A renowned journalist defends LeBron against mockery: If you could make big money from branding like him, you'd definitely say yes immediately

On October 8th Beijing time, LeBron James' "Decision 2" commercial attracted a lot of mockery and backlash, yet some journalists chose to support him, including CBS reporter Brad Botkin. He penned a response to those doubters, stating that if they had the opportunity to make big money through branding like LeBron, they would immediately agree to shoot such a commercial. Here are the main points from Botkin's article—

LeBron’s Decision 2 has a bit of creativity. Every detail deliberately mimics LeBron’s 2010 "Decision"—the announcement when he said he was “bringing his talents to South Beach” (joining the Heat). He replicated the entire setup: wearing an almost identical striped shirt, sitting across from a (still unidentified) reporter in a gym. Only this time, he declared he was “bringing his talents to... Hennessy”?

Obviously, people’s reactions to this “reveal” vary greatly. Many of LeBron’s fans felt relieved; even more of his detractors eagerly mocked it as yet another “tacky move.” As for the latter,Stop acting so self-important. If you had the chance to make big money from a brand deal like LeBron, and shoot a fun commercial on the side, you’d say yes right away—we all would. Stop pretending to be so serious.

However, there are indeed some potential “losers” in this deal. When LeBron hinted at a “second decision,” speculation arose that he might announce his “final season.” Ticket prices for the Lakers’ last home game of the season (April 13 against the Utah Jazz) instantly soared (from $80 to $445). It’s certain many eager fans scrambled to buy tickets then.

But it’s worth noting these people might not have lost out entirely. LeBron could still announce at some point that this season is his last. In 2015, Kobe waited until nearly December to reveal he was playing his final season, and his farewell tour ended with a legendary 60-point performance in his last game (against the Utah Jazz).

In any case, looking back, someone as savvy at self-promotion as LeBron is unlikely to disrupt the celebratory mood of his retirement announcement with one of sports history’s most “cheesy” moments (referring to the 2010 Decision). In fact, by playfully revisiting the 2010 Decision, he shows both cleverness and self-awareness—it’s long been a joke, so better to embrace it and present himself as someone willing to poke fun at his past.

LeBron has always enjoyed being the center of attention, and he will certainly play the “I might retire” card, perhaps for a long time to come.But one day—maybe tomorrow, maybe next week—he will have to face the reality. When that time comes, for many people, it will no longer be a joke.