Will Bald LeBron take over 2017?
By Kyle Jones
With the changes made under the King’s crown, LeBron James has once again done something “Like Mike”.
A couple of weeks ago, LeBron James debuted a new hairstyle on Instagram and this isn’t be the first time James has altered his look.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVXfmnthljC/?hl=en
Nonetheless, “Bald LeBron” made a heck of an entrance in 2017.
Let’s see if his gameplay mirrors his actions.
While raucous Cleveland crowds will roar in celebration after James’ Jordan-esque transformation, those who bet against the James and the Cavs should be trembling in fear as all of LeBron’s previous wardrobe changes have resulted in increases his productivity. Some of this is circumstantial, to be sure. However, superstition has always had a place in sports.
James went to the NBA Finals four consecutive years (winning two) after changing his jersey number from 23 to 6 and after changing back to 23 from 6, he’s went to three consecutive championships. After shedding the headband after his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, James had to go on a Jordan-esque rampage to reach the NBA Finals with averages of 30.1 points (on 27.2 field goal attempts per game), 11.3 rebounds (career-high for the postseason), 8.5 assists (career-high for the postseason), 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.
The King is obviously sending his competition a message after coming up short in last years finals appearance.
The irony of James going bald like Jordan is that following the headband removal, and James’ Jordan-esque rampage, the world noticed James’ new and improved hairline. Once a butt of NBA joke, it was fairly surprising to both his fans and critics to see; nearly everyone acknowledged his receding hairline. It was to the point where it became a social thing to point out.
The number 6 jersey James wore while he was in Miami was originally his number for Team USA’s Olympic squad and his practice jersey. While James equated the number 6 jersey with NBA legend Julius Erving and 11-time champion Bill Russell, James’ away jersey number was 9, his high school football number and Jordan’s number when he played for Team USA.
While many point to James’ days in South Beach as his coming-of-age experience in the NBA, James also grew as a player on the USA Men’s Basketball Olympics team.
Clearly the best and most versatile player on the Olympic teams, James was tasked with the responsibility of being the anchor and glue for the country’s best players and exuded certain maturity on the court. One consisting of more poise and craftiness.
James follows up all of these events by shaving his head completely bald? NBA, watch out.