LeBron James Apologizes To Cleveland, Explains 'The Decision'

Shortly after LeBron James scored 10 straight points in the fourth quarter to lead the Miami Heat past the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, he explained why he chose to take his talents to South Beach.

He apologized for leaving Cleveland and talked about how the Celtics played a role in his decision.

"I knew deep down in my heart, as much as I loved my teammates back in Cleveland and as much as I loved home, I knew it couldn't do it by myself against that team," James said. "The way it panned out with all the friends and family and the fans back home, I apologize for the way it happened. I knew this opportunity was once in a lifetime."

The two-time MVP also said that in order for him to move on with his career, he knew that he had to go through the Celtics.

Boston eliminated the Cavaliers in the second round of the 2008 and 2010 playoffs.

The Celtics also beat LeBron and his new team three times in the regular season, causing Paul Pierce to mock James with a postgame tweet in November that said, "It's been a pleasure to bring my talents to south beach now on to Memphis."

The Heat will play the winner of the Bulls-Hawks series in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Comments

[AyeChart]

10:25 PM on 05/15/2011

Sorta late, sorta semi-classy, perhaps.

Still, Cleveland fans are angry.

[walkinthedogdude]

05:48 PM on 05/15/2011

They'll get over it LeBron. Indians are playing well.

[TresJolie7]

01:57 AM on 05/15/2011

LeBron, honey, you have NOTHING to apologize for! Us AKRONites still love ya! Eff Cleveland!

[cre8ive]

12:18 AM on 05/15/2011

James gave Cleveland more than they deserved. Enough with the fantrums already!

[Joeltron]

02:23 PM on 05/14/2011

All the hate talk on Lebron is pathetic at best. The dude wanted out of cleveland and did it...he got on with his own life. The haters speak about him like he set the town on fire as he left...ridiculous. And to the Cleveland cav fans: the 'victim' t-shirts are the biggest joke in the nba. It is no wonder Lebron wanted out quick.

[jmroh]

12:11 PM on 05/14/2011

When LeBron apologizes, and admits to, his substandard performance in last year's playoffs, I'll determine he is sincere. If he had played the game of basketball in the last series, Cleveland would have moved on. It's no secret that winning in Cleveland would have made it oh, so hard to leave and do what he had planned to do for years. And, after decimating the Cavs by withholding his announcement until it was too late for the Cavs to make any meaningful moves, and asking for trades that did nothing for the team except waste money, does he really expect anyone to say, "Oh, well, okay. It's all forgiven."? All I can hope for is that he gets exactly what he deserves: no ring, ever. Go Bulls!!!!!!!!!

[Joeltron]

02:00 PM on 05/14/2011

Ohh come on, get over it. He didn't want to play for the cavs anymore. I don't think there was any way he could've announced it that would have made people in cleveland happy. And I don't think the Cavs could've made any meaningful moves; if so they would've put it on the table before Lebron went team searching.

Truth is - the city invested way too much of itself into LEbron, an athlete, and became way too attached. Like an obsessive girlfriend that thinks she is gonna marry some dude that isn't really into her.

[tbrnotb]

03:38 PM on 05/14/2011

Hey...he was a local boy who made good. We're as loyal lot in NE Ohio. If you can't handle us, why don't YOU just move on. But from your point of view...its just business, huh?

[AyeChart]

10:27 PM on 05/15/2011

It sure LOOKED like the whole Cleveland team was standing around doing nothing.  The rest were waiting for James to do something and he didn't do something.  If it were deliberate, it was despicable.  And I can't see how it was anything else but deliberate.  He can play better than that.

[BigHound1]

12:00 AM on 05/14/2011

I'm glad to see where LeBron is attempting to make amends with Cleveland. He has a world of talent and Miami is a good team. They will still be bridemaids to the finals again this year. Chicago in 7.

[LittlePurpleUSA]

08:41 PM on 05/13/2011

Bulls in 7.

[rayzrface714]

02:51 PM on 05/13/2011

Well,guess it's time to start rooting for Miami and keep my eyes open for some good old moves to make watching the game worthwhile! It really is a treat to see someone when they are this talented turn it on and bust a move out! Earl the Pearl Monroe used to have this kind of explosive style of play when the ball made it'd way into his hands! Walt Frazier also had a dribble that would make you believe he was dancing out there. It is what it is and there is no need to cry for spilled Irish Whiskey? Time for a shot of O.J.! Oops,that innocent phrase seems to be slightly tainted doesn't it? Have a good day,and may the better team win?

[ttopaster]

02:48 PM on 05/13/2011

so, lebron has to win in order to swallow his pride and apologize? you'd be more of a man if you just admitted this months ago...

[who38]

06:36 PM on 05/13/2011

Huh?

[PowerPridePinstripes]

01:19 PM on 05/13/2011

Now will Clevland fans loose the perpetual pouts they've been sporting?!

If Miami wins --- whooo weee! That will be something. I'm not a Heat fan, but I'm actually glad the lakers and Celtics aren't in it.

[JimR]

02:18 PM on 05/13/2011

When will you learn how to spell "lose"?

[ttopaster]

02:27 PM on 05/13/2011

yankee fan, what do you expect?

[badwalrus]

12:41 PM on 05/13/2011

He needs to apologize to Gilbert. And Gilbert needs to as well. What a circus. And yet the fans keep on paying. It's our money that inflates this hubris.

[Citizen-Jane]

08:43 PM on 05/13/2011

Apologize to Gilbert. NOT.

[Mario Reyes]

12:21 PM on 05/13/2011

Lets see....ummm, Multi-millionaire in Cleveland... or South Beach???? That a tough choice... Go HEAT!!!

[who38]

06:37 PM on 05/13/2011

Exactly.

[tbrnotb]

03:41 PM on 05/14/2011

The only upside to global warmiong....Florida is the first to go.

[Leftimage]

11:59 AM on 05/13/2011

Miami in 5

[carester]

12:21 PM on 05/13/2011

I'm a Miami gal, but aren't you wishing a little bit too much? I think this is going to be a long series. In the best case scenario for the winning team (which I'm so hoping is my Heat) will be 6, but that is kind of unlikely. More likely than not is going to be all the way to 7 games. It's going to be great! Regardless of who wins, there is going to be spectacular basketball :-)

[dmsdzinr]

01:39 PM on 05/13/2011

carester, Looks like HP nixed our whole convo. I think they prefer when you and I are fighting...LOL. Anyway, you are a sweetheart, but you don't want my old saggy white @S$ down in MIami. Darlin' I am old enough to be your dad. Later gator.

[who38]

06:38 PM on 05/13/2011

Only after they beat Chicago.

[maxwellinformed]

11:56 AM on 05/13/2011

They will lose to Chicago.