If you have been following LeBron James and/or Dwyane Wade on social media, you likely have noticed that they have been enjoying themselves since winning the NBA title on Thursday night. They went out partying at a club after winning the title, and they celebrated in the team parade on Monday. LeBron has actually acknowledged that he is partying and celebrating more this year than he did last year after winning his first championship.
“It’s a little bit more, actually,” LeBron said of his celebrating in an interview with CNN’s Rachel Nichols. “Last year, the time went by so fast. It’s like, ‘Wow, did I really just?’ And it’s gone. It’s gone like that. So I want to make sure I take full advantage of this one.
“I tell you one thing, I love the feeling of winning.”
James’ comments seem to indicate that although he finally won a title, he did not feel like he had accomplished enough to completely let loose and celebrate. One title was great, but now he’s a multiple champion, which means a lot more toward his legacy. That probably factors into his celebration a lot more.
LeBron was also asked by Nichols about his comments after winning Game 7 that he might have called off his wedding had the team lost. James told Nichols that his fiancee, Savannah Brinson, wouldn’t have allowed it.
“She would have dragged me by my collar — no matter how I looked — to get up there and say ‘I do.’ She runs the house.”
James was asked about his contract status with the Heat and the possibility that he could eventually return to Cleveland. James says he will approach the situation like a “professional,” and he admitted he’s learned and grown since making the mistake of hosting “The Decision.”
“You learn from your mistakes, and that’s something that I’ve been able to do. That’s something I’ve lived with. When the opportunity comes along, if I’m in that position again, I’ll be able to handle it a lot better,” James told Nichols.
Nichols drew the connection between James’ mature attitude about his mistakes and the maturity of his game. Like she said, it’s no surprise that given LeBron’s state of mind, he’s having his most success on the court. As his speeches to his haters have indicated, LeBron isn’t mentally affected by his critics anymore. In fact, he says he wants them to continue because they serve as motivation.
Photos: Getty Images / Andrew D. Bernstein; Getty Images / Jesse D. Garrabrant
