Miami Heat motivated to accomplish a three-peat

Dwayne Wade and LeBron James at a training session with the Miami Heat.

After leading the Miami Heat to a second NBA championship last season, LeBron James has set his sights on accomplishing a rare three-peat.

To help prepare for the 2013-14 season, James literally went back to the basics as he returned to his hometown of Akron, Ohio.

“For my own personal goals, I’ve got a lot to prove,” said James.

“I went back to my high school and I worked on every aspect of my game, from on the court to my agility to quickness. I did a little bit of everything.”

With the Chicago Bulls looking good after Derrick Rose’s return and the Brooklyn Nets acquiring both Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, the Heat could find it tough in the Eastern Conference. But James is calm about the team’s prospects.

“We’re in a good place right now,” James said. “It’s not going to be easy.”

Dwayne Wade believes that he and James will have to lead the Heat again this season. “I feel we have to do our jobs for this team, and we’re the leaders on the team on both ends of the floor,” Wade said.

“Our voices are heard loud and clear. I feel like we have to do our jobs. I think the motivation factor comes within.

He also said, “I think we are both motivated individuals. So that’s not an issue. We have to be out there and do our jobs for our teammates.”