(Image Source: The Miami Herald )

BY BRIAN BONDUS

“It’s about damn time.” That was LeBron James’ reaction after he... wait... the Miami Heat won the NBA Championship Thursday. Fox Sports has the Finals MVP’s postgame press conference.

“I dreamed about opportunity and this moment a long including last night and including today. You know and my dream has become a reality now. Its the best I’ve ever had.”

LeBron went on to say he had to change who he was as a player and a person after his loss in the finals last year to the Mavericks.  He said that defeat was the best thing that ever happened to him. ESPN analyst Brent Barry says the king improved all around this offseason.

“He learned to play without the basketball, he learned to play with more force, he got in the post, he learned to play without the basketball, cutting, he was phenomenal... And if anyone wants to bash this guy they don’t have a leg to stand on.”

LeBron has faced a ton of criticism in his career, mostly for his decision to leave his home state of Ohio and take his talents to South Beach. Cleveland’s WOIO seems to be still holding a little bit of a grudge.

“His plan worked. James quit when it came to winning here. Joined a team where he would not have to lead. Kicked the city in the teeth. Stacked the deck AAU style. Took the easy way out and it all worked. He won his championship.”

Bitter much?  James dominated the NBA postseason, becoming the first player ever with 650 points, 200 rebounds and 100 assists in a single postseason. A writer for the Miami Herald says, get used it it Cleveland -- that monkey is off James’ back.

“This is but the beginning. The champion architect did not put this together for just one night like this, no matter how loud and wonderful it was. Riley is greedy like that, and insatiable. LeBron James was damn near unprecedented while cloaked in doubt this postseason. Imagine what he'll be now that he knows he's better than everyone else and finally has the crown to prove it.”

James had a triple-double in the final game. 26 points, 13 boards and 11 assist. His finals MVP puts him in an elite group of players who have won the regular season and finals MVP awards in the same season.