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When he received the NBA MVP trophy a couple of weeks ago, LeBron James did so not in a press room in the bowels of the Cavaliers arena but at the University of Akrons gym where he played his high school home games.

There was not just press and Cavs brass in attendance, as we have come to expect at such MVP functions. The gym was packed with family, friends, and fans, all of whom got to attend the even for free. It was LeBrons idea. He wanted to be surrounded by those he loved.

"I love Akron to death,'' James said that Sunday in Akron. "Since I was a little kid, I always said I was going to find a way to put this city on the map. And I'm going to continue to do that.''

At the time, many took his statements to be a tacit admission that he was staying in Cleveland for the rest of his career. He was putting down his flag, letting it be known that he is the king of Ohio and always will be.

The other way to read that event is that it was a farewell hug from LeBron. It was the sex that a hot girl gives her lame boyfriend before she dumps him. It was LeBron letting his Ohio family know that he would never forget them, that he would always represent them and that they would always be in his heart.

The message could be read one of two ways. Just like his stinker of a performance last night. And this is where the whole LeBron phenomenon has left us trying to parse out every action he makes, every word he speaks and every shot he misses or makes.

As confusing as his gushing over his hometown was two weeks ago, Tuesday nights game against the Celtics was even more confounding.

Was the best player in the world forcing his Cavaliers to recognize how much they needed him or is James not made of the same mettle as say a Kobe Bryant or Tim Duncan or Michael Jordan? Was he letting his team know that if they dont improve dramatically in the off-season that he is bolting or was it him accidentally letting us know that hes not the best player in the league (leaving that honor to Kobe)?

Whatever the message, it was a mess. There is no arguing that James does not have the best supporting cast in the league. The Lakers, Magic and Celtics all outclass the Cavs when it comes to second and third bananas. Anderson Varejao, Antawn Jamison and Delonte West are not good enough to play sidekicks on a championship team. Everyone seems to realize this, except arguably the Cavs executives. But if LeBron is trying to send a message that he needs more help, he is doing it the wrong way. You dont make that point in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.

The only other explanation then is that maybe James is not made of the stuff as Magic, Isiah, Michael and Kobe. If thats the case, a change of scenery is not going to lead the King to a title. Instead of worrying about which team will allow him to be the biggest star with the most money, he needs to start worrying about how to win a title this year and every year.

I spoil a lot of people with my play. When you have three bad games in seven years, its easy to point them out, James said after his loss.

Sure, other stars have intentionally taken their foot off the gas to prove a point (which would validate speculation number one). But none of them make those kinds of excuses, especially before ever winning a title (which validates point number two).

The mystery to where LeBron disappeared to Tuesday night -- and to where he will head following the season -- continues.