LeBron James and the Importance of Delivering on a Promise

The worlds of sports and celebrity are overwhelmed with hype, and people who fail to live up to that hype. It often seems like celebrity and fame in 21^st century America require lots of things, but it is equally clear that fame often does not require skill or actual performance. How many people do we see who are world famous, without any tangible skill or contribution to society? (Add up the entire extended Kardashian family and our list is off to a good start.) People get famous for such stupid reasons.

But then once in a while, we see people get famous because they are the best at what they do, and they actually live up the hype.

A little less than two years ago, I wrote this post, praising Lebron James’ decision to go back to the Cleveland Cavaliers, his hometown team. I loved the way he made the move, the way he announced it. And last night he delivered on his promise to Cleveland and the state of Ohio to deliver a championship. He is one of the few athletes in my lifetime who actually lives up to the hype. I have no particular allegiance to Lebron, the Cavaliers or Ohio. But I’ve been rooting hard for him. Because he is famous for one and only reason: he is the best at what he does, and he delivers results.

Good on you, Lebron. Well done.