LeBron James vs. Cleveland: Top performance against the Cavaliers

On By Littum

  • Anthony Gharib, ESPNOctober 30, 2024, 11:26 a.m. ET

LeBron James returns to familiar territory on Wednesday when the Los Angeles Lakers face the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road.

A native of Akron, Ohio, James attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in the city, becoming one of the country’s most touted prospects. The Cavaliers selected James with the No. 1 pick in the 2003 NBA draft.

James, who spent 11 seasons with the Cavaliers across two separate stints with the team, often shifts into an extra gear when he returns home. He has a 9-2 record and is averaging 31.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game. game on 54% shooting when playing in Cleveland as an opponent.

Last season, James described the return to home court as “just special.”

“Stepping back on this floor is always a pretty cool feeling, looking up there and pretty much being a part of all the banners in this arena,” James said. “And the No. 1 banner, the one in the middle, was that ’16 championship, so that’s pretty cool.”

Here’s a look back at James’ notable games against the Cavaliers in Cleveland.

Date: 21 March 2022

Statistics: 38 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds, 58.6% shooting

Results: 131-120 Lakers win

In the midst of an offseason in Los Angeles, James dominated during his trip home.

He scored 17 points in the second quarter en route to a 38-point triple-double, becoming the sixth player in NBA history with at least three triple-doubles against his former team, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

It also marked his third triple-double against the Cavaliers, all of which have come on the road. The only other players in NBA history with three triple-doubles against their former team in their building are Domantas Sabonis and Fat Lever. His 38 points are the second most in a triple-double against a player’s former team.

LeBron’s performance also included that of his former Cavaliers teammate, Kevin Love, at the end of a memorable highlight. James emphatically beat Love near the end of the second quarter. The King then joked about hopefully still being invited to Love’s wedding.

Date: 25 January 2021

Statistics: 46 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 73.1% shooting

Results: 115-108 Lakers win

James won’t need any extra motivation when he returns to Cleveland. But this time it didn’t hurt.

Late in the third quarter, he had a back-and-forth exchange with someone courtside who James said was a member of the Cavaliers’ front office.

“I felt like he was a little too excited to see me miss,” he said.

It resulted in a 21-point fourth quarter from James that surpassed Cleveland alone for his highest-scoring fourth quarter since 2017. He became the oldest Lakers player to have 40 points since Kobe Bryant’s 60-point outing in his final game.

After the game, James jokingly said, “It’s a good thing for him that I only come here once.”

Date: November 21, 2018

Statistics: 32 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 55% shooting

Results: 109-105 Lakers win

Unlike his first trip back to Cleveland, James received a hero’s welcome after leaving the franchise for the second time.

The Cavaliers showed a video tribute during a timeout in the first quarter, which led to a standing and resounding ovation. James acknowledged the crowd, pointed to all four corners of the building, and then played a key role in the Lakers’ victory.

James scored or assisted on 11 straight points in the fourth quarter to erase an eight-point deficit. After the game, he acknowledged the differences in his returns.

“From the moment we landed yesterday, it just felt different,” he said. “I’m a different person. We’re all different from eight years ago, both good and bad. But more importantly, this experience has been great.”

Date: March 19, 2014

Statistics: 43 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 73.7% shooting

Results: 100-96 Miami Heat win

Although James’ final appearance in Cleveland as a member of the Heat wasn’t as violent as his first, he still left his mark on the court.

James jumped out of the gates early with 25 points in the first quarter on 10-of-11 shooting. That set the tone for an extra efficient 40-point night on 73.7% shooting, his sixth-highest field goal percentage that season.

He had six points in the final two minutes of the game to clinch a close Miami victory. Four months later, he was back with the Cavaliers.

Date: December 2, 2010

Statistics: 38 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, 60% shooting

Results: 118-90 Miami Heat win

James’ first return to Cleveland was nothing short of a spectacle. Fans booed constantly, signs were scattered throughout the crowd, and objects were thrown. None of that mattered to LeBron.

He scored 24 of his 38 points in the third quarter, propelling the Heat to a victory in a tough environment. He also had a game-high plus-minus of plus-26, the third highest of his entire season.

James said the boos from the crowd were probably the loudest he’s ever heard.

“I felt the animosity. I felt the scrutiny. But once the ball is tipped, I’m in my safe haven,” he said. “There is nothing that can stop me from trying to be the best that I can be.”

ESPN Research contributed to this story.