Thanks, LeBron

     

LBJ isn't MJ. Who cares?

       It's always best to give thanks to someone who was there to provide 4 superb years to the state of Florida and to the state of Pro Basketball. In 2010, the Miami Heat acquired the talents of Chris Bosh and LeBron James to assist Dwayne Wade in taking a stranglehold not just in Miami, but the world. Long-story short, people hated them for partaking in a bold movement to play together while appearing in 4 straight Finals (winning 2 of 4), which hasn't been done since the 1980's Boston Celtics. Then, like all relationships, they do eventually end. One player leaves for passions beyond chasing a 90's legend, while two stay in Miami to rectify the rest of the organization. Before we get into the banal discussions of what this'll means for LeBron's "legacy" and who won mattered more during Miami's 2012 & 2013 championship runs, those were some captivating years seeing the three of them go through the pendulum of highs and lows. Dwayne Wade may have had that championship in 2006, but let us not forget who struggled to get out of the first-round of the playoffs after that time before acquiring the talents of LBJ. Chris Bosh also struggled with this, too, but he knew the role this was going to be compared to his time with the Toronto Raptors. So what did I get with James? A better Game 7 Finals than Kobe Bryant's Game 7, A 27-game winning streak, 61 points against Charlotte, Cramp-3 against OKC in the 2012 Finals, Game 4, versatile defense, lots of unselfish plays. While that's merely microcosm of what I was able to gather, those items speak volumes of one man during those 4 years. Sure, I could mention the one year he failed and produced below his usual output against the Dallas Mavericks, but, oh well; you learn from your mistakes and do better.

     His letter was pretty telling in what his true intentions are for the Northeast Ohio and not the city of Cleveland. Forgiveness is one thing, but finding it is even more difficult. Sometimes, chasing a legend is more than just the construct of rings, ego, or having "killer instinct," because that stuff plays into the role of perception and not reality. He's going back to Cleveland not just to win one, but for something bigger, something greater than championships will ever buy you, which is inner peace. The hard part's over, at least right now, but rebuilding this Cavaliers team will be a bit of a work-in-progress. It'll take time, though, Bron knows that if something bad happens between he and Dan Gilbert, Gilbert might be the one to question his "decision" to bolt his franchise. Go get yours, King.