Chris Bosh Believed Heat Could Have Competed for Title After LeBron's Departure

Bosh wanted to prove he could win a championship without his former teammate

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Chris Bosh believes the Miami Heat still had championship potential after LeBron James departed in 2014 and said he was motivated to win a title without his former teammate. Bosh reflected on the immediate aftermath of James' return to the Cleveland Cavaliers and the direction of the Heat franchise, stating that the team could have competed for a championship even without LeBron.

Why it matters

Bosh's comments provide insight into the mindset of the Heat players and organization following LeBron's departure, highlighting their belief that they could still contend for a title. This story sheds light on the competitive spirit and drive within the Heat team to prove they could succeed without their superstar player.

The details

Bosh said he "wanted to establish myself in the record books, I wanted to establish myself without LeBron to be honest with you. We wanted to win without him to be honest." He felt the Heat "had a squad" and could have "competed for a championship" if not for injuries that limited both him and Dwyane Wade. The team rebounded the following season, going 48-34 and advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals before Bosh was sidelined due to blood clot issues.

  • In the 2014-15 season, the Heat finished 37-45 after LeBron James' departure.
  • During the 2015-16 season, the Heat rebounded with a 48-34 record.

The players

Chris Bosh

A Hall of Fame basketball player who spent 11 seasons with the Miami Heat, winning two NBA championships alongside LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

LeBron James

A four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP who played for the Miami Heat from 2010 to 2014 before returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Dwyane Wade

A 13-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA champion who spent the majority of his career with the Miami Heat, playing alongside Chris Bosh and LeBron James.

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What they’re saying

“We had a squad man, I felt not to say we were gonna win it all but we could've competed for a championship…. I wanted to establish myself in the record books, I wanted to establish myself without LeBron to be honest with you. We wanted to win without him to be honest.”

— Chris Bosh, Hall of Famer (All the Smoke podcast)

The takeaway

Chris Bosh's belief that the Miami Heat could have competed for a championship after LeBron James' departure highlights the competitive spirit and drive within the organization to prove they could succeed without their superstar player. This story provides insight into the mindset of the Heat players and their desire to establish their own legacies separate from LeBron's, showcasing the team's resilience and determination in the face of adversity.