The man, who was vilified for the Decision four years ago, today has given the city of Cleveland, Ohio new hope.
Today, LeBron James "just a kid from Akron" as his website reads made Decision 2.0. No, he didn't go on ESPN but instead used social media and wrote an essay. An essay, that went live on SI.com as told to Lee Jenkins by James. From his essay, James said, "My relationship with Northeast Ohio is bigger than basketball. I didn't realize that four years ago. I do now."
James has definitely matured in those four years since the first Decision. Sure, he won two NBA championships and had four NBA Finals appearances. But LeBron James did accomplish a lot in Miami. James compared to Miami to college saying "Miami, for me has been almost like college for other kids. These past four years helped raised me into who I am. I became a better player and a better man." With him saying that he has showed compassion to both Cleveland and Miami.
What LeBron James did today breathes new life into Cleveland. Yes, LeBron understands that he will not win a title next year or the year after that but this move was deeper than basketball. It was about the city of Cleveland, the community, and his family. LeBron wants to build something great in Cleveland and he has the chance to do it.
He has a chance to bring that winning pedigree to the young Cleveland Cavaliers. Yes, we all remember how Cavs fans and owner Dan Gilbert felt about the decision. They were the scorned women in the relationship and wanted revenge. It was bad on LeBron's part to do the decision but Gilbert did James dirty with his open letter that was posted on the Cavs website. But as LeBron said "We've talked it out. Everybody makes mistakes. I've made mistakes as well. Who am I to hold a grudge?"
This is the LeBron James we have been waiting to see, Cleveland, your son is home. It will be interesting to see how things pan out in Cleveland and in Miami. For Miami, they have already re-signed forward Chris Bosh to a five-year, $118 million deal but let's not forget the fans.
For Heat fans, be happy, you have witnessed greatness but now it's Cleveland's turn again. It's the kid from Akron's turn to help his hometown out. This will be fun to watch for the next few years as we again watch LeBron transition into another point in his life.
Finally, just like LeBron ended off his essay, I am going to end this story off with what he said "In Northeast Ohio, nothing is given. Everything is earned. You work for what you have. I'm ready to accept that challenge. I'm coming home." Welcome home LeBron.