Since bursting onto the NBA scene in 2003-04, a kid from Akron took the basketball- scratch that- the entire sports world by storm. He's joined the company of Cher, Prince, and Rosanne: LeBron is the only name you need to hear, and there's no mistaking who is being discussed.
LeBron was named Rookie of the Year in 2003-04, and is the reigning Most Valuable Player in over the last two NBA seasons. Only one other person has won the award twice before the age of 25, and that was Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He's a part of what may be the greatest free agent class in sports history, along with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh just to name two of the sizeable group of All Stars who became available to leave their teams.
He revived the sports fans in Cleveland, leading the Cavaliers from 17 wins before he arrived to 35 in his rookie year, and a winning record in every season since- twice topping 60 wins. He averages nearly 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists per game over the course of his career. He's talented at both ends of the floor, and arguably a top three player in the league. He may be the most coveted free agent in any sport of all time.
Even back in 2008-09, the New York Knicks began clearing salary cap space for what many believed was an opportunity to land LeBron. Early suspicion this season was that he would stay in Cleveland. As time passed, the Knicks cleared more salary cap space, then the New Jersey Nets and new owner billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov began making moves to potentially sign him. The Chicago Bulls cleared cap space and supposedly spoke to University of Kentucky's John Calipari to coach the team. It looked as though Chicago had the best chance to land LeBron.
And then the unthinkable happened.
Rumors began flying that not only was LeBron considering joining the Miami Heat, but that the Heat would resign Dwyane Wade and bring along free agent forward Chris Bosh. The Heat looked to be building a dynasty already. A dynamo that would torch all comers who thought they could stop the Heat. But things took a turn- Wade met with the Bulls twice, and rumors surfaced that Bosh wanted to go to Chicago with him. Amar'e Stoudemire left his Suns for the Knicks and tried to woo LeBron to join him.
Just when things seemed really bad for Miami, Wade and Bosh turned it upside down. Both said they intended to sign with the Heat today, the first day they were eligible to sign. And tonight, at 9 PM, LeBron sat down for an hour to address his fans and tell them he was leaving his Cavaliers to join them.
"It's a real humbling experience to be in this position," LeBron said during his ESPN special. People forget, he's still just a 25 year old kid. He emphasized how important winning was to him.
When asked when he knew where he was going, LeBron said, "When I woke up this morning, I decided." He said his friends and family put his feelings at the forefront during the process of choosing a team, suggesting he go where he felt he should be.
"This fall ... I'm going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat." After making his decision, LeBron alluded to the fact that he and Bosh had spoken to Wade before considering joining the Heat, essentially asking his permission, but then went on to say, "It's not about individuals, it's about a team."
What will happen this season in the Sunshine State? Looks like we'll have to wait and see. Can LeBron, Dwyane, and Chris lead this franchise to a first for King James and Bosh, and a second for Wade? Only time will tell, and it looks like it'll be a thrilling ride to find out.
EDIT: If your internet provider garners you access to ESPN3.com, you can view the replay of "The Decision" here.
Comments