Basketball: LeBron 'answers' critics in new Nike ad (watch)

LeBron James. Photo / Getty Images

NBA star LeBron James has hit back at critics and fans who slammed his controversial move from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Miami Heat during the off season.

James features in a new Nike ad in which with a series of questions he answers all the criticism that he has received since moving to the Heat in July.

The ad begins with a recreation of The Decision, James' live TV announcement filmed by ESPN in July when he broke Cleveland fans hearts' by leaving the franchise where he had played seven seasons since being the number one draft pick in 2003.

The reigning NBA MVP was slammed for the way in which he announced his move to Miami where he joined fellow US representatives Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

After the announcement Cleveland fans burned his jersey while Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert published an open letter to fans labelling James live decision as "heartless", "callous", and a "cowardly betrayal".

James starts the ad by saying 'What should I do? Should I admit I've made mistakes?' and then continues to ask a series of questions throughout the commercial that sees him as a new lead for the 1980s TV show Miami Vice, having the tattoo 'Chosen 1' removed from his back and starring as a villain in a mock western film.

The ad finishes with James saying: 'What should I do? Should I be who you want me to be?'

James will make his Heat debut in the NBA's season opener against the Boston Celtics tomorrow.

- Herald online