He didn't quit.
Since the epic failure of the Cavaliers last season to finish off the Boston Celtics and advance in the Eastern Conference Playoffs, I've thought that LeBron, for whatever reason, gave up in the series.
I now know that it's not true.
The Cavs were up 2 to 1 against Boston and unmercifully handed them the worst playoff beating they'd ever received on their home court in game 3. The team was unstoppable and the Celtics where just another speed bump---just like the Chicago Bulls in the first round. Then the unthinkable happened. The Celtics won 3 in a row and closed the season on LeBron, and also his time in Cleveland. Sound familiar?
I remember those last few games very well. I remember Shaq working his aging butt off, trying to be the dominating player he was while he wore a Lakers uniform. He just couldn't make it happen. Mo Williams was jacking up contested threes, and LeBron stood in a corner, chewing on his fingernails.
Fast forward a year. Run past the Decision, the Celebration, the early year woes, the talk, and everything else, and one thing is very clear: LeBron James is the best player in the NBA. No other player, coach or team can stop LeBron. If LeBron wants it, it's his for the taking.
So why didn't he take it? In the waning minutes of games 5 and 6, when the chips were all down and it was up to the superstars to stake their claim to greatness, LeBron watched. In a very telling possession late in the 4th quarter of game 6, the Heat were down (but not out, yet) and they were flying around the offensive end trying to get a good shot. The Mavs double and triple teamed Wade, forcing the ball out of his hands. Twice in the possession, the ball landed in James's hands outside the three point line. A defender rushed toward him, but otherwise, he was open. The LeBron that I know from watching Cavs games for the last 5 years would have bull-rushed his way to the rim for an And-1. This Lebron instantly flicked the ball away, not to a wide-open Bosh for a jump shot, not to a cutting Wade for a dunk, but to a covered Mario Chalmers. What? One time is perhaps understandable. Twice? In the final minutes, the Mavs didn't bother defending LeBron. He stood behind the three point line chewing his finger nails.
The producers at ABC ran some video at the half showing scenes from the series. One of the scenes was of LeBron sitting in the training room, getting taped up. He wore his usual jovial expression and playfully talked to the camera. "When you look across the room and you see a Finals MVP, and a perennial All-Star, you have to like your chances." It seemed LeBron was adopting that faux humility he dons when speaking to a crowd, but now that admission has a depth of meaning that is clearly coming into focus.
LeBron has all the talent a person could ask for. He has size and strength and speed enough to make the very best in the NBA look childish in comparison.
What LeBron lacks is heart.
The greatest champions have heart equal to and often surpassing their physical tools. Dirk showed more heart and grit in these 6 games than James has shown in the sum of his entire career.
I said previously that for me LeBron's legacy was defined by an ill-conceived moment on TV where he wasn't even playing basketball. Now LeBron's legacy is summed up in a new image: one of him standing alone, behind the three point line, chewing his fingernails.
