No, he was a kid again, bouncing up and down, unable to contain his joy while anticipating the trophy and ring soon to be headed in his direction.
"It's the happiest day of my life," James confessed while accepting the Finals MVP award from Bill Russell.
And well it should be. From high school, James has always been marked for greatness, and every minor slip-up was blown completely out of proportion as he lived under enormous scrutiny.
He was The Chosen One. He was going to dominate the league for decades, and he was going to do it on his own terms. He was going to be better than Michael Jordan. Then, all of a sudden, he was going to be a villain.
His decision — rather, The Decision — to go to Miami and team up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh didn't do him any favors with those who wanted him to win on their terms. Yet two years later, here we are.
LeBron James is a champion. Just like he always was destined to be. On his terms.
Sure, he promised multiple rings. He may or may not get there. But one look at his face as he danced around the stage with his Finals MVP trophy shows you everything you need to know.
For one night, he's on top of the world. Fans of basketball should cherish this moment. Because James certainly is.
Photo of the night
Hooray, these fans deserved it too.
Quote of the night
"It's about damn time."
–LeBron James, speaking for pretty much everyone
Tweet of the night
Right on schedule?
Michael Jordan won his first title at 28 years, 3 months. LeBron James wins his first title at 27 years, 5 months.
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 22, 2012
Video of the night
Yep, it's been a long time coming.
