King James the exile still rules in Cleveland

LeBron James felt only love at home.

Making his first trip back to Cleveland since leaving for the second time as a free agent, James was welcomed like a hero yesterday and rallied the Los Angeles Lakers to a 109-105 NBA win over the Cavaliers, who played an inspired game against their former teammate but couldn’t stop him when it mattered most.

James finished with 32 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists as the Lakers overcame a 99-91 deficit in the fourth quarter. The Cavs had a chance to tie late, but Kyle Korver missed a wide-open 3-pointer with 17 seconds left and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope made four free throws in the final 15s to seal it for LA.

From the moment he stepped back onto Quicken Loans Arena floor, his home court for 11 seasons, James was treated like a returning champion.

On the night before Thanksgiving, Cleveland said thanks to the Northeast Ohio son, the one who ended the city’s 52-year championship drought. “We recognise the fact that certainly this is a big night for the city of Cleveland,” Cavs coach Larry Drew said before tipoff, “because a hero has come back.”

James was the last Lakers player introduced before the game, presented with a line familiar to all Cavs fans: “A 6-foot-8 forward from St Vincent-St Mary High School,” said arena announcer Sean Peebles. “Welcome home! LeBron James.” The crowd roared and stood as James walked out and huddled with his new teammates, who must have wondered what was in store for them.

But unlike that ugly night of December 2, 2010, when James returned with the Miami Heat and was subjected to non-stop booing, profane chants and a toxic, charged atmosphere of hatred unlike anything seen before or since, this was a night for celebration — and maybe more closure. James has moved on. Cleveland, too. James was saluted by the Cavs with a moving video tribute during a timeout. Images of James’ playing days with Cleveland — highlighted by the Cavs’ historic comeback to win the 2016 title — were shown along with video clips of his impact on the community, including his opening of the I Promise School in his hometown of Akron.

As the crowd stood and showed its affection, James appeared to be touched by the presentation. He bit his lower lip while walking back onto court and pointed to all corners of the building in appreciation, his chance to reconnect with fans with whom he’ll always have a special, if not complicated, relationship.