LeBron James Leaves Cleveland Cavaliers for Miami Heat
LeBron James
In one of the most hyped decisions in recent NBA history, 2010 NBA MVP LeBron James announced he will join the Miami Heat this fall.
"I want to be able to win championships and I feel like I can down there," James, 25, said Thursday of his choice during the ESPN special The Decision. "I feel like its going to give me the best opportunity to win, and win for multiple years."
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After seven seasons, six All-Star team selections and back-to-back MVP titles, James has yet to grab an NBA championship title. He has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers for his entire professional career and was the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft. James went onto become rookie of the year in 2004.
In Miami, James will join fellow top-five 2003 NBA draft picks Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. "Its not about an individual here ... it's about a team," James said. "Those are two great players. ... You add me, we're going to be a really good team."
James' future has been a hot topic since he officially became a free agent on July 1. During the past week, he had been courted by several teams including the New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Clippers, in addition to the Cavaliers.
When he moves to South Beach, James leaves behind his hometown team in what he called a "very emotional" decision.
"The seven years I gave to that franchise and that city was everything. I never wanted to leave Cleveland, my heart will always be in that area," he said about leaving his hometown team. "I also feel like this is the greatest challenge, for me to move on."