The Atlantic

What’s Different About LeBron’s Move to the Lakers

The last time the basketball star left Cleveland, the world erupted. This time around, he leaves behind a legacy that’s bigger than the sport.
Source: Adam Hunger / USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Since he left the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010 by announcing his decision to join the Miami Heat on a national television broadcast, angering many of his loyal fans and even the team’s owner, LeBron James, the best player of his generation and perhaps the greatest player to ever grace a basketball court, has taken meticulous steps to manage public perception and craft his narrative.

After his first season in Miami, James he was uncomfortable playing the role of the villain. Like many other high-profile athletes who have seen their Q rating fluctuate throughout their careers, James was able to win back

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