LeBron James: Were His Cavs Better Than His Heat?

LeBron James felt like he needed to get out of Cleveland to win championships.

He thought that his chances to start collecting rings was limited as long as he was in a Cavalier's uniform.

It's interesting to note that at the same point last season, the Cleveland Cavaliers had a better record than this season's Miami Heat.

After 61 games, the 2009-10 Cavs were 47-14.

After 61 games, the 2010-11 Heat are 43-18.

LeBron went to battle in "The Rock 'n' Roll Capital of the World" with the likes of Antawn Jamison, J.J. Hickson, Mo Williams and Anthony Parker.

This year, in South Beach, he lines up alongside of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Mario Chalmers and Erick Dampier.

Are there any legitimate comparisons between these two lineups?

It was expected that James' numbers, particularly points and rebounds, might decrease when playing alongside great players like Wade and Bosh. Only one ball to play with.

I would also expect that some of LeBron's other numbers might improve. But the opposite is true in some cases.

Shouldn't his field-goal percentage (which has actually dropped a point) have gone up this year a little because his opponents are having to also pay attention to Wade and Bosh?

Shouldn't his turnovers go down (which he has a few more this year compared to last) because he doesn't have to force the action as much?

The season is not over. And I do think that the 2010-11 Heat are better prepared to do some damage in the postseason than last year's Cavs.

But right now, they have a four-game gap to make up for just to pull even with last year's Cavs team.

Somewhere, Cavs owner Dan Gilbert is smiling!