The maturing of Lebron James

It didn't go down this time like it did four years ago. There was no press conference, no smoke and pyrotechnics, and certainly not three guys on stage mugging up the cameras. Back in 2010, Lebron James intentionally made a big splash when he proclaimed from on high that he was leaving Cleveland and "taking his talents" to South Beach to play for the Miami Heat.

With Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh sharing the podium, James announced they would win not one (championship), not two, not three..... not seven. And the holy, or not, hoop triumvirate smugly yukked it up. It was cocky, arrogant, and most of all childish. At roughly the same time, Cavaliers' owner Dan Gilbert was blistering Lebron as being a quitter, coward and a traitor. In essence, it was a billionaire throwing a temper tantrum when he couldn't have his way. Quite childish as well.

But this time it was different. Lebron Ramone James quitely issued a press release through Sports Illustrated merely saying it was time for him to go home. He would be re-joining the Cavaliers, likely for the rest of his career. It was a big splash indeed, but not of James' making. The media took care of that. James uttered not one word about his "talents" or predicted any championships. Indeed, quite the contrary. He said he was ready for the challenge, and hoped sometime in the future he could lead the Cavs to greatness.

Unlike so many other pro athletes that make obscene amounts of money in their mercenary ways never do, Lebron James has achieved yet another milestone. He's grown up. He's a man. He's reached full maturity. James may or may not ever win another title in Cleveland, and certainly he'll make scads of money, but how can you not respect a guy that has been to the mountaintop, but now just wants to go home and do the best he can?

Let's not forget that James never spent a day playing in college. Before the NBA changed its rules to the one and done collegiate requirement, Lebron was drafted right out of high school by the Cavs as the overall #1 pick in 2003 when he was only 18 years old. He would spend 7 years with the Cavs, once leading them to the NBA Finals in 2007. Alas, they were swept by San Antonio. Sounds somewhat familiar. While with the Heat, they would go to 4 consecutive NBA Finals, winning two championships. Also along the way, James would win 4 NBA MVP awards, and 2 Olympic gold medals, amongst other various hardware. It seems like he's been around a long time, and perhaps he has, considering he will be entering his 12th NBA season this fall.

But here's the thing. Lebron James is still only 29 years old. Currently, he's only approaching the peak of where his physical skills and mental understanding of the game will intersect. Yes, he'll get wiser in subsequent years, but he'll also "lose a step". That's how it works in most all sports. Mother Nature and Father Time seldom allow exceptions.

And forget basketball. Consider Lebron, the person. He's been happily married for quite some time, with two children, and a third on the way. No Tiger Woods-ish running around. By all accounts, he's a faithful husband and devoted father. No wrecking cars, positive drug tests, assaultive behavior, DUIs, and nary a gun incident. Plus, he goes the extra miles in various charitable ways and conducting kids' basketball camps to boot. The man's almost too squeaky clean. The tabloids must hate him. No dirt to sensationalize.

Few would doubt Lebron could have picked most any team not named the San Antonio Spurs and that club would have a found a way to create enough cap space while shedding other players to welcome him.

But he just wanted to go home.

I hope he and the Cavs do well. Cleveland needs a break. They've been waiting a very long time since they were able to celebrate a championship -- in any sport.