OPINION: The LeBron James Statue Debate
A statue is NOT just put up of a person because of his/her achievements with whatever it is they accomplished. Like, if you win 10 championships with any sports team, yet commit a murder during the offseason, well, that city is not putting up a statue of you. I know that is very drastic, but is simply a point. Despite any type of success, it’s the whole package. Not a requirement with a certain amount of wins/titles/points, etc.
Instantly, when the question of “Should and/or will LeBron James get a statue put up with him in Cleveland?” comes up, the steadfast “yes” fans will instantly cite the 2016 Championship he brought to Cleveland. And that’s fair, as he completely fulfilled his promise by winning it all when coming back to The Land. However, here’s the other side.
My personal opinion has drastically changed about LeBron James. This was even before the FINAL 76ers’ announcement came out. I hated the golf videos, hated the concert videos, hated the waiting game, hated that he wasn’t busy deciding but having chill time instead. And then, of course, the curveball announcement to go Ring Chase in Philly. It just reinforced something we already knew.
He’s all about himself…
Looking back to 2010 and LeBron went from being an idol in Cleveland to Ring Chasing in Miami and this whole city hated his guts. I see on Facebook memories of myself and friends literally making videos trashing him 16 years ago.
Personally, I respect the title just like most do. Even so, the way he ditched Cleveland initially, left again for the Lakers and then this whole show in the offseason reminds me that the way he operates was not always in the best benefit for the City of Cleveland.
Thus, if it were up to me, I would say that I don’t want one. Especially with this offseason behavior and what he ended up deciding to do instead of the storybook ending here at home.
Another point that I didn’t even connect the dots on yet is true. In 11 total seasons in Cleveland, he only won one title. This isn’t a Michael Jordan-type of success in Chicago. So should he be celebrated to the level of erecting a statue?
So, obviously my choice is not what The City does. But what do I think will happen?
Well, he’ll finish off his career. Retire and then, in the future, do something for Cleveland to remove the sour taste this decision caused. Like a huge donation to a cancer company that makes people happy with him. Before I get DESTROYED, I would be happy with him doing something like that as well. But with LeBron, there’s always an endgame.
After that, as time passes, a decision will be made for a statue once that or something else positive is done here and will ultimately happen.
TO CLARIFY: I have zero sources on this and it’s merely an opinion.
Lastly, I posted this exact question on the Cleveland Sports Talk Twitter X. I thought like seven people would reply, but 550 replies were made! A huge thank you to everyone who supports the brand, regardless of your opinion!
***I pray no one needs to read this, but the pictures of the LeBron statue are not real.
