LeBron James recently opened up about how losing to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA Finals with the Miami Heat set him on a path in pursuit of achieving improved mental fitness.
James became an NBA villain of sorts in the wake of the disastrous “The Decision,” a contrived live television event in 2010 when he announced he would be taking his talents to South Beach.
James’ first season in Miami as part of the “Big Three” alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh ended in disappointment when the Heat lost three straight to lose to the Mavericks in six games in the Finals.
The crushing loss, along with being viewed so unfavorably by legions of NBA fans, led James to the realization that he needed to not only take care of his body, but his mind as well, as he shared with Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
