LeBron James’ standout displays against the Cavaliers
LeBron James makes a return to a familiar setting on Wednesday as the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Cleveland Cavaliers (7 p.m. ET on ESPN)
Hailing from Akron, Ohio, James attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in the area, establishing himself as one of the most highly regarded prospects in the country. The Cavaliers drafted James with the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft.
Having spent 11 seasons with the Cavaliers during two separate tenures, James frequently elevates his performance when he returns to his hometown. With a record of 9-3, he averages 31.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game on 55% shooting while playing in Cleveland as an opponent.
In November 2023, James referred to his return to play at home as “just special.”
“Returning to this floor is always a pretty cool feeling, looking up and being part of all the banners in this arena,” James stated. “And the No. 1 banner, the one that sits in the middle, represents that ’16 championship, so that’s pretty cool.”
Here’s a recap of James’ significant performances against the Cavaliers in Cleveland.
Date: March 21, 2022
Stats: 38 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds, 58.6% shooting
Results: 131-120 Lakers win
During a challenging season in Los Angeles, James excelled on his return home.
He netted 17 points in the second quarter, achieving a 38-point triple-double and becoming the sixth player in NBA history to record at least three triple-doubles against his former team, as noted by the Elias Sports Bureau.
This also marked his third triple-double against the Cavaliers, all occurring on the road. The only other players in NBA history with three triple-doubles against their former team in their arena are Domantas Sabonis and Fat Lever. His 38 points rank as the second highest in a triple-double against a player’s former team.
LeBron’s performance featured a memorable moment with his former Cavaliers teammate, Kevin Love, as James delivered a powerful dunk over Love near the end of the second quarter. The King then humorously remarked about hoping to still receive an invitation to Love’s wedding.
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Date: Jan. 25, 2021
Stats: 46 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 73.1% shooting
Results: 115-108 Lakers win
James does not require additional motivation when he returns to Cleveland. However, this occasion proved beneficial.
Towards the end of the third quarter, he engaged in a back-and-forth with an individual courtside, whom James identified as a member of the Cavaliers’ front office.
“I sensed he was a bit too enthusiastic about seeing me miss,” he remarked.
This led to a 21-point fourth quarter from James, outscoring Cleveland single-handedly, marking his highest-scoring fourth quarter since 2017. He became the oldest Lakers player to score 40 points since Kobe Bryant’s 60-point performance in his final game.
After the game, James jokingly commented: “It’s a good thing for him I only come here once.”
Date: Nov. 21, 2018
Stats: 32 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 55% shooting
Results: 109-105 Lakers win
Unlike his initial return to Cleveland, James received a hero’s welcome after departing the franchise a second time.
The Cavaliers presented a video tribute during a first-quarter timeout, resulting in a standing ovation. James acknowledged the crowd, gesturing to all four corners of the arena, and then played a crucial role in the Lakers’ victory.
James scored or assisted on 11 consecutive points in the fourth quarter to overcome an eight-point deficit. Following the game, he reflected on the contrasts in his returns.
“From the moment we landed yesterday, it just felt different,” he stated. “I’m a different person. We’re all different from eight years ago, both good and bad. But more importantly, this experience has been great.”
Date: March 19, 2014
Stats: 43 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 73.7% shooting
Results: 100-96 Miami Heat win
Although James’ last appearance in Cleveland as a member of the Heat was not as boisterous as his first, he still left his mark on the court.
James started strong with 25 points in the first quarter on 10-of-11 shooting, setting the tone for an exceptionally efficient 40-point night on 73.7% shooting, his sixth-best field goal percentage that season.
He contributed six points in the final two minutes of the game to secure a narrow Miami victory. Four months later, he returned to the Cavaliers.
Date: Dec. 2, 2010
Stats: 38 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, 60% shooting
Results: 118-90 Miami Heat win
James’ first return to Cleveland was nothing short of a spectacle. Fans booed continuously, signs were visible throughout the crowd, and objects were thrown. None of this affected LeBron.
He scored 24 of his 38 points in the third quarter, leading the Heat to victory in a challenging atmosphere. He also recorded a game-high plus-minus of plus-26, the third highest of his entire season.
James remarked that the crowd’s boos were likely the loudest he had ever experienced.
“I felt the animosity. I felt the scrutiny. But once the ball was tipped, I’m in my safe haven,” he stated. “There’s nothing that can prevent me from striving to be the best I can be.”
ESPN Research contributed to this story.
