Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Why the King Will Forever Be a Prince

LeBron James' decision to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami was a testament to James' sincere desire to win a NBA championship, but it could also serve as a crippling blow to be recognized as the game's greatest player.

James chose to forgo the opportunity to forge his own legacy in cities such as Cleveland, New York, and Chicago in favor of putting his trust in Wade's championship experience.

In terms of competing for championships it's a great decision, but it's going to be hard to distinguish yourself when two of your teammates are recognized among the game's greatest players.

In James' interview with Jim Gray on Thursday night he was asked how the three superstars would be able to equally share the spotlight, and his answer had ominous undertones.

James responded by saying it's not a matter of sharing the spotlight, but capturing your own spotlight for the benefit of the team.

That sounds good in theory, but what if the benefit of the team means reducing your own shine and diverting attention to a teammate in order to be successful?

James seemed uncomfortable when questioned about being a member of Wade's team, but it's a level of discomfort he should grow accustomed to, because it will follow James throughout his time in Miami.

Leadership became an issue during James' time in Cleveland, and his decision to become one of the guys in Miami may mean he is not ready to lead a franchise to the promised land.

Los Angeles Lakers' guard Kobe Bryant is familiar with that perception because it dogged him since the time Shaquille O'Neal decided to pack his bags and vacate the premises.

But Bryant was able to find redemption a few seasons later, and instead of trying to find which superstar could best help him win a ring without Shaq, he made a decision to continue his legacy in Los Angeles.

To be fair, the Lakers did land Pau Gasol, who ended up being a perfect complement for Bryant, but that deal was made out of necessity and was not nearly as orchestrated as the formation of the Miami super team.

Bryant's decision to weather the storm proved to be the right one, and he has two consecutive NBA championships and two consecutive Finals MVP awards as a result of it.

More importantly, Bryant will be recognized as the leader of both championship marches, while James will struggle to separate himself from Wade if the Heat should reach the Finals.

Bryant will likely have a statue constructed outside of the Staples Center as a testament to his legacy, while James will be busy adding on to Wade's which is already established.

James' legacy as the greatest player in the history of the Cleveland Cavaliers is sealed, but it will remain incomplete because he was never able to win a championship, and the manner in which he left.

Cavaliers' owner Dan Gilbert made it known he would pair James with another high profile free agent if he chose to stay, but presumably Wade was the only player James felt could help him reach his goals.

There is nothing wrong with making a sound basketball and business decision, but it should be noted that James felt pairing with one of the game's top two players was essential to being successful.

When Bryant finally retires he could quite possibly be the greatest Laker in the history of the franchise and one of it's greatest leaders and he has the titles to prove it, however James relinquished his leadership rights when he signed his name on the dotted line.

It has been speculated the historic pairing in Miami will result in multiple championships, so James may finally get the championship rings he craves.

But if the Miami Heat do win multiple titles, then James will be recognized as the greatest supporting player in the history of the NBA.