Observe, Remember, Respond, Celebrate

LeBron James' greatest attribute isn't his ultra-athleticism. It isn't his 6'8", 250 pound body that can truck through any NBA defense. And it isn't his all-around patented game, which includes not only scoring, but also passing, rebounding, and defending. His greatest attribute is his awareness.

At 6'8", he notices passing lanes that open up for a split second for a cutting teammate. In a matter of seconds, he figures out angles for top-ten highlight chase-down blocks. He reads the opposing team's passing lanes and is able to disrupt it. When the opposing team's coach motions a hand signal to his point guard, James informs his teammates that they're changing to a zone defense or they're running a backdoor lob pass to Dwight Howard. This skillset that James possesses not only comes from hours of film sessions and constant absorption of the game, but it also simply stems from his natural keen awareness.

And his ability to notice things that others are limited to noticing does not begin and end with only basketball. He's aware of the hundred and thousands of negative tweets that he receives on a daily basis, since moving to Miami. In fact, he reads every one. He was aware of all of the negative backlash that he was receiving from the nation by his decision to move to Miami. He's aware that he's one of the most hated athletes in all of sports, and he'll probably lose a significant portion of his sponsors. He's aware that though his team is star-studded with All-Stars in Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, many experts doubt they'll win as many championships as they've promised the city of Miami.

"Don't think for one min that I haven't been taking mental notes of everyone taking shots at me this summer. And I mean everyone!"

Just a week before the regular season tips off, James sends this tweet to his followers, reminding them that he's read, taken in, and absorbed all of the backlash from this summer. He's reminding his haters that he's a freak of nature when it comes to observing, remembering, responding, and celebrating. He observes that Suns guard Jason Richardson has a breakaway lane for a dunk. He remembers all of the lanes that he's noticed in the past that have helped him prevent other players from enjoying a free ride to the hoop. He responds by tailgating Richardson and just as he begins to spin for a 360 dunk, LeBron smacks it away from his fans. Finally, he celebrates with a smug smirk on his face. The situation he's in now is no different. Observe the hate. Remember each one and use it as fuel for this coming season. Respond by playing better basketball than his previous MVP seasons. Celebrate by hoisting up a trophy in June.

Sure, LeBron seems laid-back on the outside with his dancing and goofing off. But inside, we forget what kind of perfectionist freak he really is.



- Leather Head