Change after NBA Finals meltdown helps give LeBron James a shot at redemption

MIAMI -- Sometime last fall, as the weather in Ohio turned cooler and the NBA lockout dragged, LeBron James considered a major decision. One that took introspection, maturity and acceptance of responsibility.
James chose to propose to his longtime girlfriend, Savannah Brinson, on New Year's Eve.

Like with everything James does, this decision kicked off significant publicity. There was talk of the ring and its cost. There were eye rolls from people who wondered what had taken so long; after all, they had gone to her senior prom together eight years ago and later had two sons. There were congratulations offered from across the league.

James' explanation for asking her then, the day after his 27th birthday, was simple.

"It's a good point in my life right now," he said.

Taking that plunge, James' preseason theme of "getting back to being myself," and a new, lower-key and under-control demeanor are all related. James has made some changes to himself, luminous ones when reflecting back to what was going on a year ago.
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