LeBron Goes Home

LeBron James is going home. What an amazing story. His return is the most important thing to happen to Cleveland in 50 years. 

He made his announcement in a moving letter published Friday on Sports Illustrated's website. "Before anyone ever cared where I would play basketball, I was a kid from Northeast Ohio," he wrote. "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... My relationship with Northeast Ohio is bigger than basketball. I didn't realize that four years ago. I do now."

How can anyone argue with these sentiments?

At 29 years old, LeBron James is the biggest superstar in the world. Yet this kid from Northeast Ohio, who had a difficult childhood, is a doting father, a loving husband and a wonderful son. His Akron roots run deep. Located 40 miles south of Cleveland, Akron was once known as the "Rubber City," but it has bounced back from a major loss of manufacturing jobs. Like many other cities, it has struggled with crime and illegal drugs, either one of which has ruined the lives of many young men. LeBron emerged from a tough childhood because of his exceptional basketball skills. In short, he is the American dream come true, a man of great character and generosity. 

LeBron explained his decision, "I always believed that I'd return to Cleveland and finish my career there. I just didn't know when. After the season, free agency wasn't even a thought. But I have two boys and my wife, Savannah, is pregnant with a girl. I started thinking about what it would be like to raise my family in my hometown... The more time passed, the more it felt right. This is what makes me happy."

His departure four years ago from the Cleveland Cavaliers led to great acrimony and anger, especially from team owner Dan Gilbert. "The letter from Dan Gilbert, the booing of the Cleveland fans, the jerseys being burned -- seeing all that was hard for them. My emotions were more mixed," LeBron wrote. "But then you think about the other side. What if I were a kid who looked up to an athlete, and that athlete made me want to do better in my own life, and then he left? How would I react?" In the end, LeBron said, "Who am I to hold a grudge?"

I met LeBron Raymone James in a Ralph Lauren's men's department in Manhattan almost a decade ago. He had just completed his rookie year with the Cleveland Cavaliers. I walked over to him; he was seated with his back to me. I introduced myself and said, "I am from Chicago, I have met Michael Jordan and watched him play." As he turned to look at me, I continued, "From what I have seen, you could one day be better than Michael Jordan." LeBron stood up, as if I had mentioned God almighty, and was visibly moved by my prediction. He leaned over and said, "Thank you sir, that means a lot to me." We chatted briefly as he shook my hand.

A while later, while I was at the store's checkout counter, he walked all the way across the store, considerably out of his way, and approached me. He reached out his hand and said, "Thank you again sir for those kind words." He was already making millions as a Cleveland Cavalier and drawing accolades, but he was humble through and through.

I had no doubt over these past couple weeks that the young man I had met years ago would decide to return to his home, only now as a giant of a man. The trappings of stardom, the nightlife scene (pay attention, Johnny Manziel) or what most other people think are not a priority for LeBron. He is his own man. He is thoughtful, strategic, focused on his goals and objectives, and he is highly motivated to achieve them. He has already accumulated two championships, with the Miami Heat, two NBA Finals MVP awards and numerous other great honors.

Nonetheless, there is something even bigger in LeBron's life. In his words, "I feel my calling here goes above basketball. I have a responsibility to lead, in more ways than one, and I take that very seriously... Our community, which has struggled so much, needs all the talent it can get...In Northeast Ohio, nothing is given. Everything is earned. You work for what you have. I'm ready to accept the challenge. I'm coming home."

LeBron will now carry the Cleveland Cavaliers and this community on his shoulders. While he warned that winning an NBA championship would take time, today the people of Northeast Ohio feel like they won a championship. They have their native son back home.

Dallas: A Team Victory

The Dallas Mavericks prevailed over the Miami Heat's star studded cast for their first NBA title proving they were the better team. While Miami had been the overwhelming favorite, turnovers and poor shooting brought about by the Maverick’s intense defense plagued the Heat.

