LeBron James returned to Cleveland for the first time since leaving the Cavaliers for a second time, although, this time around was not nearly as hostile as the 2010 revisit with the Miami Heat. There was nothing thrown from the crowd on to the floor, in fact, no boos at all, as the Cavaliers played a tribute video on the scoreboard for the man that brought the city their first championship in over 50 years. James received two standing ovations on the night, and then led his new team, the Los Angeles Lakers over the Cavaliers, 109-105, in a surprisingly tough battle on Wednesday night. James had 32 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists to help his team fight off the two-win Cavaliers.
The Lakers trailed by a score of 99-91 in the fourth quarter, but "The King" took over by assisting on 11 straight points, leading to the Lakers' 10th victory of the season. The 2-13 Cavaliers also had a chance to tie the game late, but Kyle Korver missed a wide open three-pointer late. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope went on to make four free throws, also helping the Lakers bring their record on the road over .500 at 5-4.
Jordan Clarkson was also facing his old team, as he was traded from the Lakers to the Cavaliers to join LeBron's team last season. Clarkson led the Cavaliers with 20 points, while Tristan Thompson finished with a double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds. Thompson was one of the first Cavaliers players to embrace LeBron on the floor. The two former teammates could be seen before the game doing some of their old handshakes right before tip-off.
All in all, it was a very successful night, both with his new team, as well as the return to his home and old fan base. On December 2nd, 2010, he was not greeted with open arms, instead with derogatory chants, boos, and garbage thrown his way. His increased work in the community as of late, including the I Promise school in Akron, Ohio, definitely has a major part as to why this return was much more emotional.
The Lakers got past this hurdle for LeBron, as they will return home on Friday night against the Utah Jazz. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers will hit the road to battle Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers that same night.
The Lakers trailed by a score of 99-91 in the fourth quarter, but "The King" took over by assisting on 11 straight points, leading to the Lakers' 10th victory of the season. The 2-13 Cavaliers also had a chance to tie the game late, but Kyle Korver missed a wide open three-pointer late. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope went on to make four free throws, also helping the Lakers bring their record on the road over .500 at 5-4.
Jordan Clarkson was also facing his old team, as he was traded from the Lakers to the Cavaliers to join LeBron's team last season. Clarkson led the Cavaliers with 20 points, while Tristan Thompson finished with a double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds. Thompson was one of the first Cavaliers players to embrace LeBron on the floor. The two former teammates could be seen before the game doing some of their old handshakes right before tip-off.
All in all, it was a very successful night, both with his new team, as well as the return to his home and old fan base. On December 2nd, 2010, he was not greeted with open arms, instead with derogatory chants, boos, and garbage thrown his way. His increased work in the community as of late, including the I Promise school in Akron, Ohio, definitely has a major part as to why this return was much more emotional.
The Lakers got past this hurdle for LeBron, as they will return home on Friday night against the Utah Jazz. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers will hit the road to battle Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers that same night.
