NBA Rumors: Is LeBron James Eyeing an Exit from the Miami Heat?

The Miami Heat beat the Cleveland Cavaliers last night, but LeBron James’ mind might have been focused on something else other than knocking out his former team.

He may have been thinking about playing for them again.

According to Sam Amico of FoxSportsOhio, 

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There is talk that James is less-than-thrilled with certain aspects of the Heat organization. Sources in Miami say that while James still thoroughly enjoys playing alongside fellow stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, he doesn’t particularly care for the heavy-handed and disciplined style of team president Pat Riley.

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Obviously, James hasn’t said anything publicly about this, but it would be insane for him to do such a thing at this juncture. He’s under contract until at least the 2013-14 season, which is when he has an opt-out and can become a free agent.

Amico is reporting that is exactly what the superstar forward might choose to do and, if the sources close to the situation are correct, his top option would be to return to the Cavs.

If you think this sounds absolutely crazy, a quick look under the surface proves it really isn’t that far-fetched.

Shaquille O’Neal recently wrote a book, Shaq Uncut: My Story, which features a segment detailing Riley’s militant style of coaching that would certainly clash with the easy-going and fun-loving James’ style.

To paraphrase the incident, which you can read in full here, Jason Williams came into practice ten seconds late and was kicked out by Riley. Shaq objected to this and eventually got into a heated, face-to-face, obscenity-laden argument with the coach. He was traded shortly after.

Riley also publicly questioned Dwyane Wade’s conditioning and desire back in 2009, his first year as the team president.

The former coach’s “heavy-handed” style of managing the team can be traced to the tough-guy attitudes he tried to instill in all of his championship teams. He wanted his players to not only be more skilled than their opponents, but also stronger and meaner.

LeBron may not have this type of killer-instinct in him, as evidenced by the way he has been known to shrink during fourth-quarters of important games and constant effort to rebuild his imagine in the media after “The Decision”.

He's also been known as someone who is used to getting his way, especially when he was a member of the Cavs and practically a god there. 

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reported two examples of this.

Back in 2008, he was almost cut from the Olympic squad because a number of well-respected basketball figures did not think he was worth the hassle.

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From Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski to managing director Jerry Colangelo to NBA elders, the issue of James’ immaturity and downright disrespectfulness had become a consuming topic on the march to the Olympics... There was a real risk that James wouldn’t be brought to Beijing based on fears his monumental talents weren’t worth the daily grind of dealing with him.

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And then there is this ridiculous tale of LeBron wanting to hit the town with his buddy, Chris Paul, after a 2010 preseason game in New Orleans before returning home to Miami in the morning. This is something he could have gotten away with in Cleveland, but under Pat Riley's reign is completely unacceptable.

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The Heat’s charter planned to fly home that night, but James suggested to Wade that perhaps they ought to ask Spoelstra about leaving in the morning to return home.

James could always do this in Cleveland, but Wade wanted no part of seeking permission. James did, and the message the coach delivered was unmistakable: Get on the plane; we’re going home.

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If all of this is true, the clash of personalities could foreseeably contribute to James’ opting-out as soon as possible and becoming a free agent once again in two seasons.

This, of course, should all change if the Heat manage to win a championship during that window and LeBron finally accomplishes what he came to South Beach for.