I don't like hearing this any more then you do, but earlier today LeBron James left the door open for a possible return to Cleveland later in his career. Personally I don't think it will happen, that the media is just taking some sound bites and running with them, but the fact that he said it is enough to have some diehard Heat fans tossing and turning in their sleep. Here is what LeBron said following today's practice in Cleveland:
"I think it would be great, it would be fun to play in front of these fans again. I had a lot of fun times here. You can't predict the future. Hopefully you continue to stay healthy. I'm here as a Miami player and I'm happy where I am now, but I don't rule that out in any sense. If I decide to come back, hopefully the fans will accept me."
James made these comments while the Heat are enjoying a 3-day visit to Ohio as they finish up their 6-game road trip. I'm sure it's worth noting that he has been staying at his own home in Akron, sleeping in his own bed while having his teammate Dwyane Wade over as a houseguest.
LeBron also touched on Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, saying that he understood why he said what he said, almost in forgiving fashion. Said James:
"I don't hold grudges. I hold them a little bit, but I don't hold them that long. He said what he said out of anger. He probably would want to take that back. But I made a mistake, too. There's some things I'd want to take back, as well. You learn from your mistakes and move on."
Then came the question that everyone there wanted to know the answer to...
"Would I play for Dan again? Dan is not the coach. I play for any coach." He was then asked if there has been any effort by Gilbert to rectify the damage. "To answer your question, there hasn't been any attempt. I don't have any hard feelings. He said what he said, and I moved on. But it's been no attempt to patch things up."
The bottom line is that James was being honest when asked about returning to his home, and I think most people would have said the same thing. The decision wont have to be made for another 5 years, and hopefully by then he'll have a couple championships under his belt and will be anxious to end his career chasing a couple more in Miami.