LeBron James Gets The Obsessive, Asinine Media Coverage He Deserves

LeBron James has been surly about his media coverage. He bristled at a question about his Twitter feed. He mocked the media by faux reading too much into his healthy breakfast choice.

Obsessions over such trivia are silly. They are, however, warranted. LeBron brought this on himself.

LeBron committed to a lifetime deal, with Nike. He gave the Cleveland Cavaliers two years, foregoing insurance in case of injury to keep leverage, in case things went sour.

If things did go sour (not improbable in Cleveland professional sports), that was bound to start speculation about his future. Hypotheticals are the soap opera’s most interesting part.

In LeBron’s case, such interest is especially potent. He pulled the rug out from under his last two franchises during free agency. The last time he left Cleveland he let the anticipation build for a TV special to savor the moment.

Things have appeared to be going sour this season. The Cavs don’t look equipped to beat the Warriors. There have been chemistry issues. LeBron fired his coach (or had his coach fired) mid-season. LeBron’s camp has not tamped down speculation about him leaving. They may be fanning it. LeBron openly speculated about leaving to play with his friends.

LeBron is perhaps the most considered, calculating athlete we’ve seen off the court. He’s on point at all times. Everything he does has a purpose. It’s only natural to read into his actions for statements.

The media looks for cryptic clues in his Twitter…because LeBron has spent the past months leaving cryptic clues and subtweets in his Twitter feed. Or, at least he’s deliberately looking like he is doing so to screw with people.

LeBron could shut this coverage down. He could sign a contract extension with Cleveland. He could go full Magic Johnson with his Twitter account.

He won’t. Because, the speculation, the controversy, and the lame subtweets do more to keep him relevant than anything he could do on the court.