LeBron James scores again, collaborating with HBO to debut in “The Shop”

BY RYAN MERARD

LeBron James, three-time National Basketball Association (NBA) champion and holder of four Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, is mainly known for his actions on the court. But James has recently been making major moves off the court. He has performed many actions in our society from opening an elementary school to creating his own television show.

Shortly after signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, James is going Hollywood again, collaborating with HBO and starring in his new show “The Shop” which aired August 28.

Before having his show on HBO, James and his digital company “Uninterrupted” released a few episodes of the show online.

For the show, James got together with his longtime friend, Maverick Carter, and selected guest celebrities to come on the show and discuss sports, politics and social issues among other topics with one another.

The show takes place in a real barbershop and, throughout the show, the celebrities can be seen getting haircuts from barbers as they talk amongst each other

Only one episode has been released on HBO thus far. There is no official schedule yet but, according to Awful Announcing, HBO has announced that the show will release new episodes periodically throughout the year.

“The Shop” gives the celebrities on the show an opportunity to speak on a new platform so that they can express their views on certain topics. 

In the debut episode, James is accompanied by Carter, New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., rappers Snoop Dogg and Vince Staples, Golden State Warriors power forward Draymond Green, two-time Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) MVP Candace Parker, Peabody and Emmy winner Jon Stewart and New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara.

In this episode, the conversations are filled with laughter, as well as seriousness at times as the celebrities talk about sports, issues in society and life experiences that one of them may have attained recently.

“The Shop” gives the celebrities on the show an opportunity to speak on a new platform so that they can express their views on certain topics. This show also gives fans a more in-depth look at the guests that appear on the show.

Viewers of “The Shop” will be able to draw parallels between the show and an actual visit to the barber shop, which is a connection that James tries to put into the show.

There are also certain aspects of the show that could be improved in the future.

One does not have to be a sports fan to watch “The Shop.”

The editing is not the best as it seems different clips were simply thrown together. Many of the conversations in the show are cut off by the editing, which makes the show run less smoothly.

Also, “The Shop” is completely unscripted, which can add reality to the show, as everything that is said by these celebrities is authentic. But, it also makes it easier for James or the guests on the show to say something that they might later regret saying on television.  

For example, in the show, James states that there are double standards for black athletes. He explains this by saying that he believes that famous white athletes are treated differently than famous black athletes. He also brings up the incident involving his house being vandalized last year, with racial slurs spray painted on its walls.

Statements like these could cause major backlash from the audience because everyone has different opinions and may not agree with James. However, James and the celebrities he invites should use this platform of entertainment freely to let viewers know what they believe about certain issues.

For those who enjoy watching sports or are familiar with athletes, this show could be the perfect fit. However, it is important to note that one does not have to be a sports fan to watch “The Shop.”

The show has many aspects that everyone can enjoy, such as humor and realistic dialogues between the members of the show and a closer look at what the celebrities on the show are like when the spotlight is not on them.

Photo courtesy of HBO