Pat Riley says the Heat would win more NBA titles if LeBron James had stayedLeBron James (Image Credit: Getty Images)


Throughout LeBron James’ two-decade NBA career, the Los Angeles Lakers star won four NBA titles. Two of those titles came during his tenure with the Miami Heat, where he formed one of the most iconic trios in NBA history alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

However, despite the success, LeBron’s time in Miami was relatively brief. After just four seasons, he left the Heat in 2014 to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. His departure marked the end of an era for Miami and left many wondering what more could have been achieved had the trio stayed together.

Former Miami Heat star and team president Pat Riley recently reflected on this during an appearance on The OGs podcast with Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller. Riley, whom Miami honored by naming their home court under his name, expressed his belief that the Heat could have secured even more championships had LeBron stayed.


“It didn’t upset me, but it hurt me that we couldn’t keep that team together. Because I think it was a 5 or 6 championship team. If we could have kept them all together and stayed healthy from that standpoint. But the nature of the game is what it is,” Riley said.

LeBron joined the Miami Heat in 2010, and his partnership with Wade and Bosh propelled the Heat to four consecutive NBA Finals appearances from 2011 to 2014. In 2012, LeBron captured his first championship, followed by another in 2013.

Stephen A. Smith Speaks Out on the Scrutiny Faced By Bronny James Due To LeBron James

Bronny James has been under intense scrutiny ever since he entered the NBA. As the son of basketball legend LeBron James, much of the attention Bronny receives stems from his father’s immense popularity. Prominent sports analyst Stephen A. Smith recently shared his thoughts on the matter during an episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show.

“Bronny James, I’m routing for him. He has done nothing wrong. LeBron James. He did nothing intentionally wrong. But he publicly stated that he wanted to play with his son in the NBA and then publicly made it happen. As a result, the criticism that has come Bronny’s way has been excessive. All LeBron had to do was be Melo,” Smith said.

Bronny played only six games in his debut season with the Lakers. LeBron’s eldest son averaged 0.7 points, 0.2 rebounds and 0.3 assists in those games.