LeBron James needs to prove he’s a winner – in Cleveland!

The summer of 2010 is all about LeBron James. Yes, there are other great free agents on the market (including Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson, etc.), but the real prize is LeBron.

The cities are lining up to woo him. The New York papers are putting him on the front page in a Knicks uniform. Chicago believes that he has the best team to help him become a winner next season. The Clippers (the other team from Los Angeles) are tempting LeBron with star power. Even Miami has this idea that Dwyane Wade can convince LeBron to move to South Beach.

But the right decision for LeBron James is to show that he is a champion. That means, LeBron James should stay in Cleveland. You don’t need to go to another city. Look, Tim Duncan won in San Antonio. Before he came along, San Antonio was best known for Custer’s Last Stand. Now they have 4 NBA titles. Dwyane Wade was drafted by basketball-hungry Miami and delivered a championship with a very marginal team. I’m sure LeBron can do the same.

Although Cleveland’s current roster has gaps and a history of underperforming in the playoffs, it could be argued that LeBron is also largely responsible for the playoff losses. He needs to improve his outside shooting and free throw percentage. Look at the great closers in the NBA. They all shoot in the 80’s in the charity stripe.

One change that is sure to come this season is the head coach. Mike Brown has been flawless in the regular season, securing home field advantage during this year’s playoffs. But he just doesn’t have “it” when it comes to big games, particularly the NBA Playoffs. Advice like “get us a good look, big guy” to LeBron James isn’t the reason coaches make millions. His X&O skills have peaked and Cleveland can’t win a championship with him.

While the call from other cities will be deafening, it’s time for LeBron to commit to the state that raised him and showered him with love for more than 10 years.

Stay in Cleveland LeBron. You can win there. Show that you are the second coming. We are all witnesses.