Cavaliers legend and Akron, Ohio native LeBron James had an emotional return to the shores of Lake Erie on Wednesday night for what may prove to be his final NBA game in Cleveland.
The 41-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star did his customary ‘chalk toss’ before strolling on to the floor at Rocket Arena, where the Cavaliers would ultimately pull out the 129-99 win.
‘And a 6-9 forward from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School,’ public address announcer Sean Peebles said dryly before rising his voice to add: ’No. 23, LeBron James!’
ESPN cameras quickly cut to the crowd, where throngs of fans were recording the court and Jumbotron for what might be their final glimpse at their two-time franchise cornerstone.
One spectator had a combo Lakers-Cavs James jersey, sewn down the middle, while many others were adorned with the old model from his playing days in Cleveland.
Later, James teared up during a timeout with 7:46 remaining in the first quarter when the Cavaliers showed video highlights of him scoring 25 straight points during Game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference finals against the Detroit Pistons.
James teared up during a timeout with 7:46 remaining in the first quarter when the Cavaliers showed video highlights of him scoring 25 straight points during the 2007 playoffs
The Cavaliers won that game 109-107 in double overtime to take the lead in the series as James finished with 48 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. They beat the Pistons in Cleveland the next game to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time.
James wiped his eyes with a towel after the video played.
It was the first time the Cavaliers have honored James by playing highlights from that game. Usually they have showed clips of Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals – when Cleveland won its first championship – or when the Akron native was the first overall pick in the 2003 draft.
James spent 11 seasons over two stints with the Cavs, the second of which included the franchise’s only NBA championship victory. He left as a free agent in 2018 to join the Lakers, where he won his fourth title.
Unfortunately for James, he scored only one point for every season he played in Cleveland, finishing with 11 points, five assists and six turnovers.
The 41-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star did his customary ‘chalk toss’ before strolling on to the floor at Rocket Arena to square off with his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers
It also was James’ worst loss in Cleveland as a visiting player. He is 10-3, but has been on the losing end in his last two.
the first time in 13 trips to Cleveland as an opposing player he has not had at least 20. The 41-year old Akron native was 3 of 10 from the field, including 0 of 3 on 3-pointers, and was 5 of 6 from the line in 27 minutes.
Doncic missed six minutes in the first quarter after having his left ankle looked at in the locker room. Doncic tweaked his ankle when he landed awkwardly near the Lakers´ bench after attempting a 3-pointer.
Cleveland led 57-55 at halftime, but took control in the third quarter, outscoring Los Angeles by 20 (42-22). It was the 12th time this season that the Cavaliers scored at least 40 points in a period.
