Heat vs. Thunder: Where LeBron James Ranks Among Best All-Time Post-Championship
Clear a spot at the legends table, because LeBron James has officially earned his place.
The most scrutinized superstar in the history of professional sports finally claimed that elusive championship ring Thursday night, leading his Miami Heat to a dominant 121-106 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
He played another beautiful all-around game, finishing with 26 points, 11 rebounds, 13 assists and two nasty blocks.
It was a fitting end to King James' long and painful quest for the crown. Now, there's no denying that LeBron is one of the 15 best players in NBA history.
He hasn't had the longevity to crack the top five (Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird). He doesn't have the championships (yet) to bust into the top 10 (Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Hakeem Olajuwon). And I'm still not quite ready to put him ahead of Oscar Robertson and Shaquille O'Neal.
But everyone else? They're squarely in LeBron's rear-view mirror.
We already knew that James was the most physically gifted player in NBA history. A player with his size, athleticism and skill set simply shouldn't exist.
Frankly, there's no way an opposing team can stop a 6'8", 250-pound freight train with a solid jump shot, the passing ability of a point guard, the defensive instincts of Scottie Pippen and the athleticism of a superhero.
The only thing holding LeBron back was himself, and he conquered every single one of his demons in the 2012 playoffs.
With an unthinkable amount of pressure resting on his shoulders, James led his team through adversity every step of the way. The Heat trailed in three different series this postseason, but because of James' individual brilliance, they were able to emerge from the wreckage.
Any of LeBron's haters still clinging onto that ridiculous "he's not clutch" criticism can take their foot and place it snugly inside their mouth.
With Miami down 2-1 to the Indiana Pacers, James went for 40 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists in Game 4. When they were down 3-2 to the Boston Celtics, he responded in cold-blooded fashion, ripping off 45 points and 15 rebounds without so much as a smile.
And on the biggest stage, down 1-0 to the young and talented Thunder, James put up 32 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while shooting 46 percent from the floor and sinking all 12 of his free throws.
Add it all together, and you've got one of the best playoff runs in NBA history.
Words can't describe how brilliant LeBron James has been the last few months, and at just 27 years old, it's downright frightening to think of what he can accomplish.
In a few years, you'll be able to make a strong argument that LeBron James is the best basketball player of all time. For now, he'll enjoy his championship and his standing as one of the 15 greatest humans to ever play this glorious sport.
