LeBron James learned from his "not six, not seven" press conference when he returned to Cleveland: "It won't be easy"
When LeBron James decided to embark on his second chapter with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he was cautious about keeping his emotions in check. Returning as a two-time champion, he understood the expectations, having made the Finals in all his years on the Miami Heat.
James had learned his lesson from the introductory press conference that the Heat held in 2010. At the time, he had boldly claimed to win more than six or seven championships in Miami. That's how he invited unnecessary scrutiny, which only worsened after the 2011 Finals loss to the Mavericks.
James was more mature and seasoned when he came back to the Cavaliers. Having been on both sides of the fence during his Miami tenure, he experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. As a result, he relied on a peaceful approach during his first press conference back in Cleveland.
"So I wept from crying tears of joy and tears of frustration. Two up, two down, so I know. I know it all. I know what it takes. I'm a guy whose expectations are still high because I believe in this team and what we can ultimately get to. But I also understand it won't be easy and we can't try to play November and get to June or May right now. We have to go November to December and the rest of the calendar year to even have a chance," said James, who admitted to being more patient than before.
A new Big Three with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love
Deciding to go back home to deliver on his promise of delivering a championship, James ensured the Cavs had all the pieces needed to win. Blessed with a talent like Kyrie Irving, the front office almost went on a limb to trade for Kevin Love, sending Andrew Wiggins the other way.
Nonetheless, the Cavs had a new formidable Big Three, with expectations around them skyrocketing. Both Irving and Love were rising stars with high potential, making them a perfect fit next to James. No doubt, there were doubts about them meshing together as a unit, which was cleared very soon into the season.
Clinching the second seed in the East during the 2014-15 season, the Cavs made it to the Finals. They were among the favorites all year and now they had a historic chance of winning a title. Unfortunately for them, injuries ended up playing spoilsport with Love and Irving sitting out during the series against the Golden State Warriors. Bron couldn't do it all by himself and Cleveland lost in six games.Delivering on The Promise
Time was ticking for James in the next season, who was yet to deliver the chip for Cleveland. Finishing as the first seed in the East during the 2015-16 season, the Cavaliers faced a 73-9 Warriors team in a Finals rematch from last year.
Struggling initially, the Cavs ended up giving away a 3-1 lead to the Warriors. Not losing hope, they swung one of the greatest comebacks of all time, ending up winning the title. A surprise turn of events that erased the 52-year-old championship drought of Cleveland. Both Irving and Love were pivotal throughout, but James led the way as usual.
This is still the only time a team was able to turn around a 3-1 deficit in the Finals.This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
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