N.B.A.’s Season of Suspense Ends as James Chooses Heat

With one dramatic declaration, lasting 16 words and only a few seconds, LeBron James shook the sporting world and the N.B.A. on Thursday, announcing that he would play next season for the Miami Heat.

James, the most coveted free agent in league history, made that decision on national television at about 9:27 p.m. Eastern time, ending a frantic recruitment period that lasted eight days and involved six teams.

It was an intensely anticipated moment and an emotional one for James. He first stumbled over his words before finally declaring, “This fall, I’m going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat.”

In doing so, the 25-year-old James spurned the Cleveland Cavaliers, his hometown team, and the only franchise he has known. A native of nearby Akron, James was a teenager when the Cavaliers made him the first pick of the draft in 2003.

James briefly became emotional when the reporter Jim Gray asked him about leaving his hometown team.

“This is tough,” he said. “It’s very tough, because you feel like you let a lot of people down.”

James added: “I never wanted to leave Cleveland. And my heart will always be around that area.” In Miami, James will join two other stars of this heralded free-agent class, Dwyane Wade, 28, and Chris Bosh, 26, to form the most powerful threesome in the league. They should become instant favorites in the Eastern Conference, joining the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic. James said he did not make a final decision until he woke up Thursday morning. However, by then there were widespread reports that he had chosen, or was strongly leaning toward Miami. James said he did not make a final decision until he woke up Thursday morning. However, by then there were widespread reports that he had chosen, or was strongly leaning toward Miami.


Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/09/sports/basketball/09nba.html?_r=1