by Jim Bearor

Right about now, I should be pulling the fork out of the Pacers and preparing to eat crow with it.  However, I am still pretty confident that Miami will pull this series out.  I know, I’m an idiot.  Everyone is dropping the not-so-hot Heat and are already talking about how much of a disappointment this season was.  Yes they are down 2-1 and the big three has become the big one and a half, but I think there is still hope.

I would agree that Bosh was undervalued by the general public, and now that he’s gone, people are  finally starting to realize how integral he is to their success.  It isn’t the end of the world though.  Call me crazy, but I think everyone is pressing the panic button a bit too early.  As I’m writing this, I’m sitting at my kitchen table, watching analysts on Sporscenter talking about the possibility of Pat Riley blowing up this disappointment of a team.

Whoa guys, slow down.

Isn’t this the same team – sans Bosh – that played in the NBA Finals last year, and was talked up by experts all season?  Everyone seems to have jumped off the bandwagon at once, including some Miami fans. Yes, the Game 3 loss to Indiana was ugly and the team is not nearly as healthy as they would like to be, but I can’t believe how fast people are to ditch this team on the side of the road.  The Pacers have outmuscled the Heat so far in this series (as many expected) but there is still time to adjust.

If anything, Game 3 served as a learning experience for Spoelstra’s team.  This is the most adversity this group has seen since they formed, and a perfect time to make necessary changes.  Dwyane Wade isn’t healthy and because of this he has deferred his role as the primary shooter to LeBron, at least to a degree.  In my eyes, It’s time to take the next step and put this series in King James’ lap.  Here is the opportunity that we have all been waiting for since he took his talents to South Beach.  Miami is his for the taking, all he has to do is take it.

Not many others seem to think so, though.

Right now on First Take, Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith are talking about whether or not LeBron deserves a pass for an early exit, considering the tough hand that he was dealt with his teams injuries.  Hold on, if we were talking about Michael Jordan or a younger Kobe Bryant, we’d be expecting them to step up and take control of their teams.  But with James, we anticipate the crumble.  I’m not saying that everyone should bet the farm on LeBron stepping up and becoming the hero that he can and should be. I’m just pointing out that even though his performance in the past is reason enough to warrant doubt, it doesn’t mean that we should count him out already.

We all know the infamous stories about LeBron’s disappearing acts in playoffs past, but don’t forget that he is a 3-time MVP and possesses all the tools to lead this team.

He subbed in at the number 4 spot for God’s sake.

If there ever was a time for the King to take the throne in Miami, it’s now.  Bosh is gone, and Wade isn’t all there — physically or mentally.  This sets the stage for one of two things: the physical Pacers continue to impose their will and James gets a pass, or he steps up at a time when nobody thinks he will and yet again proves that he doesn’t need a surrounding cast to dominate.

Call me foolish or stubborn or whatever you will, but I’m not getting off this bandwagon yet.  It may very well crash and burn, and I’ll come writing to you with my tail between my legs but I don’t think it will.  Lebron is going to pick up the slack and carry his team into the next round.  It will be interesting to see how the public’s opinion changes on the Heat if it plays out like I think it will, mostly because it’s always amusing to watch the reactions of those who quit on a team when they’re down.

Follow Jim on Twitter: @JimBearor