He lives in a world that so few people could even begin to understand with regiments so structured, they dictate just where he needs to be and how things must evolve.
There’s never a variation and he always maintains both his conditioning and dietary approach in a manner that is impossible for most humans to even begin to understand, enabling him to play at a high level beyond the age of 40.
“…now it’s time for him to let go of the merry-go-round…”
Yes, LeBron Raymone James is without question, both an incredible athlete and one of the most polarizing and enduring figures to date in the history of the National Basketball Association, but now it’s time for him to let go of the merry-go-round that’s had its clutches on him for all of his splendid hoops life.
Before you say, ‘who are you to tell a man this gifted, who’s obviously earned a farewell tour, to simply walk away from it all?’, think about the sacrifices he made which in turn gave all his fans the opportunity to enjoy his vast accomplishments, even allowing some of you to live vicariously through him for over two decades strong.
Doesn’t he deserve to relax and watch the basketball world rotate around other players and have that second glass of wine after a meal instead of getting up early and hitting the weight room?
How about driving along the coastal highway in a sports car and really enjoying the sunshine instead of arriving nearly six hours before a game to prepare himself to battle players half his age?
Shouldn’t he really have the chance to enjoy his family and vacation around the globe without worrying about staying in a hotel on the road and taking the team bus to the visiting stadium for another grind of a game in a bitter cold East coast winter?
Of course he does, but there are tons of you out there who need one last glimpse of him in person locally or on your television set in your home.
It really doesn’t matter if he’s beyond exhausted with it all, as you just want one more steal and a dunk off of it.
Another caveat of him simply riding off into the sunset would be the additional time he’d now have to dedicate to his foundation, which has already helped many a less fortunate individual find affordable housing and educational opportunities.
Let that sink in for a minute.
The question is, can you let go of LeBron the same way you were forced to do such with Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Julius Erving, Earvin Johnson and others?
Probably not, but James has earned this exit, and he doesn’t need a nationwide farewell tour to validate anything, so let him have it.
“Just savor the memories and smile as it’s over…”
Just savor the memories and smile as it’s over, and what a ride it has been for everyone.
Give him the space he indeed deserves and let his vast and incredible career remain in your heart, as he hopefully walks away with his stellar reputation intact. He’s earned it so give him that.
In the opportunity of a lifetime, in a career of so many special moments, l had the chance to speak to him privately in the back hallways of Gainbridge Fieldhouse and l told him his legacy will ultimately be about building schools, not trophies and championships, and that l looked forward to watching that chapter unfold further.
He appeared somewhat surprised and thanked me for the sentiment as he left.
That time has arrived and we must give it to him, as after all the man has earned it.
Danny Bridges, who thinks the best is yet to come for LeBron James, can be reached at (317) 370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
Danny Bridges is an award-winning journalist and a longtime sports columnist for the Indianapolis Recorder. He covers college, professional sports and especially all things IndyCar racing. He can be reached at 317-370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
