By Sam Grigsby, PSO Director of Sports History
Jul 08, 2021



LeBron James was drafted into the NBA by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. He stuck with his hometown team for seven NBA seasons, leading them to five straight playoffs, including a Finals appearance in 2007. His relationship with ownership strained over time and hit a boiling point in 2010 after years of contending without a championship-caliber supporting cast. King James decided to enter free agency and field offers from the elite franchises of the league. 

Multiple teams were in the mix, from the New York Knicks to the Brooklyn Nets to the Chicago Bulls. He announced his choice during a controversial ESPN special on July 8th titled “The Decision” with all of the funds raised going to charity. During the special, LeBron announced his intention to meet up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, leading to the formation of the Heat’s Big Three. 

The super team went on to reach four straight NBA Finals including back-to-back Championships in 2012-13. LeBron’s free-agency move began the Player Empowerment Era that saw multiple superstars departing the teams that drafted them in search of championship-caliber situations and this move was a huge influence in Kevin Durant later joining the 73-9 Warriors, creating the most stacked team of all-time.

 

 

 

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