For rescuing his career from the depths of the draft lottery and delivering him into the championship chase, Kyrie Irving will be forever grateful to LeBron James. Together they made history in Cleveland. Titles are forever with the game's greatest player, but history shows that partnerships end up temporary arrangements.
As much as anything, James has taught everyone -- including Irving -- that the best players on the planet can influence, shape and even control their fates and futures. James is responsible for the empowerment of the modern basketball superstar, which speaks to an important lesson that's resonating with Irving himself: Dictate terms before they're dictated to you.