Kevin Durant may not like the media circus surrounding LeBron James. But that doesn’t mean he and others don’t follow his business plan.
Let’s take a look back a few years to 2016 when Kevin Durant shocked the basketball world by leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Golden State Warriors. His decision also garnered media criticism that seemingly bothers him to this day. No one could get over Durant leaving to join a team that beat his Thunder in the 7-game Western Conference Championship.
What got him through his decision?
He looked at James’ decision to leave Cleveland before he made his decision to leave OKC. It’s no secret that LeBron James likes playing with his friends like Wade in Miami. What was criticized and ridiculed back then is the norm these days.
Take a look at this past offseason for example. Now free agent players moved around the NBA, often opting to team up with friends, like Russell Westbrook moving to play with James Harden in Houston, or Durant joining Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets.
Players can now take advantage of the higher salary caps and endorsement deals that come with switching teams. No longer are NBA successes revolving around media markets (Something James Dolan is figuring out these days!). It’s about winning championships. Instead of practicing loyalty like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic and Kobe Bryant of the ’80s and ’90s, many players will leave for the teams that guarantee wins.
Understanding the power of signing one-year deals in Cleveland, LeBron James exposed a loophole in the current salary cap system. Even though it drove David Griffin up a wall, it manipulated the balance of power from NBA front offices toward players when it comes to contracts and building rosters.
Notice the difference of what Kevin Durant did in Golden State?
There was none.
Time will tell overall what the totality of LeBron’s influence will be in all sports, but for right now, he has the power of “The King”.