LeBron James recently stated that if he had not joined the Miami Heat in 2010, he would have been an equally dominant player. He has now doubled down on those claims, while also admitting that if he hadn’t gone there, he might not have as many rings.
“You’re absolutely correct.” I’d still be there! I’VE BEEN SELECTED! Nothing is going to change that! Maybe less (rings), but DOMINANT from start to finish is a pretty accurate statement on James’ part. During his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he was a dominant force on the court, averaging 27.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game.
LeBron also won two MVPs during that time, and he would have continued to put up big numbers if he hadn’t moved to Miami. I don’t think the Heat had much to do with him being able to keep playing this well in his 21st season. James has always taken excellent care of his body and deserves full credit for his long life.
In terms of rings, he would have had fewer if he hadn’t joined the Heat. I believe LeBron would have found a way to win regardless of where he was, but going there sped up the process for him.
He joined a team that knew what it took to win, and he helped them win two titles in four seasons. James would leave the league in 2014, having averaged 26.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game.
LeBron then used what he learned from the Heat to win championships with the Cleveland Cavaliers and then the Los Angeles Lakers in his second stint. So, while he would have remained a dominant force regardless, he would not have won as many championships if it hadn’t been for his time with the Heat.
LeBron James Discussed His Decision To Join The Miami Heat
James’ decision to join the Heat at the time was obviously divisive. He was heavily chastised for leaving his hometown team to form a super team with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. In the days leading up to the Lakers’ game against the Heat earlier this week, LeBron was candid about why he chose Miami in 2010.
“I came here with one goal in mind and one goal only: to win championships.” That was my sole objective. That’s the only reason I joined forces with D-Wade and Bosh. Because I didn’t think I could do it in Cleveland.
So when I had the opportunity to become a free agent, I did what I thought was best not only for my career but also for me at the time. I was 25 at the time, so I came down here to learn and instill what I had learned.”
He desired to win championships, and the pressure on him to do so increased with each passing year. With the Cavaliers failing to put a good team around him, the only way for LeBron to win was to leave, and the Heat represented the best chance for him to finally win the championship.
Rich Paul has a problem with the narrative surrounding LeBron James and the Miami Heat.
While James and his entourage remember his time with the Heat fondly, they aren’t fans of some of the narratives that surround it. Rich Paul, LeBron’s agent, slammed the narrative that the Heat shaped him into the player he is today.
Paul praised the Heat for being a great organization while emphasizing that it was a shared need, which it was. For all their culture and whatnot, the Heat weren’t going to win without LeBron, and Paul wanted to make that point clear. The partnership benefited both parties significantly, and this is how it should be viewed.
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