“LeBron James! Win This and Be Free”: Pat Riley’s 5-word Text to Lakers Legend Before a Finals’ Game-7 That Never Got a Response

LeBron James has one of the foremost career trajectories in NBA history. From the Miami Heat to the Los Angeles Lakers, the King gas brought a championship to every franchise he represented. 

The four-time NBA MVPs first couple came with the Miami Heat in successive years from 2011-2013. It was at the Heat that James solidified himself as one of the greatest players of his generation, keeping true to his promise of winning an NBA title. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDDzmksK4fw

However, relationships soured when James made the inevitable decision to leave and return to his homeland Cleveland. Especially his relationship with Pat Riley. 

Although, the latter did attempt to mend his ties with James prior to the biggest game of his life.

Also read: “LeBron James is a Sponge!”: Dwyane Wade Tried to Explain How The Billionaire King Evolved During His Time in Miami

Pat Riley sent a heartwarming text to LeBron James

LeBron James made the conscious decision to join the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014, in a bid to fulfill his long-standing promise of bringing a championship to the city.

He delivered in 2016 through many hardships when he brought the franchise a ring against the greatest team in NBA history: The Golden State Warriors. 

Miami Heat executive President, Pat Riley who had a falling out with James, in an attempt to move forward with their relationship sent the King this carefully worded text in an effort to motivate him prior to his game: Win this and be free. 

Speaking about the text in his book, “The soul of basketball” Riley had the following to say:

“I didn’t want to send him anything that he could read before he hit the floor. As soon as he hit the floor, I sent a text to him. I said, ‘Win this and be free.’ “He never got back to me with a response.”

James’ lack of consideration and response to Riley’s text might ruffle some feathers, but one needs to understand the damage that was caused to the four-time NBA champion’s reputation when he left the Heat organization, courtesy of their own members. 

Also read: “Larry Bird Can’t Play With Lebron James”: 6x NBA Champ Michael Jordan Crowned 6ft 9” Celtics Legend a Better SF Than LBJ

The defining game of James’ career

While many questioned James’ decision to reunite with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014, the motive behind the decision was easy for the ‘Chosen One’. 

The franchise, for the first time since James’ arrival in 2003, had constructed a roster that was worth competing with. Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson, and so on and so forth made for compelling complementary pieces. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6GAvDhtjcI

As such they hit their peak when the franchise came back from down 3-1 to eclipsing the Golden State Warriors and winning the NBA championship. 

It has extensively assisted the “King” in his argument for the title of greatest of all time. 

Also read: “LeBron James Would Have to Win 7 or 8 Championships!”: When Magic Johnson Revealed His Favoritism for Michael Jordan