He meets with Gilbert in the off-season and makes it clear he will NOT re-sign if Gilbert remains owner. LeBron then leaves.

A day later, Gilbert receives a couple unsolicited bids for the team, both for more than he could reasonably get for the team without LeBron on the roster. He reads between the lines and accepts the highest offer.

Bron announces he's staying. A week later, Gilbert announces he's selling. The next day, a banana boat is delivered to the shores of Lake Erie.