Second-greatest player in the history of each NBA franchise

Miami Heat: LeBron James

Greatest Player: Dwyane Wade

LeBron James had just one specific goal when he opted to join the Miami Heat: to win championships, thereby filling the gaping hole in an otherwise undisputable legacy as one of the all-time greats.

His first shot with his new team was a rough go. Engulfed in a swirl of hatred from the outside world, James infamously crumbled on the Finals stage in 2011.

It was the lowest point of his career, however, that helped LeBron reach his highest. He returned the following season altered for the better and never looked back, taking the reigns of the Heat franchise graciously left to him by Dwyane Wade.

Miami won the title in 2012 on the shoulders of James’ third MVP season, dominating a young OKC team on his way to a Finals MVP trophy after averaging 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists across the five-game series victory.

In what is probably his best season, James would win another MVP trophy the following year — one vote shy of a unanimous selection — even finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

It took some theatrics, but the Heat claimed back-to-back titles thanks to another Finals MVP showing from James.

By the time LeBron left Miami to return home, his two rings — the doubling of MVPs didn’t hurt either — did exactly as they were supposed to, silencing his biggest doubters and placing his legacy where it rightfully belonged among the champions.