His legacy is far more important.
In the stunning Game 5 loss in Cleveland that ignited heavy national debate, LeBron had a lousy game. But as I've mentioned before, it was his lousy effort that was the problem. True, his teammates could have played much better and given him more support. But LeBron is their leader and he sets the tone. It's him that's on the commercials, on talk shows, on the All-NBA 1st Team. It's him that is league MVP for two years running. It's him that has broken records since his rookie season. In other words, his brilliance and status means that he has the responsibility of dominating. Of being excellent even when the shots aren't falling.
Game 6 in Boston seemed promising initially as he came out very aggressive. He still shot poorly but amazingly managed a high triple-double (27 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists). Those numbers tell a huge lie because James still deferred too much to lesser teammates and played listlessly for three quarters. In the 4th, it seemed as if he was going to go on an offensive binge as he rallied the Cavs by nailing back-to-back cocky 3-pointers. Turns out, it was just a tease as the Celtics pushed their lead back into double figures in no time flat.
With a nagging elbow injury suffered weeks ago, LeBron's shooting woes could have had a valid excuse. However, he refused to mention it as a serious impediment to his offensive game. Even if it was a huge hindrance, it doesn't explain his limp body language, detachment and lack of determination. Remember, those final two games were huge in their importance and the biggest legends in history would have emphatically inflicted their will upon the games. LeBron seemed disinterested in the outcome both times which directly contradicts what he's always been as a basketball megastar.
Since Michael Jordan set the standard for what an NBA legend should achieve, how they should perform and how relentless they should be, it's inevitable that comparisons to him would arise. The NBA playoffs are where MJ made his legend. Even when his teammates were lousy and non-existent, Jordan still stamped the most critical games with his influence, aura and mythology. LeBron has been a regular season darling for years and his team has been the best for the past two seasons. But this playoff series against Boston has exposed LeBron as a pretender. No legend quits (or plays at half-speed) the way he obviously did those final two games which makes one wonder just how committed to his own legacy is he?
There's never any shame in losing or even having a bad game. But there is a truckload of shame when the losing was fueled by your leader, your ace and your cornerstone. For a man so phenomenal, LeBron James sure sucks as a potential legend.
For now, at least.
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