First off, let鈥檚 be clear about one thing: LeBron James will never join the Warriors. Doing so, even in anticipation of multiple championships that may yet move his tally past Michael Jordan鈥檚, would be tantamount to betraying his convictions. It鈥檚 not what he has been about, not what competition is in his mind, and not what he wants his legacy to look like. He鈥檚 no fool; he understands the difference between building a super team with him at the forefront and joining one with him as a spare tire.
Taken in this context, therefore, the story that sent social media abuzz late last week should not be viewed as anything but pure speculation. Culled from unnamed sources and peppered with such words as 鈥渋f鈥 and 鈥渃ould,鈥 the article tries to cover its shaky ground by noting as early as in the second paragraph that the Warriors have given 鈥渘o indication鈥 of its intentions to pursue him in free agency later this year. Instead of providing clarity, however, all it did was paint him as an opportunist.
Little wonder, then, that James felt compelled to respond emphatically. Speaking to members of the media, he went on an uninterrupted three-minute spiel that underscored his commitment to this season鈥檚 cause. And he鈥檚 right; he already has too much on his mind given the Cavaliers鈥 seeming implosion to even think of what will happen in four months. There鈥檚 still work after the All-Star break and, hopefully, through the playoffs and into an eighth consecutive Finals appearance to worry about.
Not surprisingly, rhyme and reason have failed to stop critics from pillorying James in the aftermath of the story鈥檚 publication. Never mind that all and sundry go through the circus every year since 鈥淭he Decision鈥 in 2010, and especially after he returned to the Cavaliers in 2014. The flip side is that he鈥檚 used to the negative feedback. It no longer bothers him; in fact, it fuels him. Which is why the news — or, rather, the gossip that is being passed off for news — may yet work in his favor. All things considered, he certainly needs all the help he can get.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since 大象传媒 introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is the Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Basic Energy Corp.
