LeBron James greeted with rousing ovation from Cavaliers fans while sitting courtside for Celtics game
It's been six seasons since LeBron James last suited up for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Cavs fans haven't forgotten.
With his Los Angeles Lakers eliminated from the playoffs, James showed up courtside in Cleveland alongside his wife Savannah and agent Rich Paul for Monday's Game 4 between the Cavaliers and Celtics. Boston won, 109-102.
During an early break in the action, the Cavaliers greeted James with a tribute on the video board. The Cavs' public-address announcer then introduced him as if he'd never left. Fans responded with a rousing ovation as if he was still a member of the team.
LeBron gets the standing ovation in Cleveland 👑
(via @BleacherReport)pic.twitter.com/V4fyAVc50n— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) May 13, 2024
Fans throughout the arena stood up to celebrate the hometown hero who played two stints with the Cavaliers and delivered the franchise its first and only championship in 2016.
#Cavs fans go crazy for LeBron James, who is in the house for Game 4. pic.twitter.com/C38LbULn1Q
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) May 13, 2024
James soaked it all in and responded to the love by blowing kisses back to the crowd.
Where will James land this offseason?
So is there potential for a third stint for James in Cleveland? Monday's love fest at Game 4 will fuel speculation as James approaches the offseason with an option to opt out of his Lakers contract. James maintains a home near his hometown in Akron and hadn't attended a Cavaliers game since leaving the team for a second time in 2018.
Where James lands — whether it's remaining with the Lakers or moving elsewhere — is one of the most anticipated decisions of the upcoming offseason. Cleveland fans would certainly welcome him back with open arms. As evidenced by their appearance in the second round of the playoffs, the Cavaliers have a competitive roster that James could elevate.
Observers also pointed to James showing up at a Cavs game a decade ago while he was with the Miami Heat. He then later signed with Cleveland.
"I was told that it was Mother's Day weekend & LeBron was back in Cleveland for that..
Rich Paul called the Lakers earlier in the day & told them LeBron was going to the game..
Ten years ago when he was with the Heat he came to a Cavs game & a few month later he signed there" ~… pic.twitter.com/OdWz6gc3vh— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 14, 2024
Adding to the offseason intrigue is the status of James' son Bronny James, who is at the NBA Draft combine in Chicago and was medically cleared Monday to play in the NBA after experiencing cardiac arrest at USC last summer.
12 in a row for Bronny James during the 3-point star drill. 19/25 officially. 2nd highest score in the combine behind Alex Karaban. pic.twitter.com/Koz7FepRU3
— Krysten Peek (@krystenpeek) May 14, 2024
Bronny is expected to remain in the draft, and would be targeted by teams hoping to lure James this offseason. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka was watching him in Chicago on Monday afternoon.
James, meanwhile, has remained mum about his plans other than statements shooting down media speculation and announcing that he hasn't made a decision.
well as my representation about it then you guys will know. Until then 🤫. Love 👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 1, 2024
Until he makes that decision, fans across the league — including those in Los Angeles and Cleveland — will be left to wait and hope.