Ira Winderman: As endgame approaches, LeBron's Miami visits take on greater significance

Ira Winderman, South Florida Sun-Sentinel on Mar 15, 2026

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MIAMI — From the start, there has been Heat homage for greatness, their own and beyond.

During the team’s initial season, amid Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s retirement tour, a Haitian marble sculpture was presented to the Lakers center in 1989 for his contributions to the game.

Famously, there was the retirement of Michael Jordan’s No. 23, when Jordan passed through Miami for the final time as a player in 2003.

And then, yes, a rocking chair for Udonis Haslem when the longtime Heat captain retired in 2023.

Which brings us to Thursday night’s visit by the Los Angeles Lakers and what could (but likely won’t) be LeBron James’ final visit to Miami as a player.

For the Heat, it is a waiting game on multiple levels.

First, there has to be a definitive word of when the end will be for the most iconic player of his generation, with seemingly a desire from the still-contributing 41-year-old to push forward beyond this season.

At the All-Star Game last month, LeBron would only offer. “When I know, you guys will know. I don’t know. I have no idea.”

So, no, nothing ceremonially expected Thursday night for the Lakers’ lone visit of the season, in a game with plenty of playoff-race implications for both sides.

But eventually guaranteed is the hoisting of No. 6 to the rafters at Kaseya Center, to join the jerseys of fellow Heat Big Three partners Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

The timing of that moment figures to wait, with the Heat almost assuredly to defer to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ retiring of LeBron’s jersey first, a courtesy due his hometown franchise.

But for all the rancor of how it ended with the Heat — Pat Riley seemingly blocked in Las Vegas in his final bid to retain LeBron in 2014 free agency, the Heat drafting Shabazz Napier and signing Josh McRoberts and Danny Granger in fumbled/foiled bids to appease LeBron — time, especially Heat time, heals all wounds.

There stands no better example than Shaquille O’Neal, who forced his way out the door at the end, burned bridges with everyone from the team trainer to Chris Quinn of all people, but now has become no less than pitchman for Micky Arison’s cruises.

Lately, there has been respect from LeBron agent Rich Paul, as the NBA’s most visible agent spoke recently on a podcast about the best place for a draft pick to start is in Riley’s system.

Lately, there has been respect from LeBron, who warmly greeted Riley three weeks ago after Riley’s statue was unveiled at the Lakers’ arena, then speaking fondly at that night’s game of Riley’s contributions to his career.

So bridges mended, as if belated appreciation for the lone franchise to have enabled him multiple championships.

The unknown are when it ends ... and where.

Which, on some level, could draw the Heat back into the equation.

With it increasingly evident the Lakers are and will be Luka Doncic’s team going forward, another Lakers season for LeBron would have to come at a considerable pay cut, and come as a supporting player. LeBron becomes a free agent in July, after earning $52.6 million this season.

Similarly, barring the Cavaliers dealing valued assets, a Cleveland return would mean lesser pay and lesser role. But LeBron also witnessed the wonder of Wade’s final Heat season, the type of embrace between city and franchise that Jordan was denied in Chicago.

And then there are the Heat, where there has been nothing but an embrace from both sides, and, frankly, where LeBron with his build and skills still could fill a Heat void at power forward, particularly with Erik Spoelstra easing the defensive burden with his frequent use of zones.

Retiring in South Florida certainly has a familiar ring to it, even if it would be with staked odds against another ring.

And Riley did say at this Lakers press conference after his statue unveiling, “I wish I had him for another six to eight years. It would’ve been great, but we’ll never know. Will we?”

What can’t happen is some random relocation, which would be akin to watching Paul Pierce close it out with the Wizards and Clippers, or Patrick Ewing with the Sonics and Magic. (Shaq was different, as his own brand, able to make it work in the romp from Lakers to Heat to Suns to Cavaliers to Celtics).

A year ago, when the Heat parted with Jimmy Butler it was ugly, leaving a wound even deeper than that initial Shaq scar. Uncertain is if that will ever get right, or whether the Heat or Butler will want to make that right.

But Thursday night at Kaseya Center, as would be any future visit, should remain a celebration of LeBron here, there and anywhere.

Pat Riley hoisted Jordan’s jersey because he recognized his value to the game. With LeBron the recognition is for both the game and for what was delivered to South Florida for four remarkable NBA Finals seasons.

The end is near. The end likely won’t be here. But at least the gift was ours to borrow.