For nearly six months, basketball fans across the nation have come together in an effort to tantalize and bash one player. One player who appeared different from the rest of the league’s elite, who was going to use his never-before-seen talents, charisma and sheer dominance to redefine what it truly meant to be a superstar.
However, with just a few words, LeBron James dismantled everything that he had created over the span of seven seasons. He didn’t lose his unparalleled physique or ability to control the outcome of his team’s season, but what he did lose was the respect of everyone. Within seconds, he transformed from the league’s precious poster child into its most hated villain.
No matter which of the other 29 arenas that LeBron “takes his talents to,” he continues to be showered with echoing boos, drunken jeers and hateful chants – and it has been that way in each of the Miami Heat’s 15 road games this season.
Recently, however, a group of LeBron bashers have decided to instigate a collective movement against the self-proclaimed “King James.” The campaign, referred to as “Laugh At LeBron,” began in LeBron’s homecoming in Cleveland on December 2nd, and is slowly generating nationwide buzz, with the ultimate goal of shadowing him in every city, that he “takes his talents to,” away from South Beach. The effort to demoralize LeBron has been featured everywhere, from ESPN to the New York Times, and even on NBC sports.
Now, as the highly anticipated, Christmas Day matchup of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat approaches, the Laugh at LeBron movement has “made the decision” to “take its talents” to the City of Angels. If you happen to be in attendance tomorrow morning when LeBron takes the court against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, they encourage you to participate in what is slowly becoming the newest and most popular way to let LeBron know that the unscathed image he once held, is no longer intact.
At this point, you’re probably asking yourself, “I plan on verbally lashing LeBron already, what do I have to do differently to be apart of the movement?” Not to worry, Laugh At LeBron offers three specific bashing tactics that you can utilize at certain times in order to clearly send the message to LeBron:
The first, and most basic of the three jeering tactics, is simple. When LeBron is introduced or has the ball in his hands, boo as loudly as you can. He’s going to have the ball in his hands a lot, so there will be ample opportunities to partake in this portion of Laugh At LeBron. But remember, first impressions are key, so when LeBron’s name is announced during introductions, make sure he hears it, because that moment will set the tone for the presence of the Laugh At LeBron Christmas Day Campaign.
Everyone is aware of LeBron’s trademark, pre-game powder throw at the scorer’s table. Formerly an iconic representation of the ringless King, now the second opportunity for fans to take part in the Laugh At LeBron movement. The action is simple: when LeBron goes to throw his talcum powder into the air, turn your backs on him. It’s a simple and effective move that is just another way of letting LeBron know that his kingdom has fallen.
Finally, as the two-time defending Most Valuable Player of the NBA, it has been customary for LeBron to hear chants of “M.V.P” while shooting free throws – road or home. However, now that he has all but taken his name out of the MVP race by joining forces with the likes of Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, Laugh At LeBron still thinks that LeBron is worth of an award – just not the one that he has become used to winning. Instead of chanting “MVP,” when LeBron is at the charity stripe, Laugh At LeBron wants you to chant M.O.P., for the league’s “Most Overrated Player.”
So there you have it. If you dislike LeBron and happen to be attending tomorrow’s game, here is the most fashionable way to let LeBron know how much you like him. For more information on the Laugh At LeBron movement, check out their website at, http://www.laughatlebron.com/index.html.