Awkward

This is awkward.

Lebron James is about to start his first season as a Los Angeles Laker and I just don’t know how to feel about it.

I grew up a Celtics fan. My introduction to the sport was Paul Pierce’s high-scoring outbursts in the early 2000’s. For a short time, he was the best small forward in the game. He could score at all levels while defending, passing, and rebounding with above average proficiency. Then Lebron came along, and my sports experience was never the same.

The two wings dueled for years, but James entered his prime as Pierce aged out of his. Still, they battled a few times in the playoffs, with Pierce giving him many of his biggest challenges. I grew to love cheering against James and developed an affinity for players that would challenge him like Pierce instead of cowering at his celebrity and stature.

Rondo guarding Lebron during his prime with the Celtics

Rajon Rondo was one of those players during his Celtics stint. While he was never the most talented scorer, he dominated games by doing everything else in the mold of Jason Kidd. The 6’ 1” guard was tenacious and didn’t mind guard the much larger James in big moments if the opportunity presented itself.

The same could be said for Lance Stephenson. When the Pacers played Lebron’s Heat teams during the 2013 and 2014 playoffs, Lance brought some creative playmaking to those close series. He still known most for blowing in James ear during a dead ball. While talented, he was crazy enough to try playing mind games with the game’s best player. He was unafraid, and it’s a trait I’ve grown to admire in NBA competition.

I was shocked when both Rondo and Lance signed one-year contracts with the Lakers after Lebron’s arrival. Two of my favorite players are becoming teammates with somebody I’ve spent most of the last 15 years cheering against. Even Lebron is slowly addressing a few of my largest criticisms.

He’s finally playing in the hyper competitive Western Conference and won’t be able to bully the developing teams that reside in the East as frequently. He’s made a long-term contractual agreement (4 years) that doesn’t hold the franchise hostage annually. He signed without any other true stars currently present, which his detractors keyed in on in recent years. Now, he’s playing alongside two of my favorite competitors, and a roster full of young guys with potential.

I think I’m learning to respect this rendition of Lebron James. I’ve never felt like this before. What is happening?