Why LeBron James' rings with Miami Heat in the 'Heatles' era always incite controversy and discussions in legacy debates on NBA history
LeBron James' rings have long been a hot topic of debate throughout his illustrious 20-year NBA career. James has a total of four rings, including two from his four-year run with the Miami Heat. He won his third ring when he returned to his hometown Cleveland in 2016. In 2020, "King James" won his fourth title with the LA Lakers.
Between these and his other career accolades such as being a four-time MVP and an 18-time All-Star, James has a pretty strong GOAT case. However, here is how many fans and analysts use James’ rings from his “Heatles” era to discredit his legacy.
When LeBron James teamed up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami in 2010, expectations were sky-high. James had averaged 29.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.0 block per game on 50.3% shooting during his previous season with Cleveland.
Wade had also averaged 26.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game on 47.6% shooting for Miami in the 2009-2010 season. Meanwhile, Bosh averaged 24.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 block per game on 51.8% shooting in Toronto in the 2009-2010 season.
James announced his decision to join the Heat on live TV. He then predicted at a fan event that the Heat’s new superstar trio would win seven or more titles. This only added to the enormous pressure on Miami.
"Not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, not 5, not 6, not 7," James infamously said.
The Heat had a fairly easy run to the 2011 NBA Finals, going 12-3 in their previous three playoff series. However, they soon got a wake-up call as NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki miraculously carried the Dallas Mavericks over the Heat in six games.
In doing so, Nowitzki completed one of the most impressive playoff runs in NBA history. The Mavs knocked off Kobe Bryant and defending champions the LA Lakers, Kevin Durant and the up-and-coming OKC Thunder and Miami’s star trio in the Finals.
LeBron James averaged only 17.8 points per game in the 2011 Finals. This included him scoring just eight points in Game 4 as Miami had a chance to go up 3-1. Many still criticize James for this loss as the Heat were playing with three stars against one.
Why some fans question LeBron James' rings in 2012 and 2013?
The Heat redeemed themselves the following season, going 16-7 in the playoffs and beating the OKC Thunder 4-1 in the 2012 NBA Finals. However, the Thunder were a young, inexperienced team at the time.
Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden were all under 25 and not in their primes. In comparison, the Heat’s stars were all in their prime years. So in hindsight, many fans do not consider the Heat’s 2012 ring that impressive.
However, LeBron is criticized the most for his 2013 ring. The Heat faced a formidable opponent in the San Antonio Spurs who had Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. The Spurs also had rising star Kawhi Leonard and top sixth man Manu Ginobili. Nonetheless, Miami was still expected to win.
If not for a miraculous game tying 3-pointer from sharpshooter Ray Allen in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, the Heat would have lost. Miami was down 3-2 in the series and trailing 95-92 in Game 6 when James attempted a game tying 3-pointer with around 12 seconds left.
He missed the shot and Bosh got the offensive rebound. Bosh then kicked it out to Allen in the corner who made the made the shot with around five seconds left.
The Heat went on to win Game 7 to win their second straight title, but many consider Allen’s shot to have saved LeBron James’ legacy.
The Heatles' final season together in 2014 only strengthened people’s doubts about their last two titles. The San Antonio Spurs got their revenge in quick fashion, beating Miami 4-1 in the 2014 NBA Finals. This included blowing out the Heat by 15+ points in all four wins.
After predicting the Heat to win seven titles or more, James won two titles in Miami. One over a young inexperienced team and one because of a clutch shot by a teammate that saved the series. This has led many to question the validity of LeBron James' rings.
Some might argue that James later redeemed himself by winning the 2016 title over the 73-9 Golden State Warriors. James’ Cavs were down 3-1 before coming back to win in Game 7.
Overall, LeBron James' rings will always be compared to Michael Jordan’s perfect 6-0 Finals record in the GOAT debate. Unfortunately for James, there’s just not much he can do to compete with that.
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