Ten time All-NBA first team, thirteen time all star, and five time defensive first team is only the minimum that defines LeBron James. LeBron James was born in Akron, Ohio and had a rough childhood and was financially unstable most of the time. In 2003, LeBron James was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He eventually went on and achieved many accolades that only the greats can achieve. LeBron James is classified as a hero because he is determined, responsible, and admirable.
LeBron James is full of determination to win because he went up against the intimidating Warriors team who had the best record in the NBA. In the article “The Promise Keeper: Lebron James realizes his dream with a title for Cleveland”, Jenkins states, “But the dubs
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do not scare easily. Their supreme confidence, a natural byproduct of their unmitigated success, can manifest itself in bold shot making and beautiful ball movement…” Jenkins’ description of the Warriors make them seem like a godlike team and cannot be toppled easily. Eventually, the Warriors went up 3-1 putting the Cavs in an extremely difficult and uncomfortable situation. James remained calm and focused despite how intimidating the other team was, and how they beat him last year in six games. Instead of discouraging his teammates by scolding them, he asked his team if the Warriors can come back from a 3-1 deficit, then so can we (Jenkins). He went on and carried his team and brought them back into the series by winning game five and six despite his team being down. During game seven, last two minutes, James was not afraid despite the odds. The game was tied and, Andre Iguodala on a fastbreak. LeBron James was on the other side of the court, and sprinted at 19 miles per hour, and smashed Iguodala's lay-up on the backboard forcing the game to remain tied (Jenkins). This is significant because the Warriors are famous for their deadly three point shooting, and they finesse teams with their players who have outstanding three point shooting ability. He had to face the team who set the best record in the NBA, and many teams that play the Warriors are very intimidated of their unanimous MVP Stephen Curry’s three point shooting ability since he can shoot lights out from more than thirty feet away from the basket. James didn’t care about how he was beaten last season, and how frightening Curry’s shot was, so he played against the odds and ended up victorious because he wanted to win for Cleveland that badly. This proves that his determination, his will power to achieve something is extraordinary because he did not care how challenging it would be to play the Warriors. He kept focused even though the situation looked like it was the end. The second reason why LeBron James is a hero is because he is responsible for what he said.
In LeBron’s interview with Lee Jenkins, “Lebron: I’m coming back to Cleveland”, LeBron James believes that he can win a championship with Cleveland. Cleveland had been in a championship drought for the past 52 years. When James returned to Cleveland in 2014 free agency, he promised to do everything he can to bring Cleveland a championship. This proves that LeBron James is a man of his word and responsible because he turned a statement he made into reality. On the other hand, some may argue that James left Cleveland to win, which proves that he is selfish and wants to win only for himself. In the article by Peter Slevin “Cleveland reacts unhappily to James’s departure”, Slevin reports that Cleveland fans felt betrayed and Cleveland Cavaliers fans burned James’ posters and jerseys, which proves that at that point in time, they really hated LeBron James. That point may be true, but James eventually returned to Cleveland to deliver a championship because he felt what it was like to win in Miami, and he wanted to bring that feeling to Cleveland (LeBron James). This point proves that James is unselfish and is responsible for his words. The people of Cleveland will remember his accomplishment for a long time since the goal wasn’t easy to achieve because promising a championship is not something anyone can promise and successfully
accomplish. Last but not least, LeBron James is admirable because there are stats that prove he is on par with NBA legends and Hall of Famers. In his career, he has earned four MVP awards. In the article, “ LeBron James’ four NBA MVPs as It compares to Michael Jordan & Other 4- time MVPs”, Emerick demonstrates that LeBron James is on the same level as Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Wilt, Chamberlain, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar by presenting the stats that these five candidates put up in their MVP seasons. In James’ MVP seasons, he averaged 28 points per game, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, along with 1.7 steals and 0.95 blocks per game (Emerick). His stats definitely prove that he is admirable because he wants to be one of the greats, but there is one more thing that puts him on the same level distinctly with Jordan because they both posses the power to impact their teammates and make them better on the court. Also, LeBron James last season defeated the Warriors, which made him win the Finals MVP. According to Moore, “He averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.6 steals and 2.3 blocks in the Finals. He led all players in each of the five statistical categories.” Because of this, he won his third finals MVP. Not only that, LeBron James and the Cavaliers were the first team ever, to come back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA finals (Moore). All of these accolades, awards, and stats are not achievable by any typical NBA player. One must be special to be able to achieve such awards, and LeBron James is someone special, which makes him admirable. In the end, LeBron James proves that he possess a strong will to win, a man of his word, and a idol for many people. Since he posses these traits, he qualifies to be a hero because of his achievements and accolades he accumulated in his NBA career. These traits can be an example for the youth because LeBron James is an example of someone who works hard to achieve a goal that is easier said than done. Most definitely, LeBron James will join Michael Jordan and the others as one of the greats and, possibly, he has an opportunity to take the throne from Michael Jordan as the greatest of all time since he still has a couple years left in his career.
