Almost ten years have passed since LeBron James departed the Miami Heat, yet his influence is still felt throughout South Florida. During his four-year tenure with the Heat, James improved Miami’s winning culture and added two more NBA titles to the team’s trophy case. The King’s discontent with his current team has sparked rumors that he may try to rejoin Miami, much like he once did with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Following Los Angeles’ five-game series loss to the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs, James is anticipated to reject his player option with the Lakers and explore free agency this summer.
With the firing of head coach Darvin Ham, the Lakers are already undergoing change, but LeBron’s departure would be a major turning point for one of the league’s most successful teams.
Commentary from a former Heat player on LeBron’s possible comeback
In a recent interview with “The Carton Show,” Heat great Tim Hardaway was questioned if James might possibly return to Miami, over ten years after he left to sign a free agent contract to rejoin Cleveland.
However, Hardaway—a two-time All-Star for the team—quickly put an end to that line of reasoning by hinting that James and Heat president Pat Riley were involved in some conflict behind the scenes. Hardway said,
“After what happened back then,” “Pat Riley is not going to (turn to) him.”
.@HardawaySr says there's no chance LeBron James goes back to the Miami Heat:
"After what happened back then…Pat Riley is not going to him." 😳🤔 pic.twitter.com/jT6nHcNdQW
— The Carton Show (@TheCartonShow) May 1, 2024
Hardaway refused to back down when questioned about the specifics of what had happened between Riley and James all those years ago. Although there has been persistent talk that James might be prepared to move from Los Angeles to Miami, where he would be paired with All-Stars Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, at least temporarily, the separation appears to be severe enough to prevent any reunion between the two.
Given his recent outburst about Miami’s playoff loss to the Boston Celtics and his alleged demands for a contract extension, Butler’s future with the Heat is unclear.
The story appears to have more twists and turns yet to come, some of which could involve the NBA’s all-time top scorer and one of its most successful executives setting aside their differences for a final dance.
LeBron James back in a Miami Heat jersey next season will feed families.
Time to come home. Who beating this squad? pic.twitter.com/gJn6EzZIqP
— Mink Flow (@currypistonn) April 28, 2024