As expected, LeBron James’ home debut with the Lakers was an unparalleled spectacle. Accompanied by hype that began long before he formally committed to the purple and gold on the first day of free agency in July, his entrance at Staples Center was greeted with ovations from fans with tickets costing as much as four digits. Never mind that the public address announcer sounded bored with the four-time league Most Valuable Player’s introduction following those of the other starters.
If nothing else, the relatively subdued voice-over served as a stark counterbalance to the over-the-top welcome that James received from just about all other quarters. Business partners Nike and Beats celebrated the occasion with building-size billboards, while the Lakers themselves added to the reality-show atmosphere by showing on the Jumbotron before the game a one-and-a-half minute video invocation that, hosted by Alice Cube no less, featured their prized catch and promised “the dawn of a new kingdom.”
Needless to say, celebrities were on hand for the occasion; the usual suspects occupied their usual seats, of course — and noticeably early, too. Meanwhile, James himself arrived in casual wear and, in sporting a Dodgers cap, seemingly more interested in Game Seven of the National League Championship Series than in Game Two of his season. All the same, it was clear to all and sundry that, all the stars studding Staples Center aside, he owned the stage. And once the game began, he wasted no time showing why.
Unfortunately, James finished the night in less than desirable fashion. The Lakers didn’t just suffer their second straight setback to start the season; he had a hand in the outcome, going just one of eight in the fourth quarter, of which he played all 12 minutes and in which a one-point deficit turned into a nine-point loss. So, yes, he was still the brightest star on the court by far. But, no, it didn’t matter one bit. In fact, the lasting memory of the match won’t be any of his highlights; rather, it’s the fight that broke out two-thirds into the payoff period, during which time he acted as peacemaker.
To be sure, James was measured in his reaction. Pressed to consider the development in the aftermath, he preached patience and noted that the Lakers lost to the clearly superior Rockets. He spoke the truth, of course. Nonetheless, that he did so in defeat speaks volumes of the position he has put himself in. At 34 and in spite of his sterling resume, he’s compelled to take the long view. He will continue to be celebrated under the klieg lights, but as the losses pile up, he cannot but realize that his status as the best of the best counts for squat unless and until reasonable help arrives — and when can’t come soon enough.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994.
