A King's Legacy

"The Battle" is my favorite event series because it consistently allows me to identify new prospects, see different attributes from young men I’ve previously evaluated, and gain a better perspective on the next generation of elite basketball players. "The Battle LA" provided that same experience I’ve grown to know, love, and expect but also gave me a deeper insight into one of the most evaluated, scrutinized, and critiqued athletes in modern history. As LeBron James entered the gym to watch his son play, I got an opportunity to see the 4x NBA Champion and 18x NBA All-Star in a different light. LeBron James is the only player in NBA history to record at least 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 10,000 assists but of all his "on the court" accolades & accomplishments in his 19 seasons as an NBA Superstar, I found myself with a court-side view of his most important attribute, fatherhood...

Most people can recount occasions when they met "Stars" and refer to their aura & mystique. Without a doubt, the thing that stood out the most about the man affectionately referred to as "King James" was his focus, attention, and support of his children. As he assumed his court-side seat; the first thing LeBron did was set his phones down on the broadcast table and intently watch each possession of his son's game. As Bronny made his way up and down the court, you could hear words of encouragement directed his way from his dad loud enough for him to hear but not so loud that it could be a distraction or the focus of onlookers. He positively encouraged Bronny to be aggressive and to attack the defense and with each sentence, you saw Bronny's level of play elevate. Bronny James played with a level of confidence that matched his capabilities as he poured in 28 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. His entire game was on display from his scoring, playmaking/basketball I.Q. & shooting touch to his defensive and leadership abilities. I'd been saying all weekend that Bronny is one of the best players in the country when he is aggressive and during this game, he was proving me right. I wondered how much of his success could be attributed to having one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball sitting court-side providing encouragement, and that question was answered at half-time when Bronny & LeBron shared a few words. The eye contact between the two never wavered. At that moment, I knew his influence had less to do with him as a superstar future "Hall of Famer", and more to do with him as a loving father and head of the house. It was then that I paused with introspection and realized how amazing that moment truly was.

As a father, I can't tell you the number of times I'm not fully present in my children's lives (even when I'm physically present.) There's no shortage of emails that require an immediate response, phone calls/texts that need to be answered, or other miscellaneous tasks that need to be completed. Here I sat witnessing one of the busiest and most accomplished people on the planet being present and I realized two very important things. 1) I'm never too busy to be present and there for my children no matter what is going on and moving forward I'm going to be more intentional about that. And, 2) While everyone spends time debating the greatness of LeBron James, constantly comparing him to other players in NBA History; the most important part of his legacy has nothing to do with the 94 x 50-foot stage that he competes on nightly. I watched LeBron cheer with the same enthusiasm for his daughter excitedly landing a cartwheel as he did when Bronny knocked down a step-back 3 pointer. I watched him beam with joy as she grabbed a ball and performed a between the legs dribble with the same approving nature as he did when Bronny attacked the basket and finished a drive, through contact, collecting the hoop and the harm. This level of love and support is the type of magical fuel in the hearts of children that allows them to fearlessly pursue their dreams. It's subjective and easily argued whether or not LeBron James is the greatest player in NBA History but in watching him interact with his children one thing is not up for debate; he is a Hall of Fame Father!

I've witnessed multiple game-winning shots, emphatic dunks, and other incredible plays from LeBron but moving forward this is the first thing that will come to mind when I hear his name or think about his impact.