Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra isn't mad about LeBron James leaving the team to join the Cleveland Cavaliers. Spoelstra told ESPN that James seems "at peace" with his decision and that he has no regrets.
"He seemed at peace with the decision," he said. "We don't have any regrets. He shouldn't have any regrets. It was a historic four-year run."
Spoelstra had a great run with LBJ, winning two titles in four straight trips to the NBA Finals. Spoelstra also respected James for his decision to return to Cleveland.
"This league does teach you that it's inevitable that there's constant change, and you always have to continue to embrace change, adapt with change. This is a big, monumental change that we didn't necessarily anticipate, but you have to respect it because when you're a free agent in this league, you have the right to make a decision that's best for you and your family. When he made that decision that was best for his family, where his heart is, all you can do from our side is respond with respect and love."
Many wondered if James' departure had anything to do with Spoelstra as the head coach. James made sure to quiet down all of that talk in his essay when writing, ""I'm doing this essay because I want an opportunity to explain myself uninterrupted. I don't want anyone thinking: He and Erik Spoelstra didn't get along. ... He and Riles [Heat president Pat Riley] didn't get along. ... The Heat couldn't put the right team together. That's absolutely not true."
Spoelstra says his bond with James remains strong, and that he plans to meet with the four-time NBA MVP when the free agency dust settles.
"I'm sure there will be a time for that," he said. "Again, you forge bonds through competitions and through great experiences like we've had. There will be a time for that. My message wouldn't be any different whenever that time comes."
