The Cleveland Cavaliers organization is not lacking in self-awareness. They know how important LeBron James is to their brand and are making sure to roll out the red carpet for him, so to speak.
With James and the Los Angeles Lakers coming into town for a Saturday night matchup in the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the Cavs made a nice gesture to the man who led them to their first NBA championship in franchise history. A “Welcome back LeBron!” sign is hanging from the wall, right outside LA’s locker room.
We are a long time removed from local fans burning James jerseys and vilifying the Akron, Ohio native. The four-time MVP’s decision to sign with the Miami Heat in free agency back in July of 2010 was, at the time, possibly the most agonizing bit of heartbreak the long-suffering Cleveland sports fans base had ever endured. Shock and bitterness pervaded the entire city.
But that all changed when James returned home in 2014. Two years later, the former No. 1 overall pick fulfilled the prophecy so many had mapped out for him when he was just a teenager, leading the Cavs to an improbable comeback victory over the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. His seven-game showing, which included 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.6 steals and 2.3 blocks per game, is one of the most remarkable championship efforts in the history of the sport.
Wining a title for Cleveland meant that the aftermath of LeBron James’ next departure would be far less vitriolic. The organization, at least, is eternally grateful for finally tasting gold. Hence, the warm welcome. The Cavaliers will not be gushing over the four-time champ when they battle him and the Lakers, though.
The game tips off at approximately 7:30 p.m. ET.