Four-time NBA champion LeBron James has spent 20 years in the league. As a result, it’s difficult to determine where James played his best basketball. One of the most common answers on fans’ lips is the Miami Heat. James infamously made ‘The Decision’ to take his talents to South Beach on this day 13 years ago. Despite getting bashed by NBA fans, especially Cavaliers fans particularly, it still was the right decision for his career.

Not just on court, James also brought in a lot of laurels for his team off-the-court during his short four-year stint. In fact, he played a role in increasing the team’s worth by leaps and bounds.

LeBron James’ added a lot of wealth to the Heat franchise

13 years ago, James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh joined Miami Heat. Highly regarded as the league’s first super-team, all three have made a mark on the game! And rightly so, the Heat made the NBA finals in four straight years, winning twice.

Not only on-court accolades, James is delivering significant results outside the court too; owing to his massive popularity and brand value. The 19-time NBA All-Star joined in 2010 and left in 2014. By that time, the Heat’s value had increased by over $300 million.

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In 2010, they were valued at $364 million. By the time James was done with his stint and was on his way back to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014, the Heat was valued at around $770 million. (Source: www.statista.com)

To put things into perspective, Shaquille O’Neal joined the Heat in 2004 and delivered them their first NBA title in 2006. Despite all his success on the court, O’Neal did not have the impact of King James regarding the team’s fortunes.

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Currently, the Miami Heat is one of the most valuable teams in the NBA. The Heat is worth $3 billion, which is a 30 percent increase from the previous year. 

James left as a franchise legend

Controversial or not, King James achieved everything he wanted to with the Miami Heat. The future Hall of Famer wanted to win an NBA title, and he left with two.

Despite having spent just four seasons, James averages a spectacular 26.9 points, 6.7 assists, and 7.6 rebounds. Moreover, he was selected as an All-Star four times. For all the aforementioned reasons, safe to say, James really played his best basketball with the Heat.

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What is your favorite memory of LeBron James in a Miami Heat jersey? Let us know in the comments below.