Lebronathon: Epic New Nike Ad for Opening Night

It's time. Opening night in the NBA. I've waited like a kid who, for the first time, fully understands what it means to wake up on Christmas morning.

Awesomeness.

It's been a rough off-season for Lebron fans, as some say. But I think this has been the best off-season since Grant Hill, Tim Duncan and Tracy McGrady flirted with teaming up in Orlando. But, instead, it actually happened.

Lebron's Decision, and I feel like I might get stoned for saying this, was the most exciting moment in sports, outside an actually sporting event, that I've ever seen. Everyone I knew was on the edge of their seats watching him talk about who knows what with Jim Gray. No one knew with absolutely certainty what was going to happen. Sure, sucks to be a Cleveland fan, but how is it really different than when other free agents flee? Chris Bosh told Raptors fans over a streaming internet feed on ESPN with Wade at his side. It wasn't a one-hour special, but frankly, at least that was interesting.

Just by the numbers, most notably ESPN's Player Efficiency Rating, Lebron has been the most dynamic and talented player to ever put on a pair of shorts since Jordan. But when people say that he will be or not be the next Jordan...they're missing the point. He will not be. And that will truly define his greatness. Jordan wasn't the next Magic or Bird. He was the one and only Jordan. Every great person defines himself against no one but himself.

Okay, rant over. To cement the awesomeness I was talking about earlier, Nike has launched a new commercial that is an instant epic classic. Enjoy. ~ p

Lebron's Unpopular Rating (Seriously?)

Bringing up ‘Lebron James’ at a dinner party or at the water cooler has been at par with religion and politics. In other words, it’s probably best to keep your opinions to yourself. Anyway, whatever camp you’re in after Lebron’s Decision, more heat has just been added to the fire.

The Q Scores Co., which conducts popularity polls, reported on Tuesday that James is the sixth-most-disliked figure in American pro sports. Topping off the list: Michael Vick, Tiger Woods, Terrell Owens, Chad Ochocinco, and Kobe Bryant.

Think what you will about Lebron. But did his actions really justify being grouped in with adulterers, dog-killers, and, ahem, ‘other criminals’? Come on.

According to the report, James is viewed in what the company considers a negative light by 39 percent of the general population. In January, while still a Cleveland Cavalier, he was viewed positively by 24 percent of the population, negatively by 22 percent, according to the figures from The Q Scores Co.

“LeBron's positive score at that time [January] was the highest we had ever seen it," Henry Schafer, executive vice president of Q Scores, told CNBC.

The company’s current tally puts James’ drop in positive rating in the past seven months at 41.5 percent. Q Scores considers James to be viewed in a positive light by only 14 percent of the people polled.

Following James on Twitter, I know that he is using this as motivation for the upcoming season and for the foreseeable future. And I can’t wait to watch. Until then, here’s a video of Lebron working out with the Miami Heat coaching staff. ~ p