Lebron, I misjudged you. But we cool.

So LeBron James decided to join the Miami Heat. I told my friends earlier that day his decision will tell the world what he cares about in the game of basketball. Cleveland (determined to prove he can lead his city from obscurity and be immortal), New York (more concerned about his Brand and being a global icon then winning), Chicago (wants to win and be “The Man”), Miami (wants to win but does not thrive off the pressure of being the unquestioned leader). As he spoke the word, “Miami,” I went into a state of shock and disbelief. Not because he said goodbye to Cleveland, but he made me rethink my whole thought process of whom he was as a basketball player. Since he entered the league the media and public perceived him in the Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant type mold.

Guys that said, “Get out of my way, I am the captain of this ship. This ship will either reach it’s destination or drown with me at the wheel. Either way, no one else is wearing my Captain’s Hat.” But alas, this is not LeBron James. He would rather win with his boys then beat them. He would rather be a part of something then carry the load as the quintessential leader. The man is just not wired for INDIVIDUAL greatness.

A colleague of mine suggested he is in the mold of Magic Johnson. Which is not a bad person to be compared to at all. I do see the comparison except for one major difference. Even though Magic would pass the last shot to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or James Worthy, he still was the one controlling where the ball goes. It was his to decide. The decision will not always be LeBrons to decide. Wade will be making many decisions. When we think of the great Celtics-Lakers rivalry the two unquestioned names are Bird vs Magic (they even had a video game with the same title). The 2011 Finals will not be Kobe vs LeBron. It will be Kobe vs. Wade and LeBron. Enuff said.

He actually placed winning over money which is unheard of from today’s superstar athlete. So LeBron I ain't mad at u bro’. However, I can no longer call you “The King.” King’s are unquestioned and unrivaled leaders. When the Heat are down to their final possession it will be Dwyane Wade with the ball roughly 70% of the time. He is the Superman to your Batman. Both great heroes but Superman still leads the team into battle. I wish the best of luck to you and actually hope you achieve what you are looking for. I still think that you are genuinely a good guy and won't deserve much of the criticism you will receive. Thank you for showing your true colors. The ultimate TEAM player. I misjudged who you are as a player, but we still cool.

Side note: KOBE BRYANT is officially the greatest player in the post-Jordan era. No question about it.