Twelve years ago today, the NBA world witnessed one of LeBron James' most infamous moments. Yes, it's “The Decision”. In a televised broadcast, LeBron announced his intentions to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat. It's one of the most defining moments of his long and storied career. (via ESPN Stats & Info)
On this day in 2010, LeBron James shocks the sports world by announcing via a live ESPN special, “The Decision”, that he would be leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers and “taking his talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat.” pic.twitter.com/1eIdO6ys78
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 8, 2022
After 12 years, NBA fans are still up in arms about LeBron's “Decision” in 2010? Was it the right move for him, but improperly executed? Was it a cowardly move that puts him a tier below Michael Jordan? Fans have a lot to say about this topic to this day, especially during it's anniversary.
One of the biggest criticisms of “The Decision” was the choice to make this a televised event. No other free agent signing in NBA history has reached this level of publicity. For some, it was incredibly tone-deaf of LeBron James to televise this decision to fans.
Going to South Beach was fine but, the decision to announce The Decision publicly was, well, a bad decision. That is a decision that even LeBron would tell you was a bad decision.
— Rob Kelley (@RobKelley24) July 8, 2022
Nobody said he’s a bad dude. He’s just an attention seeker, me first, look at me when things are going good. When things are a struggle it’s everyone else’s fault. The decision sideshow was the end for me, making it seem like he believed he was bigger than the game.
— Brian Mitchell (@bridogg23) July 8, 2022
Of course, there are fans that believe that LeBron James did the right thing by taking his talents to South Beach.
https://twitter.com/ScarletWalleye/status/1545399727247745024
There are also others that completely revile James for this decision.
It’s been 12yrs since LeBron made “The Decision”. 12yrs of stupidity for some fanATICS. pic.twitter.com/BTTIDRH1xO
— Carl Thomas’ Turtleneck (@therealkj4) July 8, 2022
They call KD a snake this mf is the original snake, The inventor of superteams 😂😂
— ChefCurry (@JohnKalvin19) July 8, 2022
Still others say that the Cavaliers fanbase were wrong in booing James after The Decision after bringing the Cavs to two NBA Finals appearances.
Bra they threw batteries at Lebron in Cleveland for the decision lmao.
At that time Bron had already been a 2 time MVP & taken that team to a Finals run… two things that franchise never had before Bron Lmao
— OG Slim (@Jody_McFly) July 8, 2022
Whatever your stance on “The Decision” is, no one can deny that it launched James to true basketball greatness. He would win two NBA championships with the Heat. He'd also win one in Cleveland in thrilling fashion after returning to the city in 2015. Finally, after joining the Lakers in 2019, LeBron won his fourth ring a year later.
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