In Cleveland, LeBron James was relied on for everything. If a game was on the line, Coach Mike Brown chose him to shoot the shot. But the thing is, even if LeBron deferred it in Cleveland, no one would have cared because he was the outright star and leader on that team, whatever he thought was best was the right choice. These days it doesn’t come that easy.

If people believe that LeBron has lost the ability to make a game-winning shot, they are crazy. Against the Jazz on Friday night, James went 8-9 in the 4th quarter with 17 points, but was largely criticized because of his decision to pass the ball to Udonis Haslem for the final shot of the game. If this were Cleveland, no one would have said a thing, but the fact that LeBron is now on a team with 2 All-Stars, the circumstances change.

So at the end of the day, I believe that playing with 2 All-Stars is what has held LeBron back. He is scared to take that last shot because he knows there are 2 other guys who are also capable of making that shot. If Udonis Haslem had been Mo Williams and there was no D-Wade on the court, it wouldn’t have been a big deal. LeBron does not want to let people down, it’s the story of his life. He was heartbroken that Cleveland decided to hate him and he feels the same way about letting his team down.

LeBron James is hands-down the best player in the NBA. He obviously has a ton of pressure on him and the media always takes shots at him. From the bike he rides to the game to his mom getting arrested to his house, the media obsesses with him. He is very self-conscious about his image and if he messed up, he’ll pay for it.

LeBron, you are the best player in the NBA. Please take the last shot. Chances are that it will go in and you will be the man. You are already the King, but why not add meaning to that name. This is what separates you, Jordan, and Kobe. Even if you miss, you tried and had the balls to take it.

For people to call LeBron “Scottie Pippen” or Robin (from Batman) is absurd. Scottie Pippen was never the front-runner for MVP and never was regarded as the best player in the NBA. So let’s throw all of that garbage out of the window. To be realistic, Dwyane is Scottie (sorry D-Wade) and Bosh is the scoring version of Horace Grant, while Udonis is the rebounding version of Dennis Rodman. LeBron is the best player in the NBA and once he starts knocking down that game-winning jumper and winning championships, there won’t be a debate anymore.

The Heat have won both games in the series this season and are on a 4 game winning streak, which have all come on the road. Miami will be playing tonight with the most rest they have had in a very long time and will be fresh and ready to go. Look for Miami to let LeBron do his thing, with Wade and Bosh supporting. He has had bad shooting nights against Cleveland before, but he makes up for it with his distribution of the ball and excellent defense.

LeBron returns to Cleveland tonight

Kyrie Irving will be playing against Miami tonight. Irving made his return on Wednesday night against Indiana, where he scored 22 points. Anderson Varejao is out for Cleveland and that can only help Miami. Ramon Sessions and Antwan Jamison will be key for the Cavs as they try and match up against the Heat.

Miami needs to feed off of LeBron’s energy and attack the boards. Cleveland isn’t a very good rebounding team, especially with Varejao out, but the more 2nd opportunites the Heat get, will lead to good things. Tonight will be filled with emotions and energy as Miami looks to extend their winning streak to 5 games.