Frank Caliendo reads LeBron article as Morgan Freeman

You know that LeBron James’ “I”m Coming Home” article on Sports Illustrated? The one that announced he was returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers?

It was really missing the touch of the spoken word. So on ESPN’s syndicated radio show, Mike & Mike, they had comedian and impression specialist Frank Caliendo read the letter.

But Caliendo did not read it as LeBron James, he read it as Morgan Freeman from “The Shawshank Redemption.” It is incredible.

He reads an abridged version of the letter, and if you want to follow along we got you covered:

“Before anyone ever cared where I would play basketball, I was a kid from Northeast Ohio. It’s where I walked. It’s where I ran. It’s where I cried. It’s where I bled. It holds a special place in my heart. People there have seen me grow up. I sometimes feel like I’m their son. Their passion can be overwhelming. But it drives me. I want to give them hope when I can. I want to inspire them when I can. My relationship with Northeast Ohio is bigger than basketball. I didn’t realize that four years ago. I do now.

More from LeBron James

“Remember when I was sitting up there at the Boys & Girls Club in 2010? I was thinking, This is really tough. I could feel it. I was leaving something I had spent a long time creating. If I had to do it all over again, I’d obviously do things differently, but I’d still have left. Miami, for me, has been almost like college for other kids. These past four years helped raise me into who I am. I became a better player and a better man. I learned from a franchise that had been where I wanted to go. I will always think of Miami as my second home. Without the experiences I had there, I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing today.

“I’m not promising a championship. I know how hard that is to deliver. We’re not ready right now. No way. Of course, I want to win next year, but I’m realistic. It will be a long process, much longer than it was in 2010. My patience will get tested. I know that. I’m going into a situation with a young team and a new coach. I will be the old head. But I get a thrill out of bringing a group together and helping them reach a place they didn’t know they could go. I see myself as a mentor now and I’m excited to lead some of these talented young guys.

“In Northeast Ohio, nothing is given. Everything is earned. You work for what you have.

“I’m ready to accept the challenge. I’m coming home.”

Darren Rovell

Frank Caliendo reads LeBron James comeback article as Morgan Freeman

By Mike Dyce | Jul 24, 2014