He created his own national TV special so the rest of the world could hear him talk about himself and then watch live as he announced what NBA team he would sign with. Narcissistic?! No question about it. He's just a big kid with more money than God who can do whatever he wants. And you know what? He's a pretty smart businessman too.
Criticize him all you want. God knows I have! But his personal branding campaign WORKED! Millions of people watched LeBron's TV special, and even more people are still talking about it almost a week after it aired. Americans won't even be talking about the World Cup tomorrow, which just ended yesterday and is arguably the biggest sporting event in the world! But they'll still be talking about LeBron James.
Is much of the discussion critical? Yes, but all those people who hate LeBron will also pay big bucks for game tickets just so that they can boo him on the court. And for every person who claims to hate LeBron, believe me, there are two more who love and/or respect him for his talent and will continue to be fans regardless of his ego.
Quite frankly, can anyone name the last NBA star that wasn’t a self-centered egomaniac? Sorry, there isn’t a player in the NBA who wouldn’t do exactly what LeBron did if they could pull it off. He just happened to be the first one to think of it.
I'd also appreciate it if a critic can explain to me exactly how LeBron's TV special is any different than paying him to speak at a convention or trade show? Either way he’s being paid to talk about himself. The only differences are the forum he chose and the size of the audience.
I think LeBron James is a selfish, egocentric child. But in this particular case, I also happen to think he was a very smart and savvy marketer and businessman.
I hate you LeBron... but good job!
