LeBron James has gone Nick Saban on everyone and says he will not be leaving Cleveland again.
James spoke at a “Welcome Home LeBron” event at InfoCision Stadium in Akron Friday and pledged his allegiance to the Cavaliers.
“I don’t plan on going anywhere,” James said Friday via the Akron Beacon Journal. “I don’t have the energy to do it again.”
James was drafted by the Cavaliers and played for them from 2003-2010. He won two MVPs and reached the NBA Finals once but never captured a title. He left for Miami and played four seasons with the Heat, reaching the Finals all four seasons and winning them twice. But he returned to Cleveland this offseason amid much fanfare, forgiveness and elation.
There was some speculation that James could leave the team again because he only signed a two-year deal, but he says that was done for financial reasons.
“At the end of the day I’m a businessman as well,” James said, “and I know what’s going on in our league.”
James was referring to the new TV deal the league is negotiating, which could lead to higher maximum salaries for top players.
James leaving the organization and area for a second time would be devastating for the community. It’s good he plans to stay with them the rest of his career lest he risk becoming the most hated man in Ohio. That is unless his second stint with the team turns disastrous.
