On the basketball court, there's practically nothing James can't do. He is a top-flight scorer who can create any shot he wants. His supreme athleticism and physical gifts help him grab rebounds at will. His vision helps him distribute the basketball like some of the game's best point guards. And when he wants to, he can play terrific defense. Really, the only thing James hasn't done on a basketball court is win.
A couple of curious decisions have cost James, at least when it comes to his public perception. When he was in Cleveland, he was one of the most adored athletes in sports (outside of Boston, of course), who could seemingly do no wrong. Then, free agency came. James incited the city of Cleveland by leaving for Miami, and he upset the rest of the country with how he did it.
James became a villain literally overnight.
Bitter Cleveland fans and even the Cavs' owner Dan Gilbert accused James of quitting on his team. For all of the grief he took for The Decision, and the ensuing comments and hoopla, the q-word is just one word athletes don't want to hear.
He's gone through some ups and downs in Miami, and it hasn't been as easy as he thought it would be alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The rest of the country has loved that fact.
The truth remains, though, that James may very well win that title someday.
Even if he doesn't, he's still one helluva basketball player.