It was not until the year 2002 that the NBA was able to find someone to match Jordan’s dazzling acrobatic style of play. His name is Lebron James. Lebron, who plays shooting guard and small forward, stands at an athletic six-eight. James, however, never played in the NCAA. He was drafted straight out of high school in the 2003-04 season, by the Cleveland Cavaliers. James is already on the road to success by achieving co-rookie of the year, and he appeared in the Olympics. James is expected to be a champion, but he may not have what it takes to become a real champion such as Michael Jordan was. Before Jordan or James can be categorized as a champion, they have to be able to handle pressure, fame, and maintain a positive relationship with their team. When comparing Jordan and James’ clutch capabilities, or their ab...
Valvano gave a speech at the 1993 ESPY awards in which he depicted his ideas of leadership. He stated that leaders need a vision. He said that in one practice every year he would have the players practice on how they would act when they win. He did not say if they win, he said when they win. Valvano was giving his players a vision. They had something to believe in and play for. They were not playing just to look good and move on to the professional level. They were playing to win a national championship. Valvano envisioned an idea for his team and his team bought into that vision. He also taught that leaders need to connect with their followers. Valvano stated that he often would randomly call his players into his office just to chat with them. He wanted them to feel comfortable with him. They did not just talk about basketball, they could talk about anything. Valvano’s followers, in this case his players, were comfortable with him and they trusted him. They had no doubt when it came to their leader. Valvano fully understood the value of connection. He also taught that leaders learn from their followers. In Valvano’s final speech he talked about the four things that the 1983 national championship team taught him. They taught him hope, dreaming, persistence, and love. These four things came from the connection that Valvano had with his players. The 1983 national championship team
During the time of Michael Jordan and the now present Lebron James American culture has changed a lot. Both of these two superstars show how American society love and appreciate their superstars. The society loves them both, they are both amazingly talented and have supporting fans that will always be by their side no matter what happens, through the peaks and valleys. These two allstars are beyond incredible and show their talent in a variety of ways. Both are very truly “Blessed” with their talents and capabilities. Both MJ and LBJ are two of the best to ever to play the game of basketball. Jordan and James are both good at what they do, Jordan and James’ passion to get to the rim and make plays really put a spark in both of their game. These traits that both of the stars have really make their fans and supporters love them even more! Both of these stars show how American Society love their stars and role models.
Reiter, Bill. “LeBron James Builds Legacy Off The Court.” Fox Sports Florida. Fox Sports Interactive Media, 16 Feb. 2013. Web. 2 Oct 2013.
A hero is someone who doesn’t give up and keeps on fighting for their goal. Jackie Robinson is a great hero and came over great challenges, but he achieved his goal. How Jackie Robinson embodies the human spirt is that he broke the color barrier, and the challenges he faced, and his life.
The NBA is well known for the number of amazing professional athletes it has had over the years. Some of the most gifted and talented individuals come through the NBA and one of the better-known superstars is none other than Kobe Bryant. For years people have wondered what makes Bryant so successful. The main contributors that lead to Kobe Bryant’s success is his hard work and dedication, his mindset, his natural ability’s and talent, and the people that have helped him throughout his life. Kobe Bryant was very successful in the NBA because of the amount of hard work he has put in, the people in his life, his relentless determination and his god given natural abilities.
It’s one of the greatest debates right now in modern time sports. Who is the greatest basketball player ever? Is it His Airness, or is it King James? The debate on whether Michael Jordan or LeBron James is the greatest basketball player ever is a prevalent topic in sports news daily. Many people believe that LeBron James is the greatest basketball player to be currently playing and also the greatest player to ever have played in the NBA. My theory, however, is that rather than LeBron James, the greatest basketball player to ever have played the game is Michael Jordan. Although I agree with the claim that LeBron James is the best current player in the NBA, I believe that he is nowhere near being considered better than Michael Jordan.
