(Video) LeBron James Decision Leaves Cleveland Cavaliers Fans Angry, Saddened

Maybe they should have been prepared. Maybe they should have understood what motivated LeBron James to opt for the Miami Heat. But take one look at the video below, painful to watch, as fans react to LeBron's decision and it is clear that plenty of Cleveland fans were stunned.

They had truly hoped that LeBron James would remain loyal to the city where he'd played for the Cavaliers, where fans rooted for him through 7 long years, including six All-Star games and a trip to the Finals. With LeBron's departure, hopes of a Finals victory any time in the near future are slipping away.

Few Cleveland Cavaliers are likely to be rooting for Lebron's success in Florida and are left wondering why he took so long to make his decision. The suspense grew to such a fever pitch that final reactions ranged from feeling betrayed and disappointed to anger and sadness that brought men to tears. You'd think someone had died -and, in a way, it was a death. The death of a dream that LeBron would be loyal to a city who had rooted for him since his high school days. When asked about his decision to leave Cleveland, James did at least look distinctly uncomfortable.

But any unease on Lebron James part isn't comforting enough to those in Cleveland who feel abandoned by James. Ironically, LeBron James was known for his belief in loyalty and community commitment. He was also seen as someone who'd never turn his back on his fans and the city. But when it comes to contracts and sports careers, the only true constant is change. It remains to be seen whether LeBron James and fellow players Chris Wade and Dwayne Bosh can lead the Miami Heat to victory. Who will make up the rest of the team? Heat President Pat Riley has his work cut out for him to create a winning team, even with LeBron James on board.

Check out fan reactions here:

Sources:
Cleveland is Left at a Loss, Boston Globe, July 9
AP YouTube video