Ring Wanted, inquire within.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Lebron James today took one great step for him, and the 362,000 Miami residents he just became neighbors with, and one unforgivable leap from the countless more he leaves weeping and seething in Cleveland. Champagne & Red jerseys illuminated the Cleveland sky Thursday evening as many distraught Cav fans looked to burn away the betrayal. The jerseys that survive undoubtedly will be shuttled from the "Go-to" selections of Ohio wardrobes straight into the "Painting, oil changing, home repair" attire drawer. Dan Gilbert, the owner of the Cavaliers, who saw his franchise grow in estimated value over 100 million dollars since Lebron suited up, didn't just take a couple parting shots at the King, he skewered, shish-kebabbed and powder slapped Lebron & his effort in a no holds barred letter to his fans, scrambling to reverse their chicken little outlook of their teams future sans James. "Betrayal, coward, juvenile" and most scathing "Quitter", all slithered their way into Gilbert's tongue lashing of the Akron native. The incensed owner closed his far from timid mind dump with the declaration that guaranteed, no questions about it, his Cavaliers would bring home a title before the newly spawned three headed hydra of South Beach. You have to appreciate the guys heart. 

Initial reactions see far more people questioning, and berating Jame's decision than backing him on his new home. Six teams courted the guy, and the simple facts of life are that only one team what be left smiling when this was all said and done. More surprising though to me is the fact that the sports networks, analysts and reporters all seem to be joining in this initial frown citing such quotes as "Jordan didn't have to run to Detroit to win a championship" to imply that Lebron was surrendering of sorts, saying he needed help, that it takes more than him to bring home a ring, which of course is priority numero uno to furthering the dudes dynasty. 

And THIS is where I have a issue. Look, the Miami heat just added three NBA Superstars to their lineup. They are automatically a title contender, regardless of the fact that they might have to inflate the remaining two positions on the court to make the financials of this weeks signings fit. Pat Riley aggressively courted and wooed Bosh & James and they obviously picked up what he was laying down. Captain Ahab didn't just bag Moby, he nabbed the whole pod. These three stars just did the very thing that so many for so long have harped on, griped about and stressed in basketball pertaining to star players, they called for help. 

Kobe Bryant did become a better teammate between 08, and last & this years championship. His assists grew, his attitude morphed and a nice addition of a seven foot gangly Spaniard surely didn't hurt either. He needed help. In 08 in bean town it only took the compilation of three ring deprived, starving stars in Allen, Pierce & Garnett to bring home a ring. They needed one another. But now that Lebron, along with Wade & Bosh are ultimately stepping out, waving their theoretical arms above their heads, declaring to all that maybe they can't do it alone, maybe each, with all his godly talents and potential needs a sidekick, or two and that they took the steps to make it happen. Of course this suddenly comes across as atrocious, unfair and incomprehensibly shocking to so many avid NBA followers. These guys knew they would be risking their individual empires, diluting their star power, all for a better chance at hoisting some hardware. I'm sure countless advisors, consultants, and entouragee's warned and pleaded that they should take more green, more lights, more market appeal from the larger cities (Chicago & New York most notably). Yet all three knew what each needed, they put their ego's down for a moment, maybe analyzed the game and saw an eerily emerging trend on the hard court, that it really does take a TEAM these days to obtain the O'Brien. 

I know I know, 3 guys do not a team make. But, this is arguably the strongest core to build from in the league now today. And let's not doubt the architect in Miami, the dude wearing seven rings, Pat. He just juiced three enormous ego's into one arena, how hard can it be to fill out a couple more starters and bench players? 

But back to the message at hand. The one that Bosh, James & Wade just forwarded out to the basketball world this week. That although great, all accomplished, none, alone could achieve what makes their palates water most, a championship, without a little help from their friends. Just ask Wade about a old amigo of his who goes by "The Diesel". I mean it's incredible, three super stars, playing in perhaps the most individually centered professional team sport in the world, admitting that their skill sets, no matter how celebrated or admired, are quite up to snuff to tick all the boxes of the championship check sheet. 

The nucleus is fused. The goal is distinct. The sacrifices surfacing already on street corners, around water coolers, smoldering 23's in trash can fires. James, Bosh & Wade have formed something great. Their ego's might be more cramped than frat guys in a phone booth, but they've accepted it, signed it, and done what so many have known needed to happen but none wanted to accept, that these guys all needed a wing man, er....men? Overnight they've become a title favorite, and they know it. All that's left is 16 postseason wins, all done with the grandest, brightest, flaming bulls eye ever painted on the backs of an NBA lineup. With rivals in LA, Boston, Orlando & more licking their chops to take on this three headed monster and do what so many are already planning, pleading and predicting, the chance to send this store bought dynasty home. No pressure fellas, enjoy the ride, and ignore the vultures.