LeBron James Hasn't Thought Free Agency, Vows to Handle Next 'Decision' Better

LeBron James isn't thinking about what you're thinking about.

Still basking in the glory of his second straight NBA championship, LeBron told CNN's Rachael Nichols that he hasn't given any thought to the decision he'll have to make in 2014 (via Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel).

"I don't know, because I haven't really even thought about it," LeBron said. "So when that moment comes up, I will approach it, like a professional, and we'll see what happens."

Though he apparently hasn't given much consideration to what the future holds beyond next season, he has essentially vowed he would deliver his decision in a more appropriate manner.

"That's something I've lived with, and if the opportunity comes [again], if I'm in that position, I'll be able to handle it much better," he said of his impending free agency.

It's tough to do much worse than he did in 2010 though, right?

"In this fall, I'm going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat," are words LeBron will never live down. Not just because of what they meant, but because of how they were dispatched.

National television wasn't the place for him to spurn the Cleveland Cavaliers, or shamelessly promote multi-colored beverages, or make a career-altering announcement of any kind.

Then 25, LeBron wasn't mature enough to understand that.

Four years later when he next approaches a similar situation, the inevitably 29-year-old LeBron won't be making the same mistake twice.

Almost three years removed from the inaugural decision, he has already come a long way. Two NBA championships, a pair of league MVPs, increased media coverage and a heightened sense of accountability have aided in rendering LeBron one of the most beloved athletes in the game once again.

No matter what verdict he issues in 2014, he's prepared to ensure that won't change.

"You learn from your mistakes," he said. "That's something I've been able to do."

And it's something he'll continue to do moving forward, evidence of which can be found in another career-defining proposition roughly one year from now.

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