Last spring, LeBron James alienated fans across the country with actions that sullied his reputation — a reputation that he's spent the entire year trying to win back, and may not be able to unless he takes home the Larry O'Brien trophy with his new team.
His ill-fated decision to go live on ESPN last July to give "The Decision" on where he would take his talents after he became an NBA free agent?
No, I'm referring to his incredibly uninspiring play in Game Five of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics last May, when the Chosen One seemed to have mentally checked out in a crucial game with his team's chances for a championship still very much alive.
This article appears in May 12-18, 2011.