Self-interest...what's wrong with it?

This weekend, after hanging out with Rhett, I read an article about the backlash that LeBron James is receiving for signing with the Miami Heat.  To my surprise, the thoughts that came to mind after reading the article weren't about basketball or even sports.  I began recalling a recent topic discussed in my history of civilization class at school.  What does LeBron James and his decision to go to the Miami Heat have to do with ancient history?


Adam Smith, in The Wealth of Nations, says that if each member of society works there hardest to be the best they can at a respective skill, it will be for the betterment of the society as a whole.  This goes hand in hand with the theory of classic liberalism which states that the best of society is obtained when each individual is doing there best to be the best they can be.  "Smith saw self-interest, rather than altruism, as the motivation for the production of goods and services." (Classic Liberalism) 

So what did LeBron James do to receive all the backlash?  Bob Wojnowski, in his article "Sad to say: Self-interest rules basketball" said, "James went from endearing star to petulant villain not because he took the easiest path to a championship by joining Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, but because he reveled in doing it. He built his own gilded, prime-time stage because that's what the NBA celebrates, and what overbearing ESPN provides......it's about self-indulgence and self-interest. It's about the wide, wide reach of sports in America, the ultimate magnifier of ego and passion."  

LeBron chose to do what was best for him, his family, and the people around him.  He followed the course of history and made a decision with his own self-interest in mind.  A decision that if he plays to his potential will benefit not only himself but his team, the Miami Heat organization and the NBA as a whole.  Wouldn't you have done the same thing?