LeBron James Cleveland return with 76ers, Digi Mart USA News (Cleveland, Ohio): LeBron James was cheered by Cleveland Cavaliers fans on Friday as he was introduced as a member of the opposing Philadelphia 76ers in his return to Rocket Arena for an NBA Cup matchup.
Friday’s game marked James’ first appearance against the Cavaliers in Cleveland since signing with the 76ers as a free agent in July. Before the game, the Cavaliers welcomed the franchise legend back to town with a poster placed outside the Philadelphia locker room.
The poster featured James holding the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy and the NBA MVP Trophy after he and the 2016 Cavaliers upset the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. That championship was Cleveland’s first professional sports title since the 1964 Browns won the NFL championship.
The series carried additional significance because the Warriors had set the franchise record for regular-season wins with 73. Golden State led the series 3-1 before Cleveland won three straight games.
James was named Finals MVP after averaging 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists per game.
James, who was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, spent 11 of his 24 NBA seasons with Cleveland. He is currently excelling for the 76ers, who hold the league’s best record at 8-1.
The 41-year-old is averaging 15.7 points, 7.4 assists and 7.4 rebounds per game.
