4 Reasons Why the NBA Needs 'Headband LeBron'
By Max Scoli
With Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James gifting his No. 23 to newcomer Anthony Davis, it appears as though King James will go back to the No. 6 that he wore during his time with the Miami Heat. But, why stop there?
'Headband LeBron' was a fan favorite, throwing chalk up before every game and dunking on people's heads like it was nothing. Could the headband be making a return for 2020? Here is why the NBA needs the LeBron of old:
June 16, 2014: The last time LeBron wore no. 6...
— ABS-CBN Sports (@abscbnsports) June 28, 2019
- Warriors' dynasty was just beginning
- 'Headband LeBron' was still a thing
- Luka was only 15 years old
- Spurs still had their Big 3
- Lakers' last head coach was Mike D'Antoni
- No team has come back from a 3-1 Finals deficit pic.twitter.com/CY1FYI2cJO
1. Everybody Loves a Chalk Toss
NBA fans who have had the pleasure of saying LeBron James was on their favorite team will attest that nothing gets a crowd more hyped than when the King would throw some chalk in the air right before each game. It's what made the experience of going to basketball games more enjoyable for Cavs fans than watching on TV in the comfort of your own home. In a league where players always seem to conform to the norm, the "chalk toss" would bring back some individuality to the sport.
2. Headband LeBron > Lakers LeBron
In case you forgot, "Headband LeBron" was when the King was in his prime. During that era, which lasted approximately from the time he was drafted in 2003 to 2015, James won each of his four NBA MVP Awards and the first two of his championship rings. It was a time when LeBron was undoubtedly the No.1 player in the world, and the NBA was actually more fun to watch than college ball.
3. Tradition
Some of the best moments the NBA has to offer its fans have come when players return to the familiar. Whether it be when Michael Jordan came out of retirement to play for the Chicago Bulls or when Dwyane Wade came back to the Miami Heat after spending the best years of his career there, there is something about a return to "normalcy" that gets the blood pumping. If "Headband LeBron" were to return, it would likely cause a similar effect.
4. Laker LeBron is Soft
Face it LA fans, LeBron James is not the LeBron of old. He missed the playoffs for the first time in his career since the 2005, and the NBA Finals for the first time since the 2010. The athlete who once seemed unguardable has started to slow down, and adding the headband might be the touch of the past that he needs to get back on track. While his headband wouldn't offer any physical advantages, the mental advantage could be just as important.