but I don't think he'll be able to recreate the size of his following before this decision. I personally haven't spoken with a single person who's defended Lebron in the past four or five days and people were already souring to him due to the perceived attention-grabbing in the lead-up to his decision.

Lebron had a pretty flawless persona about six months ago and it's in pretty bad shape right now. His bandwagon will fill up again but his public approval upside is severely diminished. I actually think a lot of people are going to take this opportunity to see Lebron as a villain, similar to what happened with Brett Favre. There are still plenty of Brett Favre fans out there, but it's not the same as it was five years ago.

Also, I disagree that he can ever be “KING” on that Miami team. He went to Dwayne Wade's team, it's very possible he could win three titles there and never take home a Finals MVP, something that would be impossible in just about any other scenario. He sacrificed that to play with his friends, which is fine, but it definitely tarnished his “King James” persona.

]]> By: gosam http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1484 gosam Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:35:06 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1484 It'll be the way it is whenever any superstar "messes up." Tiger did it. He lost a lot of fans, but kept most. Will be the same with LBJ. I think Marcus is right, he has been misrepresented, I think we're kind of seeing his true colors now, and I think that will change a lot of peoples' perspective on LeBron.<br><br>He definitely took himself out of the "greatest ever" conversation, at least for now, the day he decided to go to Miami. It'll be the way it is whenever any superstar “messes up.” Tiger did it. He lost a lot of fans, but kept most. Will be the same with LBJ. I think Marcus is right, he has been misrepresented, I think we're kind of seeing his true colors now, and I think that will change a lot of peoples' perspective on LeBron.

He definitely took himself out of the “greatest ever” conversation, at least for now, the day he decided to go to Miami.

]]> By: Ohdoctah http://vaynermedia.com/2010/07/some-last-thoughts-on-lebron/comment-page-1/#comment-1483 Ohdoctah Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:30:24 +0000 http://vaynermedia.com/?p=4068#comment-1483 Great post.. but at the end of the day EVERYone but Cleveland will love LeBron again ASAP. In fact if he wins a ring a lot of people in Ohio will sing a different tune because he was born and raised there. No one is perfect and in sports people all ways write checks they can't cash. <br><br>It amazes me how people have forgotten about what happened to Kobe after he won another ring. All LeBron has to do is win.. being on a mini All-Star team means that at some point he can finally be "KING" when he gets a ring. The media as always makes things bigger then it is... people LOVE LBJ Great post.. but at the end of the day EVERYone but Cleveland will love LeBron again ASAP. In fact if he wins a ring a lot of people in Ohio will sing a different tune because he was born and raised there. No one is perfect and in sports people all ways write checks they can't cash.

It amazes me how people have forgotten about what happened to Kobe after he won another ring. All LeBron has to do is win.. being on a mini All-Star team means that at some point he can finally be “KING” when he gets a ring. The media as always makes things bigger then it is… people LOVE LBJ

]]>