This morning Lebron James announced that he will be going back to his home state of Ohio to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers once again. There had been speculation and rumors for months about him staying with Miami or leaving and on those were finally put to rest in the Sports Illustrated interview.When asked the reason for return, LeBron wrote to SI:
Before anyone ever cared where I would play basketball, I was a kid from Northeast Ohio. [...] It holds a special place in my heart. People there have seen me grow up. [...] Their passion can be overwhelming. But it drives me. I want to give them hope when I can. I want to inspire them when I can. My relationship with Northeast Ohio is bigger than basketball. I didn’t realize that four years ago. I do now.LeBron went on to lay everything on the line, from his decision to join Miami and the impact of going back to Cleveland in is letter to Sports Illustrated.
I went to Miami because of D-Wade and CB. [...] 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. [...] Nothing will ever change what we accomplished. We are brothers for life.James continued in the letter to say that it's time for him to get to work. This won't lead to a press conference, party, or exclusive interview (as will his announcement to Miami), but a step into a working mentality.
When I left Cleveland, I was on a mission. I was seeking championships, and we [Miami] won two. [...] My goal is still to win as many titles as possible, no question. But what’s most important for me is bringing one trophy back to Northeast Ohio. [...] I always believed that I’d return to Cleveland and finish my career there. I just didn’t know when. [but] I wasn’t going to leave Miami for anywhere except Cleveland.
LeBron let his fans know that he wasn't promising a championship even though he wants to win next year, he's realistic. He's aware of the long process and it will be a true testament of his patience, but ultimately the move to Northeast Ohio was so he could raise his growing family in a better environment.
So what does this mean now? Well, in contingency for the signing of LeBron, the Cavs will trade Timberwolves Kevin Heart and the T-Wolves will receive Cavs' No. 1 Draft Pick Andrew Wiggins in return. Until anything is confirmed, it looks like Cleveland has a hefty roster to work with: Kyrie Irving, Anthony Bennett, Andrew Wiggins, Dion Waiters, Tristan Thompson and LeBron's former teammate Anderson Varejao. With the addition of James, it may be the push the young team needs to get on the track to winning rings. LeBron would be a great role model for the young players and be the vet necessary to mold them into superstar athletes.
Do you think LeBron made the right decision to leave Miami? Are all of the LeBron bashing-Wade praising memes circulating a testimony to him making a bad decision? Leave your thoughts below!
Do you think LeBron made the right decision to leave Miami? Are all of the LeBron bashing-Wade praising memes circulating a testimony to him making a bad decision? Leave your thoughts below!
(Photos via Instagram)
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