LeBron James scored 32 points in Saturday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks. Photo credit: Joshua Gunter/The Plain Dealer via Cleveland.com
In July 2014, it was announced that LeBron James, former NBA basketball player for the Miami Heat, would return to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2014-15 season.
James began his rookie season playing for the Cavaliers in 2003 where he eventually rose in popularity as one of the most highly sought after players in the NBA. He competed in Cleveland until 2010, when he then signed a six-year contract to play for the Miami Heat. James gained even more fame when he helped bring the Heat to the winning seat of the 2012 and 2013 NBA Championships.
Every member of the sports community, from the highest paid sports analysts to fans on Twitter, have expressed mixed attitudes toward the actions of LeBron’s emotional “return home.” Many people question his personal motives in opting out of his Heat contract and returning to Cleveland after a long absence. Since LeBron has made this return, ENC students have personally followed and reflected on his decisions.
“I think he’s making the most money right now. It’s not selfish. He just went back home,” freshmen Andrew Nelson said.
Kendra Brasil, a junior on the softball team and self-professed LeBron enthusiast stated, “I think it was the best decision because there’s no place like home! It takes time to build chemistry and that’s why it was better for him to leave now so they can have those years to get used to each other. It’s going to take time [for Cleveland] to win, but they got it.”
“I think it was the best decision for him to go back home and start building a championship team in Cleveland. Once they get Lebron, Kyrie, and Kevin Love on the same page, they will be a contending team. It’s good for the fans to see him come back,” senior Matt Jordon remarked.
Turning to the ENC men’s basketball team, a few players do not share in the positive hype of LeBron’s actions.
“I like that he went back! I support it,” junior David Eddings said.
“LeBron bailed himself out after. I think he could not handle the pressure of losing another championship. He could’ve just stayed in Miami with D-Wade and Chris Bosh. Him going back to Cleveland was a bad idea. LeBron is an opportunity seeker,” freshman William Robinson argued.
“LeBron is a brute for what he did. He made a good decision, but went about it the wrong way,” sophomore Chris Lynch commented.
Regardless of whether students are LeBron fans or feeling let down, basketball fans will be watching the Cavaliers’ season in anticipation and curiosity as to how James’ first season back home will turn out.