All things considered, LeBron James’ four-season stint with the Miami Heat was a roaring success. But there’s a sense that James didn’t accomplish as much with the Heat as he could have, though that may have something to do with the high expectations he set for the team. As it will be recalled, James declared in the Heat’s welcome party that they will win “not one, not two, not three, not four, not five, not six, not seven” championships, although it must be said that he was too . clearly joking.

While James mocked his failure to win a championship in his first season with the Heat after making such a bold statement, team president Pat Riley acknowledged the confidence James must have had to make such a bold statement. to make a proclamation. Riley even revealed on The OGs podcast that he did something similar when he was the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in the Showtime era.

“I didn’t mind (James’ statement) at all. We had a packed house. Fans are going crazy. I mean, those things don’t happen that often in the NBA. I don’t mind when people say we’re going to win,” Riley said. “You know, in 1987 we beat the (Boston) Celtics. … And I remember after four championships, I said to the media at the parade, ‘I guarantee we’ll win it again next year.’ And I meant it.”

“The reason I said it is I wanted to put more pressure on that team than they’ve ever had. If you think you’re as good as you are, you can win back-to-back titles. You have to do it.”