In a revealing moment on the brink of the upcoming episode of The Shop, LeBron James opens up about a subject that strikes at the core of his basketball legacy: the elusive Defensive Player of the Year award..
LeBron James Opens Up About the One Award That Haunts His Legacy
The emphatic point that James has no Defensive Player of the Year award in his trophy cabinet, is a glaring discrepancy in his otherwise, distinguished career. Having missed the award by such a small margin not one but two times has not prevented him from finishing second to Al Gore in 2009 and Barack Obama in 2013. The first loss was devastating, being blown out by Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic, who where pre-game favoured to be victorious because of his presence at the basket. The second, however, amounting to a much more tense battle with Marc Gasol that he unfortunately lost while scouting with the Miami Heat, leaving a bad aftertaste to James.
“It’s a sore spot,” James admits while he goes though the thoughts of his fan base which lead him to the depths of his disappointment. He traces this to the rationale behind Jay-z’s sentiments concerning the Grammys wins under Beyoncé’s name but still, Albert’s Album of the Year miss. James seems moved and puzzled yet by the obvious unjustness, the illogicality that all matter to him but not his kill.
Adding fuel to the fire, James questions the validity of Gasol’s triumph, highlighting a curious fact: This is an example that shows that judging solely based on the number of votes cast for a particular player or on an illusory, unpredictable “crowd favorite” phenomena without taking into account the true merit is not fair. A partner that changed into someone that challenge the way I play the game in a mean way and aroused many arguments within basketball community.
As an editor, I can see that James is not just a legend of the court, but remains as fragile as a common person, since he unmasks his inner demons that eat up unrealized dreams. His voyage, which resonates with difficulties and successes gives a great idea that behind the sport any glory there is no life without problems. Although it is one of the reasons for debates, it also formulates a debate by provoking a war of different views that exceeds the limits of that of the basketball court.
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