This is an image of Lebron James as a junior in high school on the cover of Sports Illustrated entitled, “The Chosen One.” This image demonstrates the hype that surrounded Lebron James, from a highly talented high school player until his arrival in the NBA. Although many high school athletes have been on the cover of Sports Illustrated, very few were on it prior to their junior season in their respective sport. And even fewer have been from the sport of basketball. Lebron is one of six high school basketball players even to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated, a feat not even the consensus best basketball player ever, Michael Jordan, accomplished. Along with being on the cover, Lebron’s junior and senior year games versus highly ranked opponents were televised on the ESPN networks. This kind of exposure to the media at such a young age must bring extreme pressure toward a player. Pressure and attention that many of the best players in the history of the NBA have felt themselves. With this attention though came the comparisons to Michael Jordan, which garnered hype that overshadows anyone else’s, according to Bill Simmons in his article, “Beware the ‘sure thing.’” As if the comparisons to Jordan, ESPN attention, and worldwide recognition weren’t enough, Lebron also felt the pressure of providing for his single mother, who raised him without the presence of his father. He was set for life financially, after signing $100 million worth of endorsements before his debut, but having to play in his hometown with his mother, his friends, and his so-called “friends” surrounding him only looking for money wouldn’t help alleviate the pressure either. If he were to fail his hometown team as well? What pressure could weigh more on a player than letting down his own neighbors when they depended on him to restore the team to glory? The hype surrounding Lebron James is unmatched to anyone’s ever, but how does this hype compare to the looming racism Bill Russell faced in the 50s and 60s?