Miami's superstar trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh underperformed throughout the series. Their bench play was poor. Dallas coach Rick Carlisle at one point described it as their three against our ten. In fact, the Dallas bench played a big role in each victory. And their starting five played together as a cohesive unit. When Maverick superstar Dirk Nowitzki got off to a slow start in game six, guard Jason Terry and his teammates stepped up to fill the void.

In 2006 the Mavericks lost their only other chance at a title to the Dwyane Wade led Heat. Owner Mark Cuban, Nowitzki and Terry learned important lessons in that series and set their sites on winning the crown. Cuban made some key acquisitions and changed coaches, bringing in Carlisle who strengthened the team's offense to complement its tough defense.

When James, Bosh and Wade announced they were hooking up on the Heat to win titles there was a lot of resentment about the way they conducted themselves. The Heat surrounded them with a decent supporting cast but the team struggled out of the gate. The primary issue was how the three talented superstars fit together, what role would each play. Toward the end of the season the team pulled together and dominated the league. They went on to win all their playoffs, beating the world champion Boston Celtics and feisty Chicago Bulls. James and Wade were dominant.

But something curious happened in the finals. Carlisle's zone defense stifled the Heat and the Mav's strong team offense shredded their opponents. Surprisingly, at times LeBron James seemed to be out of it. Not surprisingly Dirk Nowitzki would not be denied. Jason Terry, Jason Kidd, Tyson Chandler, Shawn Marion, JJ Barea, DeShawn Stevenson and the rest of the team would not be denied. This was their time.

Miami has outstanding talent. Heat President Pat Riley will strengthen their roster in the off season. Wade, James and Bosh will be at the big dance again. They will win an NBA title.

The Dallas Mavericks demonstrated that a passionate, determined, gritty and talented team could prevail over a group of superstars. This should be the biggest takeaway for the Miami Heat.

LeBron MVP

Two years ago this July I was in need of a white blazer for one of those summer parties in the Hamptons. I headed down to Ralph Lauren, several blocks away from our home. The good news was I found the last white jacket in the store. The bad news, the jacket was one size too small. So I headed up to the store's tailoring department to see if the jacket could be fitted.

To my surprise, LeBron James was sitting on a bench in the fitting room. I could see that LeBron was trying on several expensive and spectacular suits. He appeared to be in the company of another large man who was quietly watching the proceedings. I looked at him out of the corner of my eye and was amazed by how together he looked for a man who was barely 20 years old.

Meanwhile, my tailor asked me to put the white jacket on as I stood in front of a 3-way mirror. It was clear that the jacket was too tight around my waist and there was not enough fabric to make the appropriate correction. But, because I had to have a white jacket, I instructed the tailor to do the best he could.

As I was preparing to leave the dressing room I decided to say a few words to LeBron. I had watched him play basketball on television many times. He is tall, 6'9", fast and a great shooter. From the very beginning he appeared to have great potential.

"I am from Chicago," I said, "I watched and met Michael Jordan."

As if I had mentioned almighty God, LeBron James stood up and looked me in the eye.

"From what I have seen, you will be at least as good as Michael Jordan," I continued. "You have great potential."

LeBron stood speechless for a few seconds. He then reached out his hand and shook mine. Then, nodding his head up and down, he said, "Sir, I really appreciate that, I appreciate what you said." His face was earnest and his voice truly sincere. He appeared humbled by the comparison.

After this brief encounter I headed out to the cash register across the room. While finalizing my business I noticed that LeBron was walking across the room to come speak with me.

"Sir," he said respectfully, "I want you to know how much I appreciate what you said." He then tipped his head to me, shook my hand again, and left with his friend.

From this one brief encounter I know that LeBron James is more than just an incredibly gifted athlete. I was struck then by his thoughtfulness, his maturity, by his easy and unassuming manner. LeBron seemed to be a very special person who possessed talent, purpose and decency.

I was thrilled to see him win the NBA's MVP award this year. I was not surprised to hear his humble tone and gracious acceptance remarks, especially the part where he said it is really a team award.

For sure, LeBron James is a "most valuable person" for his family, his community and his sport.

By the way, I wore the white jacket even though I could not button it!