It is entirely possible that LeBron James will end his historic NBA career with his current team, the Los Angeles Lakers.
But James’ road to LA has been a long one with a few twists and turns.
It has also had its fair share of controversies.
12 years ago today …
THE DECISION 👑 @KingJames pic.twitter.com/QlhwGjqvxF
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 8, 2022
On Friday, NBA fans were celebrating (and criticizing) one of James’ biggest moments.
It’s been 12 years since he announced that he was leaving his Cleveland Cavaliers to “take his talents to South Beach” and seek a championship with the Miami Heat.
As we all know, this was a huge step in James’ quest to become an NBA champion – something he did twice in Miami, once in his return to Cleveland, and once with the Lakers.
It was a moment that rocked the league – and created a bunch of opinions.
The Decision
The hatred surrounding the choice to leave Cleveland for Miami is about more than just picking one team over another.
James’ choice was a huge media moment and was even revealed on a primetime special on TV, dubbed The Decision.
The hype and the TV show and the overall pomp and circumstance of the entire situation rubbed many the wrong way.
Even James himself later said that he regretted handling things the way he did.
But no matter how it all went down, James’ trip down to Florida was a major event that changed the future of the Heat, Cavs, Lakers, and really every other team in the league.
Along with Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Ray Allen, and others, James was part of a historic Heat squad that took home two Finals.
James is now a four-time champ and it all really started 12 years ago with The Decision.
NEXT: Stats Show The Perpetual Prime Of LeBron James