The decision has been rendered by King James. NBA star LeBron James revealed last night that he is leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to play for the Miami Heat. James made the announcement about half way through an hour-long special on ESPN. James has decided to join forces with Heat guard Dwyane Wade and forward Chris Bosh to create what some are calling the “Three My-Egos” in Miami.James said he didn't reach the decision to go to South Beach until Thursday morning June 8th. The two time league MVP who has played in Cleveland since being selected by the Cavs right out of high school in 2003 also said he's going to the Miami Heat because he wants to be able to win championships, and he feels like he can in Miami.
James, the big prize in the NBA free agent frenzy of 2010, really touched a nerve last night in Cav’s owner Dan Gilbert who penned a scathing open letter to the team's fans. Gilbert called the decision by James a cowardly betrayal and said that he can, quote, "Personally guarantee that the Cleveland Cavaliers will win an NBA championship before the self-titled former 'king' wins one”. He also accused James of quitting in Cleveland’s second round playoff series loss this season to the Celtics.
Miami Heat President Pat Riley and Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade released the following statements last night:
PAT RILEY: “We are thrilled that LeBron James and Chris Bosh have decided to come to Miami to join forces with our truly great player, Dwyane Wade. We are looking forward to the opportunity of building something that our fans in Miami will be proud of for a long, long time. The journey is just beginning.”
DWYANE WADE: “I am thrilled to welcome LeBron James to the Heat family. I look forward to playing alongside LeBron, Chris Bosh and our teammates, and together representing the great city of Miami. There's magic in the number 3. This is the beginning of new chapter in Heat history and very exciting for both fans of the Miami Heat and the NBA.”
The Miami Heat play at the American Airlines Arena in downtown Miami, Florida.