It does this when William, a poor, black, american, teenager, who has the dream of playing in the NBA is being interviewed about him getting a job when William says ”I gotta do this if I wanna play”. William knows that he has to earn money if he wants to pay for basketball gear and school fees if he wants to train and make it in the NBA. This quote tells us that William is working because of his dream, that he is motivated by his dream to work as working is necessary to achieve it. This text connects the the idea that dreams motivate people to improve themselves as it gives a clear example of how william is motivated by his dream to improve his financial standing and to work. James wanted us to understand that for people to achieve their dreams, that they will have to work hard to make it possible, as shown by William working all holidays when he could be
Due to the mark Michael Jordan has left on the world as the “G.O.A.T.”, it will be very difficult for any player to surpass his legacy. Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and LeBron James all have similarities of Michael Jordan but, out of all three players James is the closest. LeBron has the most similarities and the potential to surpass Michael Jordan’s legacy with his personality, stats and he popularity on and off the court. Even though James has the potential to surpass his legacy, there is still a very long journey ahead of James if he ever wants to be considered the “G.O.A.T.”.
First, we will celebrate LeBron James’s accomplishments in the NBA. There are over 400 players in the NBA. These players are on the battlefield, fighting day after day because they all know only one can become the Most Valuable Player. LeBron James rose above all, claiming the MVP award, not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 times. Not only is LeBron James an MVP, but he is also a 13-time All-Star player. LeBron James garnered enough votes from the fans, the players, and the media to become an All-Star like a presidential candidate getting enough votes from the voters to become the President.
Although Jordan was born in Brooklyn, New York, he attended Emsley A. Laney high school in Wilmington, North Carolina. Jordan’s basketball career started playing for the Emsley A. Laney high school basketball team. In addition to basketball, Jordan played baseball and American football during his high school years. In comparison, LeBron was born in Akron, Ohio. He attended St. Vincent – St. Mary high school in Akron, where he also played for the school’s team. LeBron was highly publicized as a future NBA superstar by numerous national media outle...
Most players that enter the NBA draft early are 19 or 20 years-old. They are going to end up playing against 25-year-olds that are stronger, faster, and that have had more experience than they have. Along with more experience, they will not be as physically fit because one or two years of college will not do it, and high school will not do it. For example, Lebron James. He is considered one of the best to have played the game, and he went straight out of high school. Imagine if he had gone to college, he would be so much better. So if they leave after the freshman or sophomore year, they will be about five or six years behind and that will make it harder to get a spot on the bench. If they do not make it to the bench, then they will be in the D league for 2 or 3 years to help develop their skills. “The D-League uses a tiered compensation system that's based on experience. Players with ample NBA
Lebron is a positive role model because of how he voices his opinions on social issues. Lebron feels a need to voice his opinions on social issues to show people it is not bad to speak your mind no matter if it is accepted or not. Such as when Lebron wore a “I Can’t Breathe” t-shirt during warmups (Scott). During the 2014 year a man named Eric Garner was choked to death by a police officer. LeBron being the kind of person responded not in words but in action. He along with other wore these T-Shirts to speak against police brutality. Another time Lebron made his opinions known was when he and other spoke out against the racial injustice that exists today (Grossman). He put on a speech on national television. It was not to berate anyone or group but was to inspire change in relations between people and law enforcement. He made it known that Black were target of this kind of crimes more than whites and brought that knowledge to the public stage. It was
Larry Bird signs for the Boston Celtics which is the start to his NBA career. Born in West Baden Springs, Indiana, on December 7th, 1956. Larry Bird starred at the Indiana State University. He was raised in a nearby town of French Lick where he excelled at basketball at a young age. Larry Bird went to school at Springs Valley High School in French Lick, and he was key component of the team. By the time he graduated high school, Bird held the all time leading scoring record. His basketball prowess earned him a scholarship at Indiana University. At the University of Indiana, he played for the legendary coach, Bob Knight. Because of the scope and size of the Hoosier campus, Larry felt some trepidation; consequently, he left the school
“Jeremy Lin may be the impetus that takes a country already gaga over basketball and makes it the next basketball power. You reach a critical point when you have interest, ...