LeBron James finally ended all speculation about his future Friday as the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player announced that he will be returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Sports Illustrated's Lee Jenkins first reported the story in an article written by James that sent Cleveland fans into a frenzy and left the city of Miami pondering the Heat's future.

"I'm ready to accept the challenge. I'm coming home," James said in a statement as reported by Jenkins.

James, who began his career in Cleveland in 2003, left the Cavaliers to sign with the Miami Heat in 2010 in the hopes of finally winning his first NBA championship. And now that he has two championship rings, the 29-year-old superstar said that he wants to give the same to Cleveland fans, saying that he wants to win a title for Northeast Ohio.

On Twitter, James re-tweeted the Sports Illustrated article, which seemingly confirms his decision, arguably the biggest one of the NBA free agency period this summer.

"When I left Cleveland, I was on a mission. I was seeking championships, and we won two. But Miami already knew that feeling. Our city hasn't had that feeling in a long, long, long time. My goal is still to win as many titles as possible, no question. But what's most important for me is bringing one trophy back to Northeast Ohio," James said.

James' future was left hanging in the balance after the Heat failed to win their third straight NBA championship last season when they fell in five games to the San Antonio Spurs, which may have prompted their "Big Three" -- James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh -- to opt out of their respective deals.

Earlier this month, most executives were convinced that James will eventually decide to re-sign with the Heat, but on Wednesday, reports suggested that the All-Star forward is leaning towards returning to the Cavaliers.

James did not announce any decision on Wednesday, but he has made a surprising one. James is not promising to deliver a title to Cleveland next season, admitting that his patience will be tested once again.

"My patience will get tested. I know that. I'm going into a situation with a young team and a new coach. I will be the old head. But I get a thrill out of bringing a group together and helping them reach a place they didn't know they could go. I see myself as a mentor now and I'm excited to lead some of these talented young guys," James said, mentioning Cavaliers young stars Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, and Tristan Thompson.

Related