Would LeBron James really return to the Miami Heat?
One ESPN talking head says a LeBron James, Miami Heat reunion is possible.
The Miami Heat may be out of the playoffs, but that does not mean that they have escaped the NBA rumor mill.
Why?
Oh, because of LeBron James, of course.
Lately, the media has been buzzing about the possibility of James coming back to Miami. And while some Heat supporters are rejoicing over the idea, others still have hatred for him in their hearts. However, for now, it is all entirely hearsay. So before debating whether or not Miami should welcome him back with open arms, the likelihood of the situation itself should be examined.
As a reminder, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith recently said:
"“I’ll drop one other tidbit of information, because people have been ignoring what I’ve been saying. I’ve hinted around it for months as you well know. But I’m going to say this again.LeBron James promised the city of Cleveland, ‘I’m coming back to bring you that elusive title that has escaped this city since 1964.’ He never said anything about staying once he does accomplish that.I’m in Miami last week. I’m in Miami a few months ago. Skip Bayless, I’m hearing about a return to Miami if this man wins. He ain’t going nowhere if he loses. But, if he wins, his options are open. LA, but especially Miami, a return to South Beach.Look man, there’s a lot going on. And there’s a lot riding on him winning. Losing changes everything, because it keeps there in Cleveland. But more importantly, it keeps him stuck, because he knows he can’t leave until he fulfills his promise. And if you can’t because you’re not a champion, that’s far worse than just choosing to stay because you want to.It’s going to get very interesting. Keep your eyes on it.”"
Foolish? Crazy? Impossible? Most seem to think so. Including Senator Marco Rubio.
But consider a few things.
First and foremost, when talk of James and Chris Bosh joining forcing with Wade began, all but a select few dismissed it. But Stephen A. kept at it. He insisted that was exactly what would happen. He promised he was onto something.
And in the end, the Big Three was indeed formed, taking the NBA by storm for four years.
There is also the fact that people deemed whispers of James heading back to Cleveland two summers ago, as too insane to be true; after all the hoopla created around “The Decision,” after winning his first ever championships in South Beach, the King would never go home.
But it happened, as out-there as it may have seemed at the time. Heck, as out-there as it still does. However, it is less about the how, and more about the why.
Recall his Sports Illustrated letter:
"“My goal is still to win as many titles as possible, no question. But what’s most important for me is bringing one trophy back to Northeast Ohio.”"
In other words, he may have won two titles with the Heat, but he still had not delivered one for The Land.
When this season began, certain writers (ok, me) tossed around the idea of James coming back to Miami if things did not go well with the Cavaliers. But his return may actually instead be dependent on the team doing well. James promised his city a ring. Nothing more, nothing less. So if he ends up succeeding, what is to stop him from moving on?
Keeping it real, James has and will never live his life to please anyone but himself. Praise him for it or call it a fault, but that is the truth. So just like he did not for a second hesitate to leave Cleveland the first time, he will not do so again now.
(And just like Cavaliers’ owner Dan Gilbert took him back in an instant, as will Heat president Pat Riley. The boss just may demand a few conditions met and a few promises kept, first.)
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Whether James actually wants to return right now, is unknown. Currently, he is clearly focused on making it past the Raptors and onto the Finals. But when he does desire such a thing, be clear: he will be back in his No. 6 jersey in a blink of an eye. I said it once and I will say it again, James’ time with the Heat is not over yet.