James told Sports Illustrated for a story published Friday that he'll leave the Miami Heat for the Cleveland Cavaliers -- a sensational return to his home region that he devastated when he left via free agency in 2010
"I always believed that I'd return to Cleveland and finish my career there," the four-time NBA MVP was quoted as saying. "I just didn't know when."
"I looked at other teams," the 29-year-old wrote, "but I wasn't going to leave Miami for anywhere except Cleveland. The more time passed, the more it felt right. This is what makes me happy."
"I'm ready to accept the challenge. I'm coming home," the NBA superstar said.
James has been a member of the Miami Heat between the 2010 and 2014 seasons, and led the team for four consecutive NBA Finals appearances.
The Heat won the 2012 and 2013 campaign, the franchise's first back-to-back trophies.
Lebron was the team's leader throughout the four seasons, playing alongside the other 2003 draftees, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh.
He said in the article: "I went to Miami because of D-Wade and CB.
"I believed we could do something magical if we came together. And that's exactly what we did."
He denied rumors that he and the Miami Heat's management did not get along because of his decision.
He said: "I want an opportunity to explain myself, uninterrupted.
"I don't want anyone thinking: 'He and (head coach) Erik Spoelstra didn't get along … He and Riley didn't get along … The Heat couldn't put the right team together.' That's absolutely not true."
"Nothing will ever change what we accomplished. We are brothers for life. I also want to thank Micky Arison and Pat Riley for giving me an amazing four years," he added.
The signing will bring back James to Cleveland, where he led the team in the NBA Finals in 2007, when the Cavaliers lost the championship to Western Conference giants San Antonio Spurs.
