Watching the Cleveland Cavaliers' starting small forward develop into an NBA superstar has truly been an honor and a privilege for many basketball followers throughout the world. It is no secret that LeBron James is the best player in basketball and the spectators who have watched him since the beginning of his career can only attest to this fact.
Before James won his first NBA title in 2012, he was known as the superstar who could not win despite his tremendous skill. Analysts believed that in order for LeBron to obtain an NBA championship ring, he would have to receive help from the players he shared the court with.
Five years later, LeBron James is headed back to his third straight NBA Finals matchup against the Golden State Warriors. As LeBron James looks to acquire his fourth NBA title, we wonder who has helped the King transform into a winning superstar in the NBA?
Aid from Wade
During the 2010 NBA offseason, LeBron James had to make one of the hardest decisions of his career. He could decide to continue playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers for additional seasons or he could leave the roster that did not give him any help and venture to a new NBA team. '"The Decision" turned into a mini television series drama as LeBron kept NBA fans waiting for his big decision that would ultimately change the structure of the National Basketball Association.
When King James finally decided to leave Cleveland, the league exploded.
Sports analysts and fans dismantled the character of LeBron and he was soon one of the most hated men in America. Nevertheless, LeBron decided to take his talents to South Beach, joining his Olympic basketball teammate Dwyane Wade. While in South Beach, the tandem of Wade and James ran the tables of the Eastern Conference.
After losing to the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, the two decided to take over the sport of basketball.
During the following NBA season both superstars decided to turn up their game. Dwyane Wade was able to bring in his highest player efficiency rating of 571 during the 2012 season as the Miami Heat beat the Oklahoma City Thunder for LeBron's first title.
During the 2013 season, the Heat were determined to repeat. Wade was able to shoot his best field goal percentage of 52.1 percent as the Heat erupted and were able to capture a back to back finals victory. The play of Dwyane Wade during LeBron's transition proved that Wade helped James in ways his previous teammates could not in Cleveland.
Kyrie takes the load off LeBron
When LeBron James returned to Cleveland in 2014, the roster was revamped and restored. The front office of the Cleveland Cavaliers finally grasped the concept of building around their star player. Kyrie Irving was ready to handle the responsibility of playing with King James. The play of Kyrie has helped King James become better in other areas such as assisting, rebounding and playmaking.
Since rejoining the Cavs in 2014, LeBron's assist totals have only increased. Comparing the help received from Kyrie Irving and Dwyane Wade, it is clear the Wade was able to help mature LeBron James and Kyrie has been able to use his ability to propel NBA superstar. Although LeBron was an exceptional player before he crossed paths with these two superstars, he should still thank both Kyrie and Dwyane for helping him develop as an NBA great.
