LeBron has/had every right to go where he wanted to. Play with whoever he wished, so long as they accepted. That's the basis of free agency. Where LeBron really ruins things for basketball, his fans, and his legacy lies in the following:
1. He said, "I got a goal, and it's a huge goal, and that's to bring an NBA championship here to Cleveland, and I won't stop until I get it."
http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/knicks...f8Xda3KlGTLz8O
That's a bold statement to make, especially if you're not going to keep your word.
2. He was a refreshing image that the NBA needed in terms of class, respect, and heart. Every pro athlete has an ego. Without the strong self confidence they wouldn't be pros. What everyone hoped for was an athlete who they could relate to. I'd like to say most of us thought LeBron was a good guy (in some sense). So much for class and respect. I'll refrain from commenting on his love of the game, because that's subjective and the goal usually is to win titles. (Though Karl Malone stuck with the Jazz without ever winning a ring... still considered a legend).
3. Any reference to LeBron being the most transcendent basketball player ever goes out the window. He feels he can't win a championship on the Cavs, so he needs help. He needs Wade to be the leader for him, so that he has an easier chance at a ring. Fine, that's his prerogative, and good for him if it works out. However, the Cavs had the best record this season, were the favorites in the East to make it to the finals, and possibly the favorites to win it all this past year. Still, he couldn't do it. All those trades, demands, picks, nothing could help LeBron win a ring in Cleveland. That doesn't sound like the greatest ball player of all time.
4. LeBron's monkeys called Cleveland to notify them of his departure. With everything they've given him, LeBron should have had the decency to call them himself.
Is he a great athlete? Of course! Is he justified in being in Miami? Certainly. But, to be called King you have to be the best, and leaving your post to be someone else's backup for an "easy" shot at the title doesn't make you the best. It's sad for me to say that I respect Kobe more than LeBron.
BTW, go Celts!