During Wednesday’s game against the Knicks, LeBron James apparently decided he had enough of the snug sleeves on his jersey so he ripped them. Whether it’s a mental thing or not in terms of it bothering his shot, James took matters into his own hands that day.
In other matters regarding James’ uniform, it has been noted by many he is wearing shorter shorts this season. While they aren’t Chris Douglas-Roberts short, the difference is noticeable when looking at in-game photos of James this season compared to previous ones.
For James, it’s all about ditching the baggy look in favor of one that’s more professional. “I’m always thinking about ways I can be of help,” James told Cleveland.com. “That’s what it’s about, making sure you’re doing your part.”
As Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com confirms, James’ shorts are a couple of inches shorter this season. His jersey is also more form fitting.
We aren’t far removed from an era ushered in by Michigan’s Fab Five that saw an influx of shorts as baggy as seemingly possible. They looked cool and the craze spread like wildfire. Whether or not James brings us full circle to a time when Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Charles Barkley wore shorts that showed much more leg remains to be seen. However, it’s obvious for James less is more when it comes to material in his shorts, atleast at this stage of his career.
There aren’t many athletes as socially conscious as LeBron James. He almost always looks to project himself in a positive manner and embraces being a role model for those who look up to him. “I have a calling, man,” James said. “Everything I do is for the people I love. I was just brought up that way.” The changes to his uniform are yet another example of this.
H/T Sporting News
