Greatness.  A word with about as many variations in its meaning as people in the world. 

Yet, we all strive for it collectively and, perhaps more importantly, individually.

That greatness is often realized after a daunting task has been overcome, or surpassed, if you will.  That is, on the side prior to greatness, there is usually a degree of suffering that comes at the hands of a troubling obstacle.

Last night, maybe LeBron James was able to clear the final hurdle on the path to realizing the expectations that were laid before him.

Since middle school, James has been groomed to become the top NBA star in this still-new millennium.  But unlike many others who were well-hyped extremely early in their amateur careers - such as O.J. Mayo, Sebastian Telfair and Derrick Character too name a few - LeBron has validated the praise that was heaped upon him.  His career averages of 27-7-7 (points-rebounds-assists) have basically solidified his standing as a future Hall of Famer.  James has even upped those averages to 29-9-7 in the postseason.

Wherever LBJ went, Boston had four guys on him.

But anyone following the NBA knows that, while James has lived up to the hype, he still hasn’t lived up to his FULL potential.

After a brief taste (since his Cavs were swept it was more like a sip) of the NBA Finals in 2007 against the San Antonio Spurs, LeBron has failed to come close to making another appearance.  Each subsequent season seemed to bring about more promise for his and his Cleveland mates, but alas, they would ultimately flame out in the playoffs due to mismatches that their opponents were able to exploit. 

Personally, it was the 2007 run that saw LeBron finally slay the first of his trying nemesis, the Detroit Pistons.  Detroit was a veteran team that, in 2006-07, had completed a brilliant regular season.  In the Eastern Conference Finals that year, James put the Cavs on his back during his signature 25-point 4th quarter and overtime performance, which many considered to be his breakthrough.  Sure that more experienced and well-rounded Spurs clubbed Cleveland in the Finals, but you had the sense that LeBron’s presence on the NBA’s biggest stage was going to be something that the fans could count on annually.

Well, fast forward four years.  LeBron failed to bring Cleveland what they had longer for.  Partially because of the the team that became his new nemesis – the Boston Celtics.

In 2007-08, the Celtics had a dream season.  The acquisitions of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen instantly rejuvenated Paul Pierce (who suddenly became much healthier on a regular basis), and rescued Boston from its previous abysmal state.  Of course, they were dubbed “The Big Three”, and were too much for any team to handle – including Kobe and his Lakers.  From that point forward, Boston, when healthy, has consistently proved itself to be the top team in the East (recall that Orlando knocked them off to reach the 2009 Finals in the absence of Garnett).

If LeBron didn’t have any angst towards the Celtics, it would be hard to believe.  It was James’ struggles against Boston that set forth the series of events that jilted Cavs fans forever.  The infamous Game 5 performance during which LeBron’s heart to win was questioned.  The free-agency flirtation with different organizations.  The off-season suspense of whether he was coming back to Cleveland.  And, finally, the ultimate betrayal and mockery on national television.

Or at least that the way most of the sports nation sees it.

Or perhaps LeBron was just desperate.  He has looked into the face of his latest nemesis and realized the truth: that it would take more than one superstar to beat them.  

Even after LeBron retreat to South Beach, he was initially failing to defeat the demons of his past.  In his first three games against Boston as a member of Miami, neither he, nor his new teammates, could seal the deal to upend the veteran-laden squad.

James and Dwyane Wade ruthlessly attacked Boston's interior defense.

But then this year’s Eastern Conference Semifinal came around.  Miami, on the strength of two, crowd-inspired home court victories, were able to surge out to a 3-1 series lead.  However, the most daunting part of dethroning a champion is closing them out.

And four years after he initial breakthrough, LeBron did it again.

Last night, with the game knotted at 87, James hoisted a triple from the corner.  Despite the outstretched hand of Paul Pierce distorting his view, LeBron’s shot went through the net to give the Heat a three-point edge.

Moments later, King James extended that lead - this time with an improbable fall-away three from the wing, but with Pierce draped all over him.  Again, the result was three points for Miami.

With Boston clearly reeling and needing quick scores, they tried to get the ball into Pierce’s hands.  James saw it coming, stepped into the passing lane, swiped the ball and was off to the races for a crowd-pleasing two-handed rim rocker that served as the icing on the cake with under 30 seconds remaining.

In total, LeBron scored the last 10 points of the game.  In about two minutes, James’ erased the pressure of his regular season shortcomings and his team’s foreshadowed success.  He had pulled the plug on the Green Monsters.

With L.A. taking an unpredicted early exit, the stage could be set for James – with his new arsenal – to be the headlining act in this year’s edition of the NBA Finals.

And for LeBron, nothing could feel better than to finish what he started four years ago.

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