LeBron James RETURNING To Cleveland Cavaliers -- Return of the King

LeBron James is RETURNING TO CLEVELAND ... telling Sports Illustrated he has finally made up his mind to leave the Miami Heat.

Bron is from Cleveland ... and still has a house in Akron.

During his 4-year run with the Heat, LeBron won 2 NBA championships and made the NBA Finals all 4 years.

James wrote an essay for Sports Illustrated explaining his decision ... in which he writes, "I always believed that I’d return to Cleveland and finish my career there. I just didn’t know when."

"After the season, free agency wasn’t even a thought. But I have two boys and my wife, Savannah, is pregnant with a girl. I started thinking about what it would be like to raise my family in my hometown. I looked at other teams, but I wasn’t going to leave Miami for anywhere except Cleveland. The more time passed, the more it felt right. This is what makes me happy."

James says, "I'm not promising a championship" ... but says that's clearly his goal ... a goal that will take several years to accomplish.

Cleveland Browns QB Johnny Manziel just tweeted -- "YESSSSSSSS!! Couldn't be happier for my guy @KingJames and the @cavs #Cleveland."