LeBron James Video: Watch Heat Star Reflect Honestly on Finals and Decision

LeBron opened up to the world in an interview with ESPN's Rachel Nichols. He spoke about as candidly as I've ever seen him and admitted to what I suspected all along: He was very uncomfortable as the villain.

James said, "You start to hear, 'The villain, now you have to be the villain,' and I started to buy into it." It was clear LeBron allowed others' irrational and unfair judgement of him to alter his behavior and disposition. 

He talked about playing the game angry and how that isn't the way he enjoys playing. I can certainly relate to that, as anyone who has played organized basketball could. Some players thrive off of tension and anger, others become less than themselves when it placed in that environment.

LeBron learned that about himself this past season. He also mentioned that if he had a chance to do it over again, he would not go through with "The Decision." He says he understood that this could be hurtful for fans who are passionate about one player.

While I maintain LeBron is not responsible for the feelings of the fans, as it relates to when or how he makes his decision on free agency. It does show that James is willing to give a little to put this episode behind him.

After all, it wasn't as if he burned Cleveland jerseys and insulted the city. He chose to go elsewhere...on national television. Were he traded or cut, the news would have broken in similar fashion—the same as all of his failures.

Most of all, James seems to be at peace with the fact that his measuring stick will always be different than others. Now, he is ready, but is the NBA?