So its finally official. Lebron James has decided to leave the Miami Heat and return home to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In 2010 Lebron left the Cavs in what some might say disrespectful. Some may even go as far to say it wasn’t the best basketball move. It was a television spectacle that the fans waited on for weeks and witnessed live on ESPN. The backlash that came along with that decision was monumental and he alienated millions of fans. This time around Lebron James handled his decision much, much better. When it came time to make his decision, there was no television show. He decided to write an open letter for Sports Illustrated on why he decided to return to Cleveland. He goes on to say that his decision was greater than basketball. To read the full open letter go to Sports Illustrated, but here’s some of what he had to say in his own words.
Remember when I was sitting up there at the Boys & Girls Club in 2010? I was thinking, This is really tough. I could feel it. I was leaving something I had spent a long time creating. If I had to do it all over again, I’d obviously do things differently, but I’d still have left. Miami, for me, has been almost like college for other kids. These past four years helped raise me into who I am. I became a better player and a better man. I learned from a franchise that had been where I wanted to go. I will always think of Miami as my second home. Without the experiences I had there, I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing today.
I went to Miami because of D-Wade and CB. We made sacrifices to keep UD. I loved becoming a big bro to Rio. I believed we could do something magical if we came together. And that’s exactly what we did! The hardest thing to leave is what I built with those guys. I’ve talked to some of them and will talk to others. Nothing will ever change what we accomplished. We are brothers for life. I also want to thank Micky Arison and Pat Riley for giving me an amazing four years.
I’m doing this essay because I want an opportunity to explain myself uninterrupted. I don’t want anyone thinking: He and Erik Spoelstra didn’t get along. … He and Riles didn’t get along. … The Heat couldn’t put the right team together. That’s absolutely not true.
I’m not having a press conference or a party. After this, it’s time to get to work.
