Ever hear of unconditional love? Well, Lebron James has no clue what that feels like in Chicago. The Bulls fan base views whatever team Lebron Jame’s is currently on as their rival team. First it was the Cleveland Cavaliers, then Miami Heat, and now back to the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s fair to say that since the Bulls faced Lebron in the playoffs four times going 5-12 against self proclaimed King James that they have a dark past with him.
So what is it about Lebron James that Bulls fans just can’t shake? Is it the constant Michael Jordan comparisons they have to listen to day in and day out from ESPN. Is it how they can’t get over the hump against Lebron James in the playoffs? Is it that Lebron James chose to play with his friends in South Beach instead of spending his winters in the Chicago cold?
Lebron James is just a bad guy right? Wrong. For a player to be in the media spotlight since he was 16-years old, it’s almost miraculous that he hasn’t done anything wrong. He’s a self portrayed family man who cares about his sons. He’s donating $41 million to pay for college tuition. His biggest mistake in the eyes of the fans actually raised close to $6 million in charity when he decided to do “The Decision” in 2010.
Lebron James isn’t the only player that flops or complains about fouls. The Bulls have one of the biggest complainers in the NBA in Taj Gibson but still gets the support from fans. It’s something much more than that when it comes to Lebron James. Fans aren’t threatened when he’s mentioned in the same sentence as Michael Jordan, but it’s almost as if the’re just tired if seeing the comparisons and not being able to get over the hump.
Lebron James is stacked with a new squad every season that feels like an Allstar game when you watch their team. It’s not his fault, it’s Bulls management’s fault for not luring those players away from Lebron and into their arms.
If you’re not the best, you must hate the best. The best is your rival until you overcome them. Micahel Jordan has done that many times in his era and Bulls fans are getting a taste of their own medicine. It’s not say Lebron is unbeatable, though 5 straight Finals appearances is very impressive. Bulls fans have a deep dark history with Lebron James, something that is hard to put a finger on why besides losing games to him.
It’ll take everything in Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls to overcome the Cleveland Cavaliers this year in the playoffs, but there’s no doubt they’re up to the task.
