With LeBron James now playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, the fourth team of his legendary NBA career, his schedule features intriguing matchups against his three former teams: the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Friday night brought a clash with the Cavs in Cleveland. While James could receive different reactions at each arena he visits, there were rumors this offseason that he might return to Cleveland to finish his career where it all started.
He didn't, and instead went with Philadelphia, where he joined a lineup of All-Stars, including Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and trade acquisition Jaylen Brown. Upon returning to Cleveland, James received a warm reception and gave his honest thoughts on how the fans reacted. "At the end of the day, nothing can get as worse as December 2nd, 2010, from a reception standpoint.
So I've seen the near depths of hell when it comes to reception here, all the way to the heavens above. So anything in between is easy money," James told reporters postgame. James returned to Cleveland on Dec. 2, 2010, with the Miami Heat, the team he first departed for in his career.
He received a hostile reception from the crowd on that particular visit. Still, King James finished with 38 points, eight assists, and five rebounds, and the Heat won 118-90 over his former team. More news: Joel Embiid Hit With NBA Discipline for Actions in 76ers’ Win Over Pistons While the reception to his return to Cleveland with the 76ers was warm on Friday, his performance was far from his best in the city.
James played 32 minutes, shot 3-of-12 from the field, and made two free throws to finish with just eight points. He also tallied seven rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block. Cleveland also gave LeBron and his new team their second loss of the season, 119-95.
Donovan Mitchell had 23 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Evan Mobley finished with 22 points, six rebounds, and four assists as the Cavs improved to 5-4 overall and 4-1 at home. These two teams won't play again until Mar. 1, 2027, and it will be another return trip to Rocket Arena in Cleveland.
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