Erik Spoelstra forced him and his wife to leave Chicago when LeBron James departed the Miami Heat to join the Cavaliers in 2014.
Erik Spoelstra’s ex-wife Nikki Sapp stated in a new Instagram post that the couple’s 2014 trip to Chicago was cut short due to LeBron James’ choice to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers and leave the Miami Heat.
Sapp message: “Chicago recap incoming…” My family and I gathered for the first time in Chicago to celebrate my cousin’s college graduation. The first time in Chi. I landed. Went to Millennium Park. I received word that LBJ was leaving Miami and needed to return home immediately. So I was in Chicago for less than 24 hours. Does not count. This definitely counts! I love being here with my family. Send recommendations…”
One can see why such a significant free-agent move would drive Coach Spo to return to Miami. LeBron James was the Miami Heat’s key character, and his departure would have thrown Spoelstra and Pat Riley’s plans for the coming season into disarray.
LeBron James had some of his best years in Miami. During his four-year stay in South Beach, James led the Heat to four straight NBA Finals. In addition to winning the NBA championship twice, he received two Finals MVPs and two regular-season MVPs in 2012 and 2013. James was the world’s top player during his time in Miami.
LeBron averaged 26.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists over his four seasons in Miami. James, along with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, dominated the NBA, propelling the Heat to become one of, if not the best, teams in the league during those years.
In 2010, James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh made the contentious decision to move to Miami. The move turned James into the NBA’s biggest villain, as fans blamed him for teaming up with two other superstars after a poor spell in Cleveland.
Could LeBron James Make Yet Another Return To Cleveland?
Over the last few months, there has been conjecture that LeBron may repeat the trick and return to Cleveland for a third stint with the Cavaliers this offseason. LeBron James is a free agent this year and may want to prioritize playing with his son Bronny, who might be drafted into the NBA.
James was recently spotted sitting courtside at a Cavs game, where he earned a standing ovation from fans who witnessed him deliver a championship to the city in 2016. His visit occurred during the Cavaliers’ playoff game versus the Celtics.
Many NBA officials were intrigued by James’ visit to Cleveland, with some assuming that he was sending a message to the league amid reports of Bronny being drafted into the league. Others suspected that he was in Cleveland to scout Darius Garland, a potential offseason target for the Lakers.
Regardless of where he ends up in the offseason, there is no doubt that LeBron James is one of the league’s finest players. James will turn 40 next season, and he wants to win another NBA championship before calling it a career.
