LeBron James finally admits that he needed the Miami Heat to help him tap into a new level of his career. In his words, it was when he joined the Heat that things began to shift for him - and for the better. It was the discomfort of the situation in Miami that helped him reach the pinnacle of his career.
For years, this is all Heat fans wanted to hear. That LeBron benefited from the Heat just as much as Miami benefited from LeBron. The divorce between the two sides was certainly ugly, but it's good to hear that both seem to be in each other's good graces.
At least from a public perception.
LeBron James gives proper context to his four years with the Heat
Perhaps most importantly, it puts those four years into the context that it needs to be remembered in.
In the current culture of sports debate, it's become quite easy to talk down on those four LeBron years in Miami.
They only won two titles. LeBron came up short in 2011. Dwyane Wade ran out of gas in 2014. Erik Spoelstra was outcoached by Gregg Popovich in the last NBA Finals.
While there may be some truth in all of those narratives, that doesn't mean the discussion has to be limited to any of those statements. And that's often been the biggest issue for Heat fans when remembering that era for the franchise.
This admission from LeBron at least helps put those four years in the proper context. It also pumps the brakes on the idea that LeBron was just a hired mercenary for the Heat. When, in fact, both needed each other - and greatly benefited from the relationship.
LeBron was at his best in Miami
And specifically for LeBron, there's a strong argument to be made that he was at his best during his time with the Heat. From an individual statistical perspective, LeBron was the most efficient (and dominant) that he's been in his career with the Heat.
It's no surprise that he helped lead the Heat to four-straight NBA Finals appearances and two NBA Championships. Looking back, it probably should've been more. But I don't think Heat fans should belittle the four years that LeBron was in Miami.
It appears that time has not only healed all wounds for LeBron and the Heat, but it's also helped add some newfound respect for those four years. And it's great to finally hear it straight from LeBron's mouth.