Just before fireworks illuminated the sky at InfoCision Stadium, Akron, Ohio, LeBron James delivered a message he reserved for the biggest moment of his life. At his homecoming address, he told the 25,000 crowd "I love you. I'm back."
After signing a $41 million two-year contract with the Cleveland, he decided to resign last month and returned home to play with the Cavaliers for the rest of his career. James said, "I don't plan on going nowhere." This made fans excited and happy.
Before 11 a.m. fans are already waiting in a long line around the stadium. A 10 year-old boy, Nick Rumner, said, "I knew he was coming back." His mother, Melissa, brought him and was also eager to welcome their hero. Another fan summed up her message through her T-shirt with a "Return Of The King" design.
James is definitely regarded as a King as Northeast Ohio prepared him a grand homecoming event. The two-hour ceremony was filled with emotions evident in the tributes. These became more inspiring when Skylar Grey performed "I'm Coming Home", LeBron's unofficial homecoming song.
"It's pretty amazing." This is how James felt during the welcome-home party, which also coincided with his annual campaign "I Promise." Through a foundation, James and his family has been helping kids who consider him as a father, brother, superhero, or someone more than just a role model. Some of these kids joined him at the news conference, which really made his homecoming a lot more meaningful.
During the interview, he talked about Kevin Love and coach David Blatt. James referred to Love, an All-Star forward, as a "great piece" as far as giving the Cavaliers a new title. He is also looking forward to play with Kyrie Irving, an All-Star point guard. Both Love and Irving have never played an NBA playoff. James committed to lead and inspire the two to win the championship in his homeland, which according to him would be his greatest achievement in life.