Fansided

Mark Cuban: ‘Obvious that LeBron has grown up’ since The Decision

By Mike Dyce

Apr 28, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban prior to the game against the San Antonio Spurs in game four of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban prior to the game against the San Antonio Spurs in game four of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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LeBron James handled free agency a lot differently this time around compared to 2010. James met privately and kept what he was doing as private as he could.

When it came time to announce his decision, he opted for a personal essay on Sports Illustrated explaining his decision instead of a televised special on ESPN. Many have praised LeBron for his handling of it this time around, and that includes Dallas Mavericks’ owner Mark Cuban.

“It’s obvious that LeBron has grown up quite a bit since ‘The Decision,'” Cuban said, via ESPN Dallas. “How he handled it, his words, his approach were night and day. I think he deserves a lot of respect.”

Cuban understands how Cleveland feels, and like many NBA fans was glad to see James return to northeast Ohio.

“I think it’s great for the league,” Cuban said as he was watching the Mavs’ summer league team play. “As someone who grew up in Pittsburgh, it’s great to see the old-school cities like Pittsburgh and Cleveland, we’re usually the brunt of the jokes and people talk about leaving.

“It’s always good when I go back to Pittsburgh and it’s just that type city. It’s a Pittsburgh city and Cleveland is very similar. It’s great for the area and the city.”

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