LeBron James is not in the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 NBA season. He’s been at home watching the playoffs unfold as a fan rather than a player. That’s made him give his takes on topics that have unfolded in front of his eyes. He has showered praise and admiration on his former teammate Kyrie Irving. And also later, on his former team, Miami Heat.
We could also see LeBron on ‘Inside the NBA’ if he takes up Charles Barkley’s offer.
LeBron James makes confusing comments about the Miami Heat
LeBron James had left the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010 to join the Miami Heat. He nationally televised ‘The Decision’ which made him and the Miami Heat, the most hated team in the NBA. It kickstarted the era of super teams as LeBron joined the Heat with Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade.
In his 4 years on the Heat, LeBron James won back-to-back NBA titles and made 4 straight finals appearances. However, after Miami’s Loss in the 2014 NBA finals, he left and joined Cleveland once again.
Throughout LeBron’s career, he’s always had control over the trades and signings made to his team. That has led them to NBA titles but also sometimes cost them. And when LeBron leaves a team, they take years to get back to being good because of the lack of assets they have after he leaves. But Miami did not suffer that wrath. Pat Riley was very stern about not letting LeBron James have control over the acquisitions.
That was one of the reasons LeBron left but also the reason that Miami continued to be good and then great again.
Facts! Player Development there is damn good!! https://t.co/sA5uzs7Hro
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 17, 2022
That’s what made this tweet by LeBron James so confusing. The same thing that drove him out of Miami is now the thing he’s most impressed by. Miami has a very tough mentality set by Pat Riley that helps these players grow into good players.
Would Miami have been as good as they are today if they let LeBron take control back in 2010? That’s a question that we might never get the answer to.