LeBron James’ journey to stardom has been marked by intense scrutiny and enthusiastic support from both veterans and fans. While he established himself as one of the league’s top players, LeBron initially lacked a team achievement that set him apart from other basketball legends.
However, he made a pivotal career decision by leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers after a seven-year tenure. This decision faced significant criticism from the entire NBA community, including legendary Boston Celtic, Larry Bird.
Larry Bird opens up about disapproval of LeBron James’ Heat move
Larry Bird addressed LeBron James’ controversial trade to the Miami Heat in the 2010–11 season. During the BS Report with Bill Simmons, Larry Bird was asked what he feels about LeBron receiving scrutiny over the years in the league due to his decision to join the Miami Heat.
Bird graciously recognized LeBron James as one of the all-time greats. Bird stated, “We all make mistakes,” and he wasn’t certain if LeBron had made a mistake or not. He went on to suggest that perhaps LeBron had made an unwise decision by joining the Miami Heat.
Bird then chose Kobe Bryant over LeBron James when asked which player he’d like to play with, He said, “Well, probably Kobe, because of the fact that … well, of course, he wouldn’t have been shooting as much as he does now… but his desire to win, his dedication, to always get better, uh, and he’s just, he’s just tough. But, if you want to have fun, like I did with Bill Walton, play with LeBron.”
However, Bird also acknowledged the fun factor, suggesting that playing alongside LeBron might offer a more enjoyable experience. LeBron James, when asked about Bird’s comments, showed maturity and a strong focus on winning, acknowledging Kobe’s five NBA championships and his lack of titles.
James stated, “It’s simple, Kobe has five rings, and I have none.” However, James’ response meant he believed the championship would soon start coming, it was just a matter of time before he separated James and the NBA championship.
How old was LeBron when he moved to the Heat?
LeBron James was 25 years old when he joined the Heat. On July 8, 2010, LeBron James reshaped the NBA landscape when he announced his decision to join the Miami Heat. After much anticipation, in a widely-watched special on ESPN known as “The Decision,” James famously declared that he was leaving his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, to “take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat.” This choice marked the end of James’ tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers, during which he won two NBA MVP awards but fell short of delivering an NBA championship to the franchise.
In Miami, James teamed up with fellow All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to create a super team that made it to the NBA Finals for four consecutive seasons from 2010 to 2014. After losing to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA Finals, the Heat clinched back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. LeBron made a return to Cleveland in the summer of 2014, having earned two NBA MVPs, two NBA championships, and made four All-Star appearances during his four seasons in Miami.
