LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers returned to his hometown of Cleveland last night in spectacular fashion for the first time since November 21, 2018.
James spent his first seven years with the Cavaliers after being the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. After infamously leaving Cleveland for South Beach to team up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, James returned to his hometown in 2014, winning the Cavs’ first and only championship in franchise history in 2016.
In the summer of 2018, James once again left the Cavs to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. As a Heat and a Laker, James has played against the Cavs 16 times (13 as a Heat and three as a Laker) and has only lost once.
Here are LeBron James’ five greatest games against the Cavaliers:
#5 Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers on November 24, 2012
In LeBron’s third season with the Heat, he would come in clutch to deliver the game winning assist in the final 20 seconds of the game.
Despite seven turnovers, James was overall effective on the offensive end with 30 points (10-16 FG, 2-5 3P, 8-9 FT), six rebounds and five assists. In the final 20 seconds of the game, the Heat were down two points and James delivered the game winning assist to Ray Allen, who hit a three to put the Heat up 110-108 and secure the win.
#4 Los Angeles Lakers at Cleveland Cavaliers on November 21, 2018
LeBron James visited his hometown for the first time since 2014 and recorded a double-double in his fist season with the Lakers.
LeBron shot well overall (11-20 FG) and recorded 32 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists and one block. With 3 ½ minutes left in the game and the Lakers down five, LeBron made two free throws and a three to eventually tie the game which led the Lakers to victory 109-105. James scored 11 points in the fourth quarter and nine points in the final five minutes.
#3 Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers on December 2, 2010
LeBron James led the Heat to a blowout victory 118-90 without even playing in the final quarter in his first season with the Miami Heat.
LeBron had one of the most efficient third quarters of his career after scoring 24 points (10-12 FG) in just 12 minutes. At the end of the third quarter, the Heat led by 25 points.
In just 30 minutes, LeBron scored 38 points (15-25 FG), five rebounds, eight assists, one steal, one block and, most impressively, had zero turnovers.
#2 Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers on March 18, 2014
James would record one of his most efficient first quarters while delivering four clutch free throws in crunch time in his final season with the Heat.
In the first quarter, LeBron shot 10-11 from the field and had 25 of the Heats 37 points. In 42 minutes of play, James scored 43 points (14-19 FG, 6-8 3P), six rebounds, four assists, two steals, three blocks and zero turnovers. In the fourth quarter with 15 seconds to go and the Heat up three, James would hit four free throws in a row to secure the 100-96 victory.
#1 Los Angeles Lakers at Cleveland Cavaliers on January 25, 2021
In his 18th season and at age 36, LeBron is still as dominant as ever and he especially proved that last night against his former team.
In just the first quarter, James had 17 points (6-7 FG, 4-5 3P) and four rebounds and led the Lakers to 11-point first quarter lead. The Cavs would eventually come back to tie the game and then take the lead in the third, but LeBron once again dominated in the fourth quarter to ensure a win.
In the fourth, James had 21 points (9-10 FG, 3-4 3P) two assists, two steals and two blocks. With a minute to go and the Lakers up six, LeBron hit a sideline fadeaway jumper over two Cavs defenders to seal the deal and give the Lakers the 115-108 victory.
https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1353909341410062338
LeBron James finished the game with 46 points (19-26 FG, 7-11 3P) eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks.