National Basketball Association

LeBron's Ohio holds 'a special place in my heart'

Published Jul. 11, 2014 1:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Excerpts from LeBron James' story - as told to Lee Jenkins of Sports Illustrated - about his decision to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers:

On growing up in Ohio:

''Before anyone ever cared where I would play basketball, I was a kid from Northeast Ohio. It's where I walked. It's where I ran. It's where I cried. It's where I bled. It holds a special place in my heart. People there have seen me grow up. I sometimes feel like I'm their son. Their passion can be overwhelming.''

On leaving Miami:

''The hardest thing to leave is what I built with those guys. I've talked to some of them and will talk to others. Nothing will ever change what we accomplished. We are brothers for life.''

On announcing his decision:

''I'm not having a press conference or a party. After this, it's time to get to work.''

On returning to Cleveland:

''I was seeking championships, and we won two. But Miami already knew that feeling. Our city hasn't had that feeling in a long, long, long time. ... I always believed that I'd return to Cleveland and finish my career there. I just didn't know when.''

On the Cavaliers' prospects:

''I'm not promising a championship. I know how hard that is to deliver. We're not ready right now. No way. Of course, I want to win next year, but I'm realistic.''

---

Online:

http://www.si.com/nba/2014/07/11/lebron-james-cleveland-cavaliers