For the first time since his move, LeBron James returned to Cleveland – and there the Lakers and Cavaliers played a thrilling game. Only in the final phase the decision (109:105) was made in favour of the guests.
Exactly eight years ago, LeBron James returned to Cleveland as a Miami Heat player for the first time and experienced such an aggressive atmosphere that NBA security personnel had even considered stopping the game for a short time. This time there was nothing at all to see – instead the game was rather friendly.
James was greeted with warm applause on his return with the Lakers, with standing ovations both before the game and on first contact with the ball. During the first time-out, the Cavs also took a tribute to LeBron’s time and work in Cleveland via their video cube, for which he thanked him gesture-richly.
The game itself wasn’t as friendly then. While the Lakers were very agile over long distances, the Cavs showed their best performance of the season so far and were very poisonous – and they hardly made any mistakes (only 3 turnovers in total). James took part with 18 points in the first half, but after that he held back and watched the Lakers fall behind in two digits.
Towards the end of the game the Lakers and James pulled on again. They took the lead with an 11-0 run just two minutes from time, even though Cedi Osman was able to equal the score from the three-way line. In the next attack Lonzo Ball found JaVale McGee for a layup, which then also blocked Osman on the other side.
At 19.6 seconds on the clock and 2 points ahead LeBron went back to the free-throw line and hit one. Kyle Korver missed, then Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (13 points) made it better than James by pocketing the last four free throws of the match. In the end, the Lakers were able to take the expected away win from James’ old home with them.
LeBron contributed a lot with a total of 32 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists, five more Lakers ended up in Double Figures, while Moritz Wagner was not used. Osman (21) and Jordan Clarkson (20) were again the top scorers in the Cavs. Tristan Thompson delivered strong 14 points and 15 rebounds.