LeBron James’ homecoming in “The Land” was a feel-good time that resulted in a Lakers win.
LeBron James had a vintage game in his return to Quicken Loans Arena with the Los Angeles Lakers.
This was James’ first time back in Cleveland since he signed with Los Angeles in the off-season.
James was showered with cheers and love in his return to Cleveland. This was a warm reception that the opposite of his first return to Cleveland eight years ago with Miami that contained so much negativity.
The Cavaliers showed a tribute video of James’ time with the team during an early timeout in the first quarter. Most notably, the team’s comeback in the 2016 finals was highlighted along with many of his off the court endeavours in the community, including the opening of his I Promise School in Akron, Ohio.
Game Action
Los Angeles fought their way back into the game late in the fourth quarter to capture a 109-105 win over the Cavaliers. The Lakers went on a 16-3 run in the fourth quarter after being down by nine points to eventually lead the Cavaliers by five 107-102 with 15 seconds left in the game.
James posted a double-double in the win with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists. 11 of his 32 points were recorded in the first quarter throughout the Lakers late run.
James was not alone in giving productive performances on the court for the Lakers.
Lonzo Ball had himself a game against the Cavaliers as he was aggressive and in a groove for the Lakers. Ball recorded a season-high 15 points to go with seven rebounds and six assists.
Aside from Ball and James’ performances and despite the Lakers having six players in double-digits, the Lakers struggled throughout the game. As a team, the Lakers turned the ball over 15 times in comparison to the Cavaliers only three turnovers.
The Lakers’ turnovers allowed for the Cavaliers to capitalize and score 15 points. Los Angeles could not contain the ball for the majority of the game but was able to handle the ball better late in the game.
Brandon Ingram scored 14 points to go with three rebounds and three assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope finished the game with 13 points, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
On the Cavaliers side, Cedi Osman and Jordan Clarkson had themselves a game. Osman scored 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and a block while Clarkson had 20 points two rebounds, and five assists.
Osman hit some big three-point shots late in the fourth to keep the Cavaliers afloat while Clarkson went on a scoring tangent early in the quarter as well.
The Cavaliers largest lead of the game was 11 points in the second quarter. Though Cleveland had a decent lead over Los Angeles, Osman’s efforts in the fourth were not enough to try to get the win.
Tristan Thompson finished the game with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Colin Sexton had 12 points, three rebounds, and two assists in the contest.
Cleveland came into this game hunting for their third win of the season as they have been on a rocky start to the season.
Los Angeles also came into this game winning six of their last eight games. The Lakers are now 10-7 on the season. Los Angeles will play the Utah Jazz on Friday at Staples Center at 7:30 PT on NBA TV.