The LeBron Effect?

We have discussed the Jordan effect and how he transformed the sporting world, but does Jordan have a predecessor and if so who is it? Kobe, LeBron, or Wade? Personally if LeBron can start winning some championships I think he can be bigger than Jordan and even have a larger effect globally as Jordan did. Kobe I think right now is the closest with all his rings but I think being in L.A. hurts him. Being on the west coast I don't think the casual basketball fans get to see him play much, plus he has a spotty history. Dwayne Wade has a ring already but his team has been rebuilding the past few years and injuries have kept him down quite a bit the past few years. This leaves LeBron James the savior to the city of Cleveland. If he can bring Cleveland a championship (last time 1964) it will propel him to legendary status here in Ohio, but in order for him to reach global icon status he needs multiple rings. Not only was Jordan marketable he was the best and his teams dominated. That is what LeBron needs to do in order to "be like Mike". The competition in this day and age may be tougher, but people at the end of the day don't care, they look for rings and trophies in the trophy case. When LeBron gets his third ring then maybe we can talk, but until then the greatest is still Jordan.