I can somewhat understand the emotions that Cleveland is feeling right now. LeBron James was their everything. Just like Kobe has been to Los Angeles. Surely everyone still remembers that summer after they got upset by the Detroit Pistons. Having always been a Kobe fan, when Shaq left, it didn’t really hit me because Kobe stayed. But a few years later, when I heard for the first time that Kobe was demanding a trade, it really devastated me. I’m probably not the only one. Hearing rumors of Kobe going to the Bulls or even the Clippers made me mad.
People would go up to me and jokingly say “Hey, at least the Clippers are still in LA.” But the Lakers were Kobe’s team. And just having the thought of Kobe not being on the Lakers is something I can’t stand. So, what if Kobe left? Would I follow him and jump on the bandwagon to whichever team he chooses? No. The Lakers are my team no matter what. But would I hate Kobe? Sure. To the point of burning his jersey? Maybe. But retaliating to every single action he does is too much for me. Just gotta get on your with your life.
Of course, many Cleveland fans may say it’s different because their city never had the luxury of having great basketball teams like LA has had, so it might be a little more devastating. But hear this Cleveland, having LeBron is not the only way you will win a championship. After all, we hear the cliché of “one person can’t win a championship” all the time.
Lighten up, Cav fans. Stop drinking the Haterade. Remember what they say, the best revenge is living well.