LeBron is the best and worst of times

By Greg Cote ~ The Miami Herald

Would you want to be LeBron James right now? Certainly your inclination is to snort incredulously and cry, "No, genius, of course not! Who in his right mind would want a hundred million bucks!?"

Your reaction and even your snarky sarcasm are understandable. It's nearly impossible to think outside the bank when the account involves that many commas.

Mull the question, though. Imagine actually being the 18-year-old phenomenon whom the Cleveland Cavaliers will select No. 1 overall in tonight's NBA draft.

You are the first athlete of the Too Much Information Age who begins his pro career in a can't-win situation, an instant legend bound to disappoint. Because the only thing in basketball bigger than you is the hype surrounding you, the hype that both promises and demands you be something way beyond extraordinary.

It's all you, LeBron. And here is all you need to do ...

Go be the biggest thing in Cleveland since Jim Brown and Bob Feller. No. Bigger.

Go to a really bad franchise without much supporting help and turn the Cavaliers into championship contenders.

Perform every night against hyper-motivated defenders whose sole desire in life will be to personally deliver your comeuppance.

Live up to "King James." Never ever shoot an airball or miss a dunk, because your error will be replayed on SportsCenter 4,811 times.

Represent the entire league, from this day forward. Be the face of the NBA, its signature, marketing hub, great hope and new era.

Be as good as Michael Jordanl. Or better, please. Because if you turn out to be a superstar but not quite Mike, like Kobe Bryant, you'll have failed. Sorry, 'Bron.

If you are a second-tier star like Allan Houston, you'll be required to wear a dunce cap during games.

Sign every autograph ever asked of you or prepare to hear about 90 million shouted variations on the word "ingrate." Oh, and limit yourself to 12 tattoos, avoid cutting a rap CD, engage a legal team to divert paternity suits, don't smoke dope or get caught and maintain a David Stern-friendly image.

Above all, just relax, kid.

Have fun.

It's only a game.