LeBron James’ impact in uplifting the players around him starts gaining recognition
LeBron James‘ leadership was on display throughout the series against Detroit. He’s remembered most for his 48-point performance in a 109-107 double-overtime win in Game 5. But for most of the series, James was more glue than glitz.
Although he consistently was swarmed by the Pistons’ double-team and trap defenses, James had confidence in his teammates to let them make the shots rather than trying to force it himself.
Oh, isn’t that something we’ve always wanted from a professional basketball player? The sense of leadership? We’ve always seen great players maneuver a great play by making hoops. But what really is remarkable are those that propel the player to make such historic moves. LeBron James does that, and I think that’s the true spirit of sportsmanship: Believing in your teammates and lifting them up so that they too can make crucial contributions to the team, for the win.
