Return of the King

LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Greatest Comeback in NBA History

By: Brian Windhorst, Dave McMenamin

Narrated by: Brian Windhorst, Dave McMenamin

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

In this New York Times best-seller, get the inside scoop into LeBron James's return - and ultimate triumph - in Cleveland. What really happened when LeBron James stunned the NBA by leaving a potential dynasty in Miami to come home to play with the Cleveland Cavaliers? How did the Cavs use secret meetings to put together the deal to add star Kevin Love? Who really made the controversial decision to fire coach David Blatt when the team was in first place? Where did the greatest comeback in NBA history truly begin-and end?

Return of the King takes you onto the private planes, inside the locker-room conversations, and into the middle of the intense huddles where one of the greatest stories in basketball history took place, resulting in the Cavs winning the 2016 NBA title after trailing the Golden State Warriors three games to one.

You'll hear from all the characters involved: The players, the executives, the agents, and the owners as they reveal stories never before told. Get the background on all the controversies, the rivalries, and the bad blood from two reporters who were there for every day, plot twist, and social media snafu as they take you through the fascinating ride that culminated in a heart-stopping Game Seven.

©2017 Brian Windhorst (P)2017 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"I've always admired Brian's acumen and his seasoned perspective. This story with Dave McMenamin of LeBron and the Cleveland Cavaliers' championship run is captivating and filled with spectacular detail." (Tracy McGrady, seven-time NBA All-Star)

"Brian Windhorst and Dave McMenamin don't just cover the NBA. They live it. And in Return of the King, their storytelling has never been better. From the decision-making process in the Cavaliers' front office which led to LeBron James' return, to the assembly of a championship roster, to the players-only email from GM David Griffin with the Cavs down 3-1 in the NBA Finals, to the candid exchanges between LeBron and Tyronn Lue, there is nothing left uncovered. Man, what a compelling read!" (Ernie Johnson, studio host of TNT's Inside the NBA)

"On the court and off, the LeBron James journey back to Cleveland and back to a championship is one of the most intriguing stories in NBA history. Brian and Dave do a masterful job of adding context, details, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes to the signing, the season, and the series. Return of the King is a great way to remember all that led up to the Finals and the greatest comeback." (Mike Tirico, NBC Sports)

Waste of Time

Summarizing all of the games from Lebron's two years back in Cleveland is certainly not anything to be proud of. I thought this book would give more insights into the behind the scenes and it certainly did not. This is not worth wasting your time on and there are a whole list of books that should be read before this is even considered.

Cleveland against the world!

I loved reliving this great moment for Cleveland! Lebron is an everyday hero around here and Brian did a great job capturing that message.

Great story!

As a huge Lebron fan I had to read it. I think it was well written by its authors and the behind the scenes details were incredible! There were things that put me at odds with James, but ultimately this tells the story of a man's triumph over several evils, major or minor. Very happy that I listened and I'm very certain that I'm going to purchase the hard copy.

very insightful view behind the scenes

Windhorst and Dave M do a great job detailing chronologically LeBron James journey from Summer 2014 to the night the Cavs won the title. I would recommend also reading Windhorst book "LeBron Inc" because it allows the reader/listener to appreciate more this book's unique perspective

Not a Cav’s nor Lebrun fan but loved the story

Not a Cav’s nor Lebrun fan but loved the story. Actually wanted David Blutt to win.
Brian and Dave always have the great insight!

I’m Surprised How Much I Got From This

I’m from Chicago. I grew up with MJ and Walter Payton at the same time. Mike set the bench mark. D Rose had heart out of this world. With that said, I am not a Lebron fan. I respect and admire what he has done professionally and personally.

My feelings for James softened, after wanting the Bulls to shut him up during his time with the Heat, when he announced he was going back to Cleveland.
There was something right about that decision, some thing honorable, respectful.

This book took me deep into that time and that world. Each event, each person, described in it, you could feel the intensity, there perspective. James is no saint, but you have to admire his resolve and will. You have to admire his TEAM. Clutch Sports created a new way to manage the agency process. The GM, Griffin is just as important as anyone in the book.

Leadership, foresight and execution are principles that are strongly highlighted in the book.

I enjoy Windhorst

Even if you aren’t a “LeBron person” this is the quintessential NBA tale on the last two decades. It’s a classic I’ve listened to many times through. Brian’s reading is excellent. I could not recommend more to any basketball fan.

FANTASTIC

Beautifully written and excellently told story for the ages. A read unlike any before it

Lord of the (3) Rings

Whether or not you like LeBron James, this book is a fascinating insight to one of the most unlikely stories in NBA history, with detailed and incredible insights from Windhorst. Windhorst does an excellent job of detailing the drama, history, and legacy of the Cavs, while giving an unbiased look into the King himself. I would highly recommend to anyone who called themself an NBA fan; you will not be disappointed!

Great story

I loved it. I learned a lot about the team that I didn’t k know. The chapters before the 2015-2016 are so revealing.