LeBron James on Free-Agency Plans: I’m Happy in Miami

Asked by Robin Roberts of “Good Morning America” about his free-agency plans in 2014, LeBron made sure to mention that he was thrilled to play for the Miami Heat.

“I’m happy right now being in Miami, obviously winning two championships in a row, and hopefully everything works out,” he said, as transcribed by the Sun-Sentinel‘s Ira Winderman. “But when that time comes upon us, I’ll be able to tackle that. But happiness and life and what you do makes it easier to show up every day.”

Spoken like a true media-navigating savant. That’s what LeBron is by this point, after the free-agency debacle of 2010, losing in the NBA Finals in 2011 and winning back-to-back titles these past two years. He’s not going to be tripped up by these kinds of questions this time around; he’s a pro.

Not that I’m saying he’s going to leave Miami. For one, he’s super close with Dwyane Wade, which would have to make any potential departure of his extremely difficult to execute. How do you tell a good friend—two if you count Chris Bosh—that they’re no longer worthy of aiding in your pursuit of a title? I wouldn’t want to have the conversation.

Following three straight finals appearances, I also have my doubts that LeBron could walk away even if the Heat fail to make it that far again next season. Casting aside the previous three years of work because of one bad year is a bit extreme. Short of Wade telling him “Yeah, we’re done man,” he can’t possibly think two championships in four years isn’t cause to stay.

At that point, if the Heat don’t win another title, you have to wonder if he considers opting in for one more year, as sort of a barometer. If they land more talent and win in 2014-15, then he’ll stay. If not, he’ll bolt the summer after next.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6G8eu1L4k0&feature=player_embedded

There’s always the possibility that the Heat win again too. Then his decision is seemingly simplified. You don’t leave a team that just won three straight championships. You just don’t. Unless your name is Michael Jordan and you’re going to retire. Or play minor league baseball. Those are the exceptions. So LeBron can feel free to ditch the NBA after another title in favor of the NFL, where the players are abused, the contracts aren’t guaranteed and Bill Belichick grows wrinklier by the day.

To be honest, there is one other thing that concerns me about LeBron’s tenure in Miami, whether the Heat win or lose—Wade. Yeah, he’s getting old and shouldn’t be attacking the rim as recklessly as he has his entire career, but that’s not what I’m worried about.

Call me shallow, but I have my doubts about LeBron, or any superstar for that matter, wanting to bolster the ring count of a fellow player. Again, there are exceptions—say if Wade had 10 to LeBron’s two and it wasn’t even close. Or if Wade had less than LeBron. I mean, I’m sure Wade isn’t batting an eye about assisting LeBron to ring after ring after ring.

But for LeBron, who’s one ring shy of Wade, does he really want to finish his career with less? This sounds vain, because it is. It also makes sense. Would Kobe Bryant want LeBron on the Los Angeles Lakers if he was chasing his ring count? That’s also why I have my reservations about LeBron joining the lake show. Why on earth would he want to help Kobe get his sixth, seventh or even eighth ring?

Like all things I say, I could be wrong. And maybe you hate me for it. But these are all things we need to consider.

Not right now, of course. The 2013-14 season still needs to played and, well, you heard the man—he’s happy. So don’t go setting fire to your LeBron James Heat jerseys just yet. Not unless it’s somehow going to fuel a fire that will help you toast some kick-ass marshmallows.