The last time LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers it was met with a strong response from owner Dan Gilbert stating that the star player betrayed his home and provided other phrases that were deemed disrespectful. With LeBron’s departure for Los Angeles, many were curious to see Gilbert’s response. This time it read, “We look forward to the retirement of the famous #23 Cavs jersey one day down the line.”


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The relationship between James and Gilbert is oft-discussed. Some assume that it wasn’t on the best terms due to power control and salary spending, but NBA insiders with knowledge of the inner workings of the Cavs organization said the two had a positive working relationship. The message from Gilbert was much more appreciative of the efforts of LeBron than the first run.

“We will always remember the evening of June 19, 2016 as the Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, ended the 52-year drought delivering the long elusive championship that many thought they would never see,” Gilbert opened. “A championship that united generations of Clevelanders, both living and passed.”

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The message included acknowledgments of his family and the impact that LeBron has had on Northeast Ohio prior to taking a glimpse into the future with a retirement ceremony. View the entire statement from Dan Gilbert below.