“They Deserve to Have Him There”: Michael Jordan’s Advice to LeBron James Before The Decision

LeBron James’ infamous The Decision in 2010 is a moment that changed the trajectory of his career, the NBA, and basketball history. The announcement, where LeBron revealed he was “taking his talents to South Beach” to join the Miami Heat, sparked a wave of emotions—admiration, criticism, and controversy. However, few know that before making that monumental choice, LeBron received advice from none other than the NBA’s greatest legend, Michael Jordan.

In the lead-up to The Decision, Jordan shared a candid perspective, offering wisdom that reflected his own approach to loyalty, legacy, and responsibility to fans. His words, “They deserve to have him there,” underscored the deep connection between players and the cities they represent, providing LeBron with a different lens to consider as he prepared to make one of the most polarizing moves in sports history.

The Decision: A Turning Point

In 2010, LeBron James was at a crossroads. After seven seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Akron native was the face of the franchise and the city’s greatest hope for an NBA championship. Despite individual dominance and multiple playoff appearances, the Cavs failed to secure a title. Frustrated with the lack of success and the organization’s inability to build a championship-caliber roster around him, LeBron decided it was time for a change.

But leaving Cleveland—a city that had embraced him as a hometown hero—wasn’t a straightforward decision. The weight of expectations from fans, the franchise, and even the league made his choice a matter of legacy. That’s when advice from Michael Jordan entered the picture.

Jordan’s Advice

Michael Jordan, whose loyalty to the Chicago Bulls defined his career, offered LeBron a piece of wisdom that reflected his own values. During an interview at the time, Jordan addressed the speculation surrounding LeBron’s free agency and what it could mean for Cleveland.

“My advice to him is, you look at every scenario,” Jordan said. “But at the end of the day, the city, the fans, and the people there deserve to have him there.”

Jordan’s comment wasn’t just about staying in Cleveland—it was about understanding the bond between a player and the community that supports them. For Jordan, who spent most of his career with the Bulls and brought six championships to Chicago, loyalty to the city was paramount. He believed in finishing what he started and cementing his legacy in one place.

Jordan’s advice, however, also reflected the unique challenges LeBron faced. Unlike Jordan, LeBron had yet to win a championship, and the Cavaliers’ inability to build a strong supporting cast put him in a different situation. While Jordan encouraged loyalty, he also left room for LeBron to consider what was best for his career and future.

The Fallout

LeBron’s eventual decision to leave Cleveland and join the Miami Heat, forming a superteam with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, was met with mixed reactions. While Heat fans celebrated the move, Cleveland fans felt betrayed. LeBron’s decision was seen as abandoning his hometown, and the public backlash was immediate and intense.

Fans in Cleveland burned his jerseys, and Cavs owner Dan Gilbert penned a scathing open letter, calling LeBron’s departure a “cowardly betrayal.” The fallout from The Decision cemented LeBron’s role as both a hero and a villain in the eyes of basketball fans.

Jordan’s words—“They deserve to have him there”—echoed in the criticism LeBron faced. Many believed that LeBron’s departure was a violation of the unwritten code of loyalty that Jordan had embodied during his career.

LeBron’s Perspective

Despite the backlash, LeBron later explained his reasoning behind The Decision. He viewed his move to Miami as a necessary step to achieve his ultimate goal: winning championships. In a league dominated by superteams, LeBron understood that he needed more than individual brilliance to succeed.

In hindsight, The Decision became a turning point in LeBron’s career. His time with the Heat resulted in two NBA championships and elevated his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.

LeBron later returned to Cleveland in 2014, fulfilling his promise to bring a championship to his hometown in 2016. This redemption arc softened the narrative around The Decision, and LeBron’s legacy as a player who delivered on his promises was ultimately restored.

Jordan vs. LeBron: Different Paths

Michael Jordan’s advice highlighted the contrasting paths he and LeBron have taken in their careers. Jordan spent the majority of his career with the Bulls, winning six championships and becoming synonymous with the city of Chicago. His approach to loyalty and legacy was shaped by an era where free agency wasn’t as prominent as it is today.

LeBron, on the other hand, represents a new era of player empowerment. His decision to leave Cleveland was a bold statement about taking control of his career and prioritizing winning above all else. While the two legends have different philosophies, both have left indelible marks on the NBA and its evolution.

Conclusion

Michael Jordan’s advice to LeBron James before The Decision remains a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between loyalty and personal ambition in sports. Jordan’s belief that “they deserve to have him there” reflected the deep connection between a player and their community, but it also underscored the challenges of making career-defining decisions.

For LeBron, The Decision was about more than basketball—it was about shaping his legacy and fulfilling his potential as one of the greatest players in NBA history. While his path diverged from Jordan’s, the lessons from both legends highlight the complexity of being a superstar in the modern NBA.

Today, as LeBron’s legacy continues to grow, The Decision is seen not just as a controversial moment but as a pivotal chapter in the story of a player who redefined the league on his own terms.