was a quiet, somber scene outside the home of the Miami Heat after news broke that LeBron James was returning to Cleveland to play for the Cavaliers.
Lina Perez, a 26-year-old Miami native, said she could hear people screaming out their windows in the downtown office buildings near the American Airlines Arena. She said she felt betrayed, that James had promised multiple titles for Miami and was leaving after "only" delivering two.
"He's a traitor," she said. "I guess he just came here to win his rings and go back."
There was even a surprising level of understanding for his latest decision.
"He probably wouldn't have had a chance to win another one here," said Darrian Quarles, 31, a cook at the arena. "Stick with an old Miami Heat team or go home to a young Cleveland team? It's a no-brainer."
Unlike the rage-filled scenes throughout Ohio when James left the city four years ago, there were no James jerseys burning on the streets in downtown Miami. Just a few people dejectedly walking by the arena, where a digital display on Friday still showed an image of James in his Heat jersey.
"We ain't burning no jerseys and all that craziness. It's all good," said Steve Clark, 55, a Miami native who works at the arena. "We'll be alright."
WATCH: Why LeBron chose Cleveland
USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt breaks down LeBron James' decision to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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