LeBron James

The Dan LeBatard Show believes LeBron James should thank Heat fans.

(Alan Diaz, Associated Press)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Dan LeBatard Show in Miami believes LeBron James should publicly thank Miami Heat fans for four years in South Beach, which led to four NBA Finals appearances and two titles.

James, who announced his decision to return to Cleveland in a passionate and powerful essay on Sports Illustrated's website, referenced many things. He talked about the organization, the city being his second home and his teammates. There were six mentions of Miami, but nothing about the fans. He also hasn't taken out an ad showing his thanks in a Miami paper, something players often do after their departure.

LeBatard, who hosts on The Ticket in Miami and is known for his outrageous and hilarious rants poking fun at other teams, attempted to buy a full-page ad in The Plain Dealer, which was rejected.

The planned ad shared on social media shows two Miami Heat championship rings above the words "You're Welcome, LeBron." At the bottom it reads "Sincerely, Miami Heat Fans."

According to Northeast Ohio Media Groups's Evan MacDonald, the radio host admitted on his show that the ad was not designed to be mean-spirited, but rather a way to poke fun at James and Northeast Ohio residents who watched him win two championships in Miami.

Poking fun at other fan bases is nothing new. Miami fans ridiculed Clevelanders for burning James' jersey when he left in 2010. Clevelanders had a few chuckles at Miami fans on social media during James' time with the Heat as well. The jokes centered on fans showing up late to games, the arena needing to hand out pamphlets to explain how to cheer at the games, people leaving early before Miami rallied in the NBA Finals two years ago and other things.

MacDonald writes that LeBatard also said during his show that part of the reason he wanted to buy the space in was because James has yet to publicly thank Miami Heat fans.

What would James write in his thank you letter to Miami fans?

One of our readers, Matt2Korn, mocks up a draft for the four-time NBA MVP, poking fun at Miami fans:

"Dearest, all 74 Miami Heat fans, especially all of the dudes in white, button down shirts and moon boots, sitting in the front row, for all the world to see your metro-sexuality in full display. And not to leave out the true fans, who left at the end of the third quarter of game 3 of the NBA finals.... It was only a short four years ago that the Heat organization had to provide you with illustrated flyers to explain how to cheer at a basketball game. And to be honest you really haven't come that far as fans since then, but hey... thanks."

What would a faux thank you letter from James look like? Here's your chance to poke fun at Miami fans. Share your best ideas in the comments section.