LeBron James tells all in end of season manifesto
LeBron James shared his thoughts about being back in Cleveland and his feelings about the NBA Finals.
LeBron James' NBA Finals performance was one for the ages. Although the end result what not like he had hoped, he still hopes the Cleveland Cavaliers fans are proud.
The Cavaliers and their quest for a maiden championship came unstuck against the Golden State Warriors, beaten 4-2 in the best-of-seven series, despite a heroic effort from James, who averaged 30.1 points, 11.3 rebounds and 8.5 assists during the Finals.
James provided Bleacher Report with an end-of-season video report in which he shared his thoughts about being back in Cleveland and the NBA Finals.
"Just giving y'all a closeout to the season. Obviously it didn't end the way that I would like it to end and I wanted it to end, but you know, for a team that's first getting together, in our first year to be able to reach the finals - not saying I'm happy with the results, but I'm proud of our guys," James said.
"Just the growth that they had from the first day we walked in the gym to the other day, us losing, I'm proud of the guys and what they was able to accomplish.
"I'm not satisfied and I'm not happy with the way it closed out - that's just not me. It hurt to lose, and I'm still in a little funk right now, but I'm trying to work my way out of it. But, you know, being back home is everything that I dreamed of, everything that I thought about.
"Being back with these fans, being back with this community, just being back here and trying to bring joy to this city, which deserves it. Bringing a sense of pride to this city, which deserves it. Giving this city something to talk about, which they deserve.
"Hopefully I was an inspiration, being back to you guys for this first year. Hopefully I can continue that in the near future. And I just thank you guys - I thank the fans, I thank everybody for the support that y'all gave us all year, the support that you gave me by welcoming me back. And hopefully I made you guys proud in Year 1.
"Like I said, I'm not satisfied, I'm not happy with the way things turned out. I'm bummed about it for sure. But hopefully I can put our team in position once again to try to compete for a championship next year and year-in and year-out. That's my goal, and my inspiration hasn't changed. So I appreciate everything. I thank you guys, I love you guys and I'll see y'all soon."
James' eyes are set toward the future despite an apparent beef with coach David Blatt.
The Cavs are hoping to upgrade their roster for James by shopping centre Brendan Haywood and their first draft pick, 24th overall, in order to add players with more fluidity this summer.