When LeBron James returned to Cleveland in the summer of 2014, he said that his goal was to win a championship for his home state. He did that three days ago, and he’s now untouchable forever in the eyes of Cleveland sports fans. But that hasn’t quieted speculation that he could leave again now that he got one for #TheLand.
A recent report from The Vertical‘s Adrian Wojnarowski indicated that James hadn’t entirely shut the door on going elsewhere once he’d done what he set out to do.
It could still happen down the line, but on the day of the Cavs’ championship parade, James stated in no uncertain terms to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com that he’s going to be playing in Cleveland next season.
“I love it here. I love being here. I love my teammates,” James told cleveland.com, moments before he boarded a float at The Q for the Cavs’ championship parade through downtown Cleveland. “Obviously my agent will take care of all the logistical things but, I’m happy. I’ve got no plans to go nowhere at this point.”
Even though the title gives him the freedom to do whatever he wants for the rest of his career with a clean conscience, it would have looked weird if James hadn’t tried to defend the title at least once in Cleveland. If he left this summer, he’d miss the ring ceremony on opening night of next season, and he wouldn’t get to enjoy any of the in-season reverence in Cleveland that comes with being defending champions. It would have made the whole thing awkward, even if it wouldn’t have resulted in the outright hatred that existed for him in his home state after he left for Miami in 2010.
Still, he didn’t say “I’m going to retire a Cavalier” or “I’m never going anywhere for the rest of my career.” All he said definitively was that he’s going to stay home this summer. Beyond that, it’s become clear throughout his career that it’s impossible to rule anything out.
