LeBron James is arguably the greatest player in NBA history. Without a doubt, he is the greatest player to ever play for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tonight was LeBron’s (second) first return to Cleveland since leaving the franchise for Hollywood. James’s 32-14-7 helped the Lakers upset the Cleveland Cavaliers in a four point victory. Dan Gilbert and the Cavaliers organization also took the time to, this time, do right by King James.
LeBron’s Lakers pregame routine is a little different, but very similar:
Different routine, same Bron. pic.twitter.com/SSsxEBcMxc
— Per Sources (@PerSources) November 22, 2018
He also made sure to acknowledge the Cleveland crowd who had supported him for a majority of his professional basketball career:
LeBron addressing the Cleveland crowd before the game. Happy for him pic.twitter.com/zJiVnit2cO
— Per Sources (@PerSources) November 22, 2018
Cleveland Cavaliers posted this video tribute for LeBron on Instagram:
The Cavaliers' LeBron James Instagram video tribute pic.twitter.com/tF7EPgHyOj
— Per Sources (@PerSources) November 22, 2018
Here is what it sounded like in the Cavs arena. Keep in mind, there was no video tribute for LeBron the first time he returned to Cleveland, in 2010:
Here's what it sounded like in the arena as the Cavs ran that tribute video for LeBron. pic.twitter.com/fKCFvdEc5M
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) November 22, 2018
Here is the Cleveland Cavaliers video tribute for LeBron James:
LeBron James gets his video tribute from Dan Gilbert and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Well deserved. pic.twitter.com/CvBX8dg8yn
— Per Sources (@PerSources) November 22, 2018
Say what you want about LeBron, he gave his heart and soul to the city of Cleveland. He delivered on his one promise. He brought a championship to Cleveland. In my books, LeBron doesn’t owe the Cavaliers organization a single thing. He’s pursuing his passions outside of basketball in Los Angeles, while also getting to play for one of the most respected franchises in the history of professional sports. As a Celtics fan, I grew up hating Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. I grew up disliking LeBron. Despite all that, I still can’t deny the fact that he looks good in the purple & gold. The Lakers appear to be relevant again. They’re a few games above .500. They’re not a bottom of the West team.
Do you think the Cavaliers did it right this time? Do you think the crowd shouldn’t have cheered for him? Are you upset that he left? Feel free to tweet me @TPRx11 and let me know your thoughts.