Lakers’ LeBron James reflects on Heat during return to Miami – Orange County Register

Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives past Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (1) to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Orlando, Florida. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)

MIAMI — Lakers forward LeBron James sat in a chair on the baseline after the team’s morning shootaround, just feet away from the Miami Heat’s “Heat Culture” court, a fitting setting for James to reflect on his four seasons in South Florida. years time.

“I’ve learned a lot here,” James said. “It was a great time. Obviously, my four years here were a great time playing for this team under Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. Obviously, In our four years, we were with (Dwyane Wade) and (Chris Bosh) and (Udonis Haslem) and a lot of other guys that we had on the court.

“We’ve done some really good things here, some really special things. “It’s definitely been a big part of my career. “

James played for the Heat from 2010-14, winning two NBA championships (2012 and ’13) and reaching the NBA Finals in each of his four seasons with the Heat.

He joined the Heat as a free agent from the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he played seven seasons (2003-10) before leaving for Miami and four more years (2014-18) after leaving Miami. Later joined the Lakers as a free agent. 2018 offseason.

“I just grew,” James said of his time with the Heat. “I was 25 years old when I came here. Even though I’m seven years old, I’m still a kid. But I’m here for one reason and one reason only, and that’s to win the championship. That’s my only goal. This is The only reason I work with Wade and Bosh.

“Because I felt like I couldn’t do it in Cleveland. I tried to recruit players to come to Cleveland. I tried to go upstairs and help out, but it didn’t work out. So I had the opportunity to be a free agent, so I did what I thought was best, Not just for my career but for me at the time. People talk about “heat culture” – it was a cultural change. For the first time in my life, it changed everything in my life. Being able to come here and be able to learn and interact with Playing alongside D-Wade, UD and Spo – these guys have won championships – it’s definitely a great thing to be a part of, for sure.”

Nearly a decade after leaving Miami, James, now 38 and turning 39 next month, is the oldest player in the league and remains one of the top players in the league.

James enters his 21st season in the NBA on Monday, averaging 24.5 points (56% from the field, 36.1% from 3-point range), 9.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.7 steals in 35.7 minutes per game.

Vince Carter averages the most points per game in his 21st season in the NBA with 7.4 points, ahead of Dirk Nowitzki (7.3), both of whom played in 2018- Achieved during season 19. In addition to Carter and Nowitzki, only four players have played in their 21st NBA season: Moses Malone, Kevin Garnett, Kevin Willis and Robert Parish.

While James attributes his growth as a player to his time with the Heat, he made it clear that he believes he already has what it takes to achieve longevity.

“I don’t need to study here,” James said. “I didn’t learn anything from it. I’ve always been careful about my body. I’ve been stretching, icing and taking care of my body since I was in eighth grade. “Whether I would (come) here or not, I would still be at this level. “

He added: “Let’s not get it twisted: My four years here, it’s been fantastic. I love everything about it, love this franchise, this franchise is top tier (and) the best in the world One of the franchises. But as far as my career, my career is going to be my personal career because I know how much I put into the game and I know how much I work to be as good as I can be. (But) in terms of what I’ve learned here, it’s second to none, that’s for sure.”

In addition to the “Heat Culture” City Edition jerseys, the Heat debuted their new court on Monday night against the Lakers at Casia Center.

The court added a message on the driveway that read “Hardest Work.” Preferably conditional. Most professional. Selfless. hardest. The most despicable. The dirtiest team in the NBA. “

James said he didn’t read the message on the court, he just saw the words “Heat Culture” written at halftime, before adding that “Heat Culture” wasn’t a big talking point during his time in Miami.

“You just come to work and the work you put in is going to pay off on the court,” James said. “As a ball club, we come in and we hold ourselves accountable every day and we want to put the best product every night in what we do on the practice field upstairs.”