LeBron James stars as Miami Heat destroy Charlotte Bobcats: But why did LeBron and Michael Jordan have a staredown?

For a long time LeBron James has been considered an elite NBA player, but he has always been in Michael Jordan's shadow. The comparison between the two escalated as Jordan watched James' Miami Heat destroy the Charlotte Bobcats 98-85.

After four MVP awards, three final appearances and two championship rings, James knows he is an elite player, but late in the third quarter the two greats had a moment that will go down in history. James stole the ball and finished at the hoop, but as he did so he glanced over at Michael Jordan, almost suggesting he's trying to out-do the all-time great. Afterwards James denied there was any meaning, but many watching, cannot see past that moment.

LeBron finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, and it was his statistics that made the difference. If the Heat carry on it'll look unlikely that any NBA team can stop them, meaning LeBron will add yet another championship to his resume, and he'll move a step closer to Michael Jordan.

LeBron is a free agent this summer (if he opts out), and many believe that LeBron will return to his former team the Cleveland Cavaliers. If LeBron can bring success to Cleveland, he may be able to ease some of his tarnished reputation and improve his reputation alongside Jordan's untouchable one.

Do you think LeBron was trying to send out a message to Jordan, and does the Heat superstar have any chance of ever eclipsing the Chicago Bulls' great?