I am a huge fan of LeBron James and I have been watching his games since he ever started his career. But after watching yesterday’s game against the Denver Nuggets, I’ve decided to stop watching NBA games.
The chosen one not favored by fate
From his early days as a high school phenom to his current reign as one of the greatest players in NBA history, LeBron’s journey embodies the epitome of talent, dedication, and perseverance. His unparalleled skills on the court, combined with his leadership qualities and philanthropic efforts off the court, have solidified his place as a cultural icon and role model for aspiring athletes worldwide.
Despite being one of the most dominant and influential players in basketball history, LeBron has often found himself at odds with the league’s officials and decision-makers. Unlike some of his counterparts who received special treatment or rule changes to enhance their careers, LeBron’s path to success has been marked by resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
As a player who frequently attacks the basket, LeBron often faces defensive pressure from opponents, but sometimes referees may not call fouls against his defenders. This could be because of his exceptional physical attributes, leading referees to believe that he is capable of enduring more physical contact. Consequently, LeBron sometimes does not receive the fouls he deserves during games, which often sparks controversy among fans and commentators.
As a team member, he has encountered formidable opponents throughout his career, facing dynasty teams like the Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, and Golden State Warriors. Despite his undeniable talent and skill, LeBron’s journey has been marked by intense competition and challenging matchups. Furthermore, he has often found himself without top-notch coaches, as most of his coaches have been inexperienced newcomers in the league. And now, the Denver Nuggets have emerged as his latest insurmountable challenge.
The most elusive game ever
Prior to this game, the Lakers had suffered nine consecutive losses against the Nuggets. In the conventional sense, the league would lean toward favoring the Lakers, potentially guiding the game toward a Lakers victory. As a seasoned NBA enthusiast, this referee maneuvering is a well-known pattern that even children can recognize. Even if intentional bias doesn’t exist, referees typically aim to maintain fairness, allowing the game to unfold based on the strengths of both teams. Well, what we have witnessed last night was a bewildering, perplexing situation that most of the fans found hard to comprehend.
Did LeBron commit a foul? Clearly not, yet Murray managed to tie the game with two free throws. The principle in NBA games is that in such crucial moments, referees typically do not steal the show but let the game unfold naturally. However, when the protagonist of the story is LeBron, principles no longer apply, and referees will steal the spotlight, often leaning against LeBron’s favor. Perhaps it’s because of his exceptional talent, leading those around him to muffle him out of envy. Or maybe it’s because of his high profile, causing those around him to seek attention from his limelight.
Now look at another one.
With over twenty years of watching basketball, this was clearly an undisputable foul. However, during the replay, the referee deemed it a good play. At that moment, I was left speechless. There was still an entire quarter left, but I already had a sense that the Lakers would lose this game, and I believe fans worldwide had the same feeling. And indeed, that’s what happened.
Conclusion
LeBron James is undeniably a great player, but the reality is that he seems to be at odds with the system. Sports games are about passion, the desire for victory, and the joy of achieving it. However, when your hero is targeted by the system, all you feel is frustration and oppression. I don’t know if I’ll continue to watch LeBron’s games next season, but I have no interest in the remaining games of this season.
Stephen Curry is already out of the playoffs, and LeBron James will also be eliminated soon. How many loyal fans will pay attention to NBA games? I seriously doubt it.