I’ve made it clear on multiple occasions that I do not watch the NBA.  It is simply uninteresting, not exciting and not a watchable sport.  College Basketball is where it is at for me.

On the flip side, the NBA is full of fun, interesting and compelling stories.  In fact, it may be the most dramatic in that department when it comes to all sports.  So when LeBron James made headlines again, I simply rolled my eyes.

I’m far from the only person who was completely disgusted with his bolting of Cleveland for Miami.  To be clear, it isn’t because he made the move, it was the manner in which he arrogantly televised his decision.  Someone making themselves bigger than the game is unacceptable.

Since his championship last year, I feel like James has toned his bad boy image down significantly, if not altogether.  He is happy all the time, extremely outgoing and clearly enjoying himself….similar to how he was in Cleveland, no?

Last week, a fan in Miami made an amazing half court shot, a hook shot mind you, to win $75,000.  LeBron James is part of a foundation that also awards money to a youth club if the shot goes in.  As the shot went in, James came over and tackled the shooter in celebration.  It was a fantastic moment for everyone, and aside from the cash, something that fan will never forget.

Seeing the joy on the face of James is not something you would have seen before his championship in Miami.  It looked like the kid I watched on ESPN in high school with the giant grin.  It was the guy putting the Cavaliers on his back and leading a playoff run.

So is it time to put behind us the disgusting past of James?  In short, maybe.  Think about this, what else has James really done to make you mad at him?  It was inevitable he was going to leave Cleveland so I can’t really blame him for doing it.  In fact, if he had stayed, it would have been the biggest sports story of the year and been a massive shock to just about everyone.

Everyone likes to hate a winner without just cause.  He’s not a trouble maker, not linked to any kind of PED’s, and he promotes the game more than most players do.  If he had never been involved in “The Decision”, would you still feel the same about him?  I can’t imagine I would. The Heat franchise probably didn’t help either with their over the top unveiling of the trio of Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade and James, but that’s not really his fault.

I’m willing to cut the guy a lot of slack for his obvious efforts to win back his fans.  ”The Decision” will never be forgotten, but you can’t change the past right?  All anyone can do is work to improve their future, and it is hard to argue what James has attempted.