LeBron James Opt-O-Meter: After Heat’s Season Comes to an End

Editor’s note: After every playoff game the All U Can Heat staff weighs in on the “LeBron James Opt-O-Meter” — the real-time measurement of LeBron’s mood in regards to whether or not he will stay in Miami after he opts out of his contract this summer. It’s not difficult to understand: 1 means he’s gone, like ‘Seeyuh, Miami, I’m going to Los Angeles’ gone. 10 means he’s staying, like already signed the contract in red gel pen staying. Like going in on South Florida-based investments with David Beckham staying. The reading is the average combined rating from the AUCH staff.

6/15 Opt-O-Reading: 4

Wes Goldberg: 1. Based on this game, the only thing keeping LeBron in Miami is the lack of state income tax. LeBron looked frustrated that, despite his 31 points, the Heat still couldn’t make it a contest. Realistically, I think LeBron stays. But one thing is for sure, regardless of the reading on this opt-0-meter, LeBron will be working with the front office to build a team that can compete for championships.

David Ramil: 0. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Dude’s gone. I’ve had a feeling that James has been testing his teammates to see if they’d contribute to a title. Tonight, they didn’t. He had that huge 1st quarter and did just enough afterward to make it look like he wasn’t outright quitting but for someone who claimed he’d lead the team to a win, that certainly wasn’t the case.

Chris Posada: 9. The meltdown of Dwyane Wade and the questions that cloud his contract raises a red flag, but I think all three opt-in for one year and see how Pat Riley reloads. Heat have to get younger on the bench, plus find players that can do more offensively if their shots aren’t falling. I think Beasley can have a role on this team. Can’t rule out a return for Mike Miller.

Jimmy Cook: 6. No frustration this time, like there was in 2011. The Heat have a lot of work to do in the off-season, particularly by trying to get younger and adding more depth to the roster. The Big 3 need to look at what the Spurs have done, and take pay cuts this off-season to reload the roster if they want to win more championships. This version of the Heat is over. It’s been a heck of a run but it’s done with now. I expect big changes to be made in the next couple of months, and if that isn’t the case, the King may take his talents away from South Beach. I still think he stays because of the family values the Heat have as an organization, but now is the time to regroup and reload. Hats off to the Spurs, they truly are deserving champions. Unlike 2011, there’s nothing to be ashamed of this time around. It’s just time to look to the future. The King will rise again, and the hope would be that happens with the Miami Heat. Only time will tell.  

Ehsan Kassim: 4. For the first time, I cannot say with certainty LeBron will be back in Miami. He looked like he was on an island near the end of the game. I’m scared.