LeBron James reflects on his Heat tenure: 'It's human nature to look back'

LeBron James left Cleveland for the Miami Heat in 2010 after seven seasons with the Cavaliers. 

He had two MVP Awards by then, but no championships to show for it. The move came during a televised special called "The Decision," where he announced plans to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

Fans weren't happy about it. The backlash was indeed quite fierce. But the move changed how the NBA worked almost overnight.

James thrived in Miami. He averaged 26.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists on 54.3 percent shooting during his four years there. He won two titles and developed into a more complete player on both ends of the floor. The back-to-back championships strengthened his case in the GOAT debate and gave players across the league more power over their careers.

LeBron James reflects on Heat tenure

When he eventually returned to Cleveland, one question never really went away. What would have happened if he stayed in Miami? That question resurfaced recently after James was asked whether he thinks about what could have been with the Heat.

"I never said I'm going to go there for four years and decide to (leave)," James said, via reporter Ryan Ward. "That's just how the cards was played. But it's human nature to look back and say, 'Yeah, what could have been?' That's part of life. The four years that we had was great. Was able to pick up two chips. We lost two of them, unfortunately, but a lot of great memories. A lot of great time there. It would have been interesting to see what could have happened."