The matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night sees LeBron James return to the house he built, and the 38-year-old was greeted with loud cheers by the fans as he was introduced.
A little hometown love for LeBron James from Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/GEkFJVvYTG
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) November 26, 2023
The Ohio native was also given a standing ovation by the fans afterward.
A standing ovation for LeBron tonight in Cleveland 👏
Lakers-Cavs | Live on the NBA App
📲 https://t.co/2OCkxKHR2l pic.twitter.com/WbCCiZZWc0
— NBA (@NBA) November 26, 2023
You certainly cannot say that it’s not deserved. While there was a lot of animosity toward LeBron following his first exit from the Cavaliers in 2010, it was all love after his second one in 2018.
James fulfilled his promise of bringing a championship to the city of Cleveland in 2016, and there was no bad blood whatsoever when he departed the second time. He is unquestionably the greatest player in franchise history, and it’s great to see him getting the appreciation he deserves from the crowd.
They’d be hoping, though, that they don’t have to witness another LeBron victory in this arena on the night. James is averaging 25.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game for the Lakers coming into this game, and has shown no signs of slowing down in his 21st season.
The Cavaliers Welcomed LeBron With A Wholesome Poster
While the fans showed a lot of appreciation for LeBron, so did the franchise. At the entrance to the away locker room, the Cavaliers placed a wholesome poster welcoming James back to Cleveland. It featured a picture of him with the 2016 title and Finals MVP. Later, they also played a tribute video for the 19-time All-Star.
All love for the King in Cleveland 👑
The @cavs pay tribute to LeBron in his return! pic.twitter.com/LkcyPM2ZNf
— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 26, 2023
It was a wonderful tribute to a man who did so much for the franchise. There was a lot expected of LeBron when he came into the league as the most hyped prospect ever in 2003, and he has somehow exceeded expectations.
LeBron James’ Incredible Tenure With The Cavaliers
If I had to describe LeBron’s tenure with the Cavaliers with one word, it would be incredible. In 11 seasons with them, he averaged 27.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. James won back-to-back MVPs as a Cavalier in 2009 and 2010 and put the team on the map on his arrival.
LeBron led the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals five times, in 2007, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. They won it all in 2016 in historic fashion, coming back from down 3-1 to beat the 73-9 Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
He departed in 2018 as the franchise’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. LeBron only missed out on the blocks, or else he would have joined Kevin Garnett as the only other player to lead a franchise in all five statistical categories.
His mark on the franchise cannot be denied and had it not been for Kevin Durant joining the Warriors in 2016, he’d have certainly won another championship or two in Cleveland. James will get a statue in front of the arena when he retires, and his jersey will be hung in the rafters.
You would love to see him retire as a Cavalier, as it would be a full-circle moment for his career, although it is unclear whether he’d want that. Maybe if they end up being the ones to draft Bronny James next year, then he’d go there. It would be something quite special if both father and son were drafted by the Cavaliers and ended up playing together for the franchise.
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