LeBron James has arrived in Los Angeles whether you like it or not. Let’s look at The King’s move from as many super specific angles as possible:
Cavs Fans
I was going to do a section for Cavs fans that love LeBron and another section for Cavs fans who hate LeBron, but I refuse to believe that there’s a soul in Cleveland who dislikes LeBron. I already have enough trouble imagining how ANYONE ON EARTH can have even the slightest bit of dislike towards that man. So to all Cavaliers fans, I feel so bad for you. It was hard enough losing him once but twice? How do you move on from this? Do you hate him now for leaving, or do you forever love him for everything he did for the city? Do you throw your extremely overpriced beer at him as he enters Quicken Loans Arena for the first time since becoming a Laker, or do you give him the biggest standing ovation the world has ever seen? Don’t waste your beer, stand up, and applaud The King. Have some class.
Lakers Fans Who Still Love Kobe More Than Their Own Mothers
This has to be frustrating. If you love Kobe, it’s probable that you hate LeBron. So having to sit and accept that someone you hate is now playing for your beloved team has to be annoying. You know he’s a living legend, so be happy about it. If he brings the franchise a ring in the next four years are you still going to be salty? I don’t think so. I used to hate coffee. Couldn’t handle even a single sip. However, over time I learned to like it. Yes, I admit, at first, there was more vanilla creamer in the cup than there was coffee, but now I drink it black. It wakes me up for work, gets the metabolism going, and is a part of my everyday routine. LeBron is the Kobe Lovers coffee. You’ll despise him at first, but over time, he’ll bring you wins, thrilling chase-down blocks, and maybe even a championship. Loving LeBron will soon be part of your every day, all day routine.
Fans Of Teams Who Are Not The Lakers Or Cavaliers:
This group could have a wide variety of emotions. For example, as a Kings fan, I hate the Lakers more than walking barefoot through a forest full of pine needles. (I actually just did that this weekend, so I can safely say I’d rather do that again than be a Lakers fan). Which is difficult because I love Mr. James. As I stated above, I’ll never understand how you could dislike someone as talented as he is. Forget who he’s played for, or how badly he’s demolished the team you love.
He’s arguably the greatest player the world has ever seen, and any fan of basketball should respect what we’re witnessing. Nothing short of the greatest greatness ever. Regardless of where this living legend plays, I’m going to enjoy watching him play. You won’t hear me say I’m a fan of the Lakers, but you’ll forever hear me say I’m a fan of LeBron James.
Another emotion this group could have is fear. No matter what team he joined after opting out of his contract in Cleveland this offseason, that team will get a lot better. That’s how good he is. The Lakers didn’t make the playoffs last season despite having a handful of young rookies who have very promising futures. This means that LA is more than likely going to be in the playoffs, which should be terrifying for any teams who find themselves walking the tight-rope that is the western conference playoff race.
Celtics And Lakers Fans
This just made the Boston-LA rivalry a lot more interesting again. Not only is it the classic Celtics vs Lakers that has been in existence for many years, but it’s also now the Lebron vs Kyrie rivalry that should give goosebumps to anyone who knows anything about the sport.
Colin Sexton
To get drafted to the Cavaliers with high hopes of playing with the world’s best player only to find out a few days later that he’s left the organization for a different team would tear me to shreds. That’s like thinking you’ve won Miss Universe only for Steve Harvey to tell you he announced the wrong name. At least Sexton gets to play with Kevin Love…? ….and…J.R…..?
Tyronn Lue
Now he actually has to coach the Cavaliers by himself.
The Golden State Warriors
I can’t imagine that this had any effect on the super team at all. In fact, they probably giggled a bit and then went on to do the one thing I didn’t think was possible: get even better by signing DeMarcus Cousins. I expect to see the Warriors win another championship UNLESS Klay moves to China, Steph decides to spend 100% of his time cooking with Ayesha, Kevin Durant joins the Lakers, and all of Draymond Green’s limbs fall off.
No matter where you find yourself among these groups, LeBron James has arrived in Los Angeles. It’s just something we better get used to.