If LeBron James and the Miami Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs and pulled a 3-peat in the NBA Finals, then the basketball world would not be talking about his future in the coming 2014 NBA Free Agency. The talks would have been about his legacy and the dawn of a new dynasty in south beach. But they didn't... And after the Heat left the court with the shame of defeat and elimination in Game 5 of the finals series, the rumors regarding LeBron's future were destined to surface.
After their crushing defeat in the hands of the mighty Spurs, it was clear that LeBron James was not in the mood to talk about his next possible move in the coming free agency in front of the press. There were reports, however, that "The King" will at least explore every feasible option before deciding whether or not he will be wearing a Heat jersey next season.
But James knows how to win championships and he knows that it's possible to do it in Miami--he won back to back NBA titles with the Heat after all. But perhaps the big question in his mind is if the Heat is still capable of winning a title with its current roster in the seasons to come. The answer to this question may as well determine whether or not he will resign with Miami.
Wade's game: Wade's health is once gain brought into light after he exhibited signs of decline in Game 3 - 5 of the finals series. Wade has been bothered with his troublesome knees for quite some time now, and if LeBron wants to continue making a run at an NBA championship with the Heat, he needs to know if Wade would still be healthy enough to become his side-kick and the second option of the team.
A New Second Option: If Wade will no longer be the second option, will Bosh step up to the challenge? In their four trips to the finals, Bosh has always been the 3rd option and LeBron needs to know if he has what it takes to elevate his game especially in the playoffs. And if not Wade or Bosh, James needs to know from the Heat front office if they are going to bring in a star-caliber player--perhaps Carmelo Anthony--that would become his new scoring side kick.
Bench Scoring: Lastly, James will want to hear personally from Pat Riley if the franchise has plans on spending more money on role players. The disparity in bench scoring and impact between the Spurs and the Heat was obvious in the finals and it was one of the reasons why the Heat got demolished in the series.
Even though the Heat fell short in winning their 3rd straight championship, LeBron went all-in against the Spurs and unlike the 2011 Finals against Dallas, it's hard to blame LeBron this time. We can make the case, however, that the Big Two--Wade and Bosh--and the Heat bench weren't there for LeBron when he needed them the most.
LeBron Jame's future is still uncertain, but one things is for sure: If the Miami Heat front office fails to provide Jame's with the kind of help that he needs to win another title, then we may as well be seeing "The King" in another jersey come free agency time.
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