LeBron James Video: Watch Heat Star Speak on Cavs and Fourth Quarter

ESPN aired part two of its very revealing interview with Miami Heat star LeBron James. James spoke to Rachel Nichols about many things in regards to his roller-coaster 2010-2011 season.

LeBron spoke confidently, but also with maturity and introspection. James showed a refreshing ability to lightheartedly deal with the many jokes about his clutch failures. He realized, once an antagonist sees insults don't bother you, it is no longer fun or entertaining to continue.

LeBron has learned this very old and simplistic, yet challenging, lesson of dealing with haters.

James has matured, and the indications are not in trivial things like floor celebrations or basketball bravado. He will still have fun on the court, flexing, smiling and pointing. Every superstar has done that. Even Michael Jordan shot free throws with his eyes closed against inferior opponents. Larry Bird was a notorious trash-talker, as is Kobe Bryant, even without things like the airplane celebration and the scowl.

All of these things are personality traits, not measures of maturity, manhood or professionalism. When we saddle athletes with these negative labels for their actions in sports, it reveals a misplaced priority and dysfunctional distinction between entertainment and real life.

The maturation for LeBron has come in his recognition of others' feelings, his own ability to handle situations and pursuing his own happiness.

His actions last season were his right, but he was not prepared for the firestorm that followed. Though it seems he suffered mortal wounds during the process, I have no doubt he will emerge a better man and a better basketball player.

The latter is a frightening thought for others in the NBA.

LeBron cannot play his required role as a basketball player with anger. It simply requires too much poise—something he obviously lacked last year. 

After watching this interview, I am convinced: LeBron is ready to transition from would-be King to claim the throne.