Why LeBron James Could Drop Out of Miami Heat's Big Three

LeBron James is singing a different tune after Miami Heat's disappointing loss against San Antonio Spurs.

According to a report from ESPN, the scenes that transpired before the 104-87 defeat has only provided the superstar player with some clarity.

"They were the much better basketball team," James said during the postgame news conference, as quoted by USA Today. When the series began tilting in San Antonio Spurs' favor, the report observed, the team only put pressure on James to do more and more.

"Obviously, I didn't do enough," James said ultimately, even as he had a game-high 31 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and just one turnover. 

The Miami Heat is not the championship team it was before, ESPN claimed.The Spurs outclassed Heat with great ball movement, shot-making and outstanding defense.

"You absolutely have to credit their offense," coach Erik Spoelstra noted, as quoted by USA Today. "It was exquisite basketball, ball movement, player movement, unselfish basketball, and exploiting a lot of the things we're typically strong at. Everything seemed to click at the right time for them." 

"That's team basketball and that's how team basketball should be played," James agreed. "It's selfless. Guys move, cut, pass, you've got a shot, you take it." 

Major shakeups are badly needed to salvage the team, the ESPN report added. And with the possibility that these changes might not come soon enough, the star who is among Miami's renowned Big 3 might need to go over his career.

He is a player in his prime, ESPN reported, and he has the assets to take financial blows incurred from a transfer if he is focused on building a name that will rake in good money after retirement, just as Michael Jordan did.

The same report said there are two possibilities for the player: James, together with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, could opt out and take pay cuts for a star free agent; or he could play for a younger team, age becoming a major problem for Heat.

The Big 3 can become free agents if they choose or they can play at least another season on their current contracts, which run through 2015-16. Only Bosh suggested he would stay with Miami, USA Today said.

"I love Miami. My family loves it. But obviously right now that's not even what I'm thinking about," USA Today quoted James as saying. He has to beat the June 29 deadline.

His wife Savannah opened a juice bar there and his two sons, LeBron Jr. and Bryce, are young elementary school students, and USA Today said even this is a good starting point for Heat President Pat Riley and Spoelstra when they finally sit down with James to impress him with their vision of more championships. 

The defeat does not in any way erase the success over the past four seasons, too. This can be a launching pad for Riley, said ESPN.

ESPN added four things should come to play as James makes his decision: how much can be expected out of Wade, who has a troublesome knee and once again shows signs of slowing down; what James has to take off his minute load to ensure superior condition and a longer championship window; what Miami Heat is willing to do given James has been on the court for the team more than anyone else this season; and what the team management is going to do about observations that roster changes are based heavily on the payroll, instead of skill.

James no longer needs the Big 3 and Heat to help him prove himself, ESPN commented, saying he is well aware it is the other way around now. But the whole world awaits. 

"You guys are trying to find answers. I'm not going to give you one. I'm just not going to give it to you. When I get to that point, I'll deal with it, and when it gets to that point."