"Thank you LeBron James" stood at the end of a one-player on the video cube in Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena. The NBA superstar looked at the emotional contribution and entered shortly afterwards with a raised finger on the court, the audience cheered him. LeBron James and the fans of the Cavaliers, the relationship is now marked by deep gratitude.
That was not always so. When he returned to his home franchise with the Miami Heat in 2010, the Cavs had to rebuild the security service to cope with the angry and aggressive reactions of the fans. James not only had to be criticized from Cleveland, but his sporting perspective on his move to Miami was sold as a huge PR number, at the end of which James announced his prime time decision on national television.
James spent four years in Miami, winning the NBA title in 2012 and 2013, and returned to Cleveland in 2014, where in 2016 he became the key player in the Cavaliers' first championship history. "In the eleven years for this franchise, I've always tried to give everything," James said. "Coming back and getting these reactions means a lot - not just for me, but for my family and friends who are here tonight."
AFP
LeBron James (r.) And Tristan Thompson
James decided to leave Cleveland for the second time last summer. He now plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most important franchises in the NBA. The Lakers want to build on James with old successes, the project is designed for the long term. For the first time since 2010, the 33-year-old could miss the NBA finals this season.
Basketball was played in Cleveland as well. The Lakers won 109: 105 at the current weakest team in the NBA, which could not compensate for the departure of James so far. James came in 32 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists. Los Angeles is back on a playoff spot for the time being, but the race in the Western Conference is very close.