Why LeBron James Won’t Choose Cleveland Over Miami

Jun 12, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) reacts during the third quarter of game four of the 2014 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

HIS LEGACY 

I’m not a fan of telling people, much less professional athletes, what they “should” do. That isn’t me. However, for the sake of the argument, I’ll be that guy for the next few minutes.

LeBron is a self-aware man. He knows what’s said about him, and what’s being written about him. He knows that if he leaves Miami, it could tarnish his legacy. And every elite athlete values their legacy, no matter what they feed to the media.

While there’s no one that honestly thinks LeBron will retire as a member of the Miami Heat, it would be really strange for LeBron to be known as a guy that bolts immediately after the first sign of trouble. He left Cleveland after failing to meet expectations in 2009, and leaving after getting absolutely destroyed but the San Antonio Spurs would be essentially the same.

For the first time in his career, LeBron needs to choose to face the music — and not be forced into it. He has the perfect opportunity to do that in Miami.