He’s going, going, back, back to Cleveland. After weeks of mounting anticipation, dubbed #LebronWatch, two-time NBA Champion LeBron James announced Friday that he will be returning to his home state of Ohio to play for the team that started it all, the Cavaliers. In an article published by Sports Illustrated, James shared the heartfelt reason behind this move.
“Before anyone ever cared where I would play basketball, I was a kid from Northeast Ohio. It’s where I walked. It’s where I ran. It’s where I cried. It’s where I bled. It holds a special place in my heart. People there have seen me grow up. I sometimes feel like I’m their son. Their passion can be overwhelming. But it drives me. I want to give them hope when I can. I want to inspire them when I can. My relationship with Northeast Ohio is bigger than basketball. I didn’t realize that four years ago. I do now.”
Reactions to the announcement were varied. Some hailed James’ departure from Miami as a sign of maturity, and empathized with his love for his hometown. Others used the opportunity to poke fun at both the Cavalier and Heat fans. Still others took shots at the Cleveland owner Dan Gilbert, as well as the players James would be leaving behind, namely Dwyane Wade. Check out the most hilarious LeBron James memes from The Decision 2.0.
