When LeBron left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat in the summer of 2010, it was viewed as the most evil betrayal of a superstar player the sport had ever seen. How could the hometown kid abandon the hometown team? Pairing up with fellow star players Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, his loss in the 2011 Finals was celebrated by many, and the scrutiny was at an all time high. LeBron James' back was against the wall, and for the first time in his career, the narrative surrounding him was negative, villainous even. To overcome all criticism and obstacles, LeBron embraced this narrative, and became a back to back NBA Champion, Finals MVP and Regular Season MVP. I am a fan of LeBron James because he represents the idea of climbing up from adversity, setting yourself up for success, and the significance of self value. LeBron's rough upbringing is well documented at this point, with plenty of stories, documentaries, and articles citing the financial struggles coming from a single-parent household in an underprivileged, crime-stricken neighborhood of Akron, OH. Despite these inherent shortcomings, LeBron saw great success in football and basketball at a young age, competing at the highest level around the country by the time he reached middle school age. While attending St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, LeBron would cement himself as the best player in the country, with averages of 25.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, leading his team to 3 state championships in his 4 years of attendance. Due to his other-worldly dynamic skillset being paired with unforeseen athleticism, James skipped the traditional path of NCAA basketball, and was selected as the 1st pick of the NBA Draft immediately after his senior high school season, and the Cavaliers were atop the draft board. To put it simply, the success story of LeBron James is one of the greatest we've ever seen. A true "rags to riches" situation, fueled entirely by his own dedication to his craft, combined with a gift and talent that can't be taught. As LeBron James' career starts to wind down, fans that were once tough critics are now giving him his deserved flowers. Due to his (ever so slight) decline in production at age 39, the million-dollar question presents itself more than ever before. Is LeBron James the greatest basketball player of all time? Yes, LeBron James is the "G.O.A.T." of basketball. For a long time, I strongly believed that Michael Jordan held that title, and that LeBron would never surmount him for it. Jordan, like LeBron, possessed a skillset and athletic ability that separated him from his peers, even in the genesis of his career. This, along with his own will to win and killer work ethic made him a 6 time NBA Champion, 5 time Regular Season MVP, and won him a Defensive Player of the Year award. Looking at accolades such as these, or counting stats like LeBron's all time scoring record are fine, but they don't tell the full story. Contextually, LeBron has maintained a level of greatness across 21 seasons that Michael Jordan simply couldn't match. Similar to a flame, this contest is a marathon, not a race. LeBron and Jordan's flame grew at a similar rate in their best seasons, as LeBron also has achieved a scoring title, and great consideration for a Defensive Player of the Year award, with multiple first team All-Defense selections to pair with his 4 total Regular Season and Finals MVP awards. But comparatively, at 39 years old, Jordan was simply outmatched by LeBron's sustainability at this age.

I define success as personal peace and stability. I've always understood that money doesn't buy happiness, and that the rich are not always the most pleased, and that information has helped form my understanding of success over the years. Success is attainable at any level as long as you understand how much effort you must put in to make your goals possible, and that starts with a feeling of freedom from life's restrictions on your happiness. I believe my mindset is different from my peers because of what motivates me to continue, and the wisdom I've collected from those older than me. I've understood what dissatisfaction looks like in unfortunate situations, and vice versa. I don't want to become the richest man on the planet, but rather content with a mentally and physically stable lifestyle. Also, I've taken from the examples set in front of me to set myself up for success in ways that my peers haven't been willing to listen to. I believe this will bring me success in life simply because we cannot move forward without the past. History cannot be repeated, and I've seen the mistakes of those who had similar mentalities of ignorance to those in my age group, and I refuse to take the same route. They say knowing is half the battle, and as a willing and active learner, I plan on applying my knowledge to my future career and life.