LeBron James Stats Career: The NBA's most desirable free agent announced Friday that he plans to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers. In a first-person article posted in Sports Illustrated as stated to Lee Jenkins, James confirmed that he is "coming home."
"In Northeast Ohio, nothing is given. Everything is earned. You work for what you have. I'm ready to accept the challenge. I'm coming home," James told Lee Jenkins.
According to The Washington Post, James' decision to go back to Cleveland was about "hubris and concerns about his personal legacy" and the second was about "humility and a sense of purpose."
"It's where I walked. It's where I ran. It's where I cried. It's where I bled. It holds a special place in my heart. People there have seen me grow up. I sometimes feel like I'm their son. 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," the four-time NBA MVP said.
"When I left Cleveland, I was on a mission. I was seeking championships, and we won two. But Miami already knew that feeling. Our city hasn't had that feeling in a long, long, long time. 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," he added.
In James' own words he does not "promise a championship" because it is "hard to deliver." He believes that it will be a long process but he's excited to help his new teammates become the best players they can be.
James left the Cavaliers for the Heat in 2010 following his televised special, "The Decision," aired live on ESPN. His choice to leave Cleveland made Cavaliers fans upset, some of whom according to The Washington Post "burned his jersey following the announcement."
Reportedly, James has spent this week in Las Vegas and met with Heat President Pat Riley Wednesday night. He returned to Miami overnight before news of his decision broke Friday.
