My Thoughts on Lebron... Because You Care

Last week, LeBron James took part in one of the most self-aggrandizing, egotistical television "specials" of all time.  I think it was absolutely ridiculous the way things went down last week.  I can't necessarily blame ESPN because they did it for the ratings, and they were approached by LeBron's people to do the show.  I'm fairly certain the people involved felt used... I know I did, and I only watched 15 minutes of it.  However, after saying all of that, there are a few things that have been on my mind, and I just want to throw them out there.

1. This is the first time in his career that LeBron has really been able to decide where he wanted to play.  Yes, he did sign an extension with the Cavs that kept him there a couple more years, but this is really the first time he was courted by other teams and able to really take in what his options were.
2. LeBron played seven season in Cleveland.  He didn't bail at the first opportunity.  He was the best player on the best regular season team for the last two years, and each year, the team failed miserably in the postseason.  Did he fail the team?  I don't think so, he just came up against better teams.  An individual doesn't make a team.
3. LeBron didn't owe Cleveland anything.  Cleveland was not entitled to have LeBron for his entire career.  Cleveland was entitled to have him from the time he was drafted until now, but beyond that, there was no obligation on either side of the relationship.
4. People are saying that LeBron will hurt his legacy by playing with Wade and Bosh.  What will hurt his legacy more - winning 4 championships in Miami, or not winning any championships in Cleveland?  If it is about winning championships, then LeBron made the move that gives him the best chance to win multiple championships, and you can't fault him for that decision.  
5. The first thing people talk about when discussing the best of the best is the number of championships they've won; fair or not.  How many championships did Jordan win without Pippen?  None.  How many championships has Kobe won without either Shaq or Gasol?  None.  You don't win championships without a top-tier #2 guy.  One guy alone cannot win a championship in the NBA.  LeBron's decision was about winning a championship.
6. He simply took good advice.  Kevin Garnett, who played for the Timberwolves for a number of years, picked Minnesota over free agency and spent his best seasons in frustration.  Then he was traded to Boston and won a championship with Ray Allen and Paul Pierce.  After Boston beat Cleveland in the playoffs, Garnett basically said that there's a lot to be said for loyalty, but if it holds you back from winning the championship, then maybe you need to rethink what you are doing.

All right.  That's all I have to say about that.