I'm Going to Miami: Will Smith vs. LeBron James

"I'm going to Miami" are the words famously spoken by the Fresh Prince, Will Smith. Now, they are linked with the self-proclaimed King, LeBron James. So, today's post is dedicated to these two members of South Beach-bound royalty: the Prince vs. the King.

In 1776, America's founding fathers declared that they no longer recognize the sovereignty of England's King, mainly because the concept makes no real sense. The right to rule a nation of people is given to a monarch upon birth. In other words, a King has to do absolutely nothing to deserve the title. If that is the case, then LeBron James gained his title just as earnestly as any other monarch in history: by doing nothing. I witnessed ESPN force-feeding the nation the King's propaganda since he was a junior in high school, broadcasting high school games on national television. By the time the guy was drafted, they had already given him an endorsement deal worth $90 million or so, not to mention the nicknames "King" and "Chosen One."

Just as a king grows up groomed for power, so was James. Born in Akron, Ohio's own son seemed destined to do great things in Cleveland when the Cavaliers drafted him. For a city that hasn't won a major sports championship since 1948, the notion of a local-bred prodigy starting a dynasty on the banks of Lake Erie seemed to good to be true. And as Cleveland just witnessed last night, it was.
...because I couldn't find clips from the first movie

The signs were there since back in '07. When the Indians and Yankees matched up in the ALDS, Cleveland's favorite son showed up at Jacob's Field to show his support for...the Yankees? Wait a second, Kings don't do that. Not only was he employed by the Cavs, adored by all of Cleveland, but he grew up in Northeast Ohio! And his excuse was, "I'm a Yankees fan." But that doesn't answer the question, "Why?" Yes, the King of Cleveland claims that his favorite teams growing up were the New York Yankees, Chicago Bulls, and Dallas Cowboys (these teams coincidentally won a total of 12 championships in the '90s, when James was growing up. So much for hometown loyalty). Turns out LeBron is a bandwagon fan. And just like any bandwagon fan, they're happy when things are good, but will be the first to desert for greener pastures when they get the chance.

Though he gained his power like any other king, James did nothing to deserve keeping it. Kings aren't supposed to abandon their own lands. Can you imagine King Leonidas showing up to the Olympics rocking a Persian Empire hat? "What, I like the Persians," he'd say. "I'm a huge Xerxes fan." No, that wouldn't fly. What if Odysseus said, "You know what, my home's filled with suitors and I really don't see a winning future in Ithaka. I think I'll sign with Calypso. Besides, her place is on the beach." Kings don't do that. Leonidas gave his life for his land, and Odysseus spent twenty years fighting the strength of Poseidon to return to his throne at home. King James abandoned his home because, despite how good he is, he wasn't quite good enough to win in the playoffs.
This. Is. Sparta! Until my contract expires, then I'm out of here...

Yes, this post is more about bashing LeBron than it is about Will Smith. And yes, Smith is just a Prince. But what are the very first words of the Fresh Prince's Creed? "In West Philadelphia, born and raised..." Though Smith may live in Miami now, he's always been proud of his hometown, Philly. As he states in his song, Miami is his "second home," not the place he runs to when things get a little rough (keyword: a little).

A king isn't supposed to abandon his kingdom to sign elsewhere. Kingship is a lifetime commitment. But LeBron James has spent a lifetime denying his Midwestern roots, so why should we expect him to commit the rest of his career to his home? James' behavior is not that of a king, but more like the Governor of South Carolina, running and hiding when the going gets tough. It's time for him to leave his royal title behind, making the Fresh Prince the winner of this match-up. Ohio waited for seven years for a championship, but instead only witnessed disappointment, selfishness, and abandonment. This is an easy victory for Will Smith.

PS: Tom Izzo, you absolutely made the right decision. When given the choice for more money and glory, you chose to stay at home where you belong.