3 Reasons LeBron James Should Embrace Villain Role in Miami, Not Make Amends

How do you go from hero to villain in just one year?

Well, just follow the footsteps of superstar LeBron James and that will get you started.

After a recent interview with ESPN's Rachel Nichols it appears as if the former King of Cleveland is looking to right the wrong and restore his image. While that might be the best for James' persona with fans, it does not guarantee success on the floor.

Instead, LeBron should look to put aside his villain/hero battle and worry about winning championships in his prime.

James is a two-time MVP Award winner with multiple All-Star appearances and other accolades, but he has yet to hoist a championship trophy. While he has a lot of basketball left to play in his career, making up with fans will neither change the past or help LeBron win.

Let's check out why LeBron should embrace his current status.

1. Miami Fans Still Embrace Him

Ask any Miami Heat fan about how they feel about the upcoming season and odds are they will sum it up with one term: championship.

As optimistic as Heat fans were last year, they should expect a better showing from a team with improved chemistry and motivation after a NBA Finals blunder.

As far as James is concerned, helping the South Beach ball club win a championship will only cement his legacy and help Heat fans like him even more.

If James continues to not focus on the game at hand, he is likely to not improve as a player and be prone to more personal disappointment.

Miami fans should know not to give up on this potential dynasty just yet. Instead, continue to cheer on the Heat as the best is yet to come.

2. Who Cares About Other Fans?

Here is a fact LeBron must realize: Cleveland Cavaliers fans do not want to see him win a championship in Miami.

That being said, why focus right now on making up with bitter fans?

James owes the city of Cleveland nothing. He helped guide the team to one NBA Finals appearance early in his career, but the Cavaliers front office never put true pieces around him to succeed.

Oh wait, Eric Snow and Larry Hughes count?

I didn't think so.

Or how about an old Shaquille O'Neal and an overrated Mo Williams?

Yeah, didn't think so either.

There is a time for James to worry about making amends with the city of Cleveland, but now is not the time. Besides, why should he apologize to an owner in Dan Gilbert who blasted James via letter in Comic Sans font?

There is nothing James can currently do to help smooth things over with his former Cleveland team. The damage has been done, and it's time for both fans and James to move on.

If Cleveland fans don't want to support LeBron in his quest for a ring, that's completely understandable, but James must put that hate aside and focus elsewhere.

3. Winning Will Silence Critics

LeBron James is set to turn 27 later this month, signifying that he is still young and in his prime years. To say that LeBron can't put together multiple championship seasons and build his legacy is absurd.

Along with stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, James has never been in a better position to win. Wade is arguably a top-three player in the NBA, and Bosh is an underrated power forward who can play a major factor for the Heat, which leaves no room for excuses.

When it comes down to it, NBA players are often remembered for what they contributed to the league along with their abilities to win.

Just ask superstars like Charles Barkley or Karl Malone what the biggest downfall of their respective careers were and expect them to tell you it was not winning a championship.

LeBron would be remembered as one of the biggest underachievers in NBA history without one, but he must put all personal feeling aside in order to chase a ring.

What's the biggest knock on Kobe right now in his career?

He couldn't win without Shaq?

He's never going to be as good a Michael Jordan?

Say what you want, but Kobe still has the rings to show for what he has done in his career.

While using other players as examples is a simple way of putting it, the fact is LeBron must win if he wants to be remembered as an all-time great.

If you want to silence the critics, then do what you left Cleveland to do and win a championship.

Conclusion

Should LeBron eventually try making things right with his old fans in Cleveland?

Absolutely.

However, now is not the time.

James is already one of the greatest talents in NBA history and remains the best player in the game today. Without focus, don't expect LeBron to live up to any expectations in Miami.

While having fans love you worldwide is always nice, it does not guarantee you a thing. Although most fans seem to have a personal dislike for LeBron, that should only be used as fuel to become a better player.

James recently worked on improving his questionable post game with some help from NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon, but that's only a start to where LeBron must improve.

He must find a winning attitude and the drive to win championships in order to have any success in this league.

For James, his professional career should consist of three things right now: focus, winning and silencing.

Until then, expect not only his career to be empty, but also his villain status with fans to remain the same.