The “Big Three” era with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh was undoubtedly the greatest time in Miami Heat franchise history. It not only came with a pair of championships, but it was also must-see TV. James recently brushed up on some memories during that time of his legendary career.
From 2010-2014, that Heat team created memories that will be stamped with back-to-back championships, four Eastern Conference championship titles and owners of the second-largest winning streak of all-time (27 games).
James accomplished plenty of individual success as well, earning back-to-back league and NBA Finals MVPs in that span.
On a recent episode of the Pat McAfee show, James was their latest guest star— as the future Hall of Famer discussed several topics, including his time in Miami.
LeBron revealed how difficult it was for him to sign with the Heat in 2010.
“Miami was a terrifying experience for me..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 26, 2025
That was the first time I had ever left my hometown..
Even tho I played for Cleveland I still lived in Akron” @KingJames #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/LqbUCR2Bb5
Prior to his infamous “decision” to join forces with Wade and Bosh on the Heat, James played seven consecutive seasons with the team that drafted him in his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers. Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, the city was all he knew up until his late 20s in the league.
In what will go down as the most hyped draft prospect of all-time, he played up to all those expectations and then some, even early on in his career.
The four-time MVP quickly became a force to be reckoned with in Cleveland. Before he even reached the beginning of his prime years, he had already built a stacked resume with a plethora of individual accolades. The only thing missing? An NBA championship.
That’s when he decided to jump ship, and join his best friend in Wade to create the most polarizing superteam ever in South Beach.
Of course, James’ four-year stint with the Heat came to an abrupt end when he decided to go back to Cleveland and deliver on his promise to win a championship for his hometown. He discussed his departure from Miami with McAfee, including how it was to work under Pat Riley and the “Heat Culture.”
LeBron speaks on Jimmy, D-Wade, and his departure from Miami
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 26, 2025
"One thing about Riles, he don't give a f*ck about nothing. If it ain't about that Heat shield and covering that Heat culture, I mean we see with what's going on now."
(h/t @ClutchPoints )
pic.twitter.com/xoo8I5hgkt
As painful as it was for Heat Nation to witness arguably the greatest player of all-time walk out the door, James did what was best for himself at that stage of his career. Although it was disappointing to see such a great Heat core split early, it was never personal.
In his four years in Miami, he averaged 27 points, 7.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.7 steals on 54% shooting across 294 total games. He was an NBA All-Star and first team All-NBA talent in each of those historic campaigns.
Those years with James in Miami were the true peak of Heat basketball. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”