Sports
LeBron James reduced to tears and admits he could have played his final game in Cleveland
An emotional LeBron James admitted it “very well could be” his final appearance in Cleveland after being moved to tears during last night’s 129-99 defeat for the Los Angeles Lakers.
James, who won the NBA title in his second spell with the Cavaliers in 2016, has yet to decide whether he will retire at the end of the season, bringing an end to one of the greatest careers in the game’s history.
Cleveland honoured him last night, using a first-quarter time-out to show a video on the big screens that replayed James’ incredible performance in Game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference finals when the then 22-year-old poured in 48 points – including 25 straight to end the game – as the Cavs beat the Detroit Pistons in double overtime.
James, born and raised in Ohio, sat in a courtside chair while watching the tribute and had to use his Lakers uniform to wipe away tears.
“I’m just trying to take everything in, not take the moments for granted,” James said after the game. “Because it could be [my last season]. I obviously haven’t made a decision on the future, but it very well could be.”
It got to me a little bit – James
It was James’ 13th trip to Cleveland as an opposing player but he admitted it felt different this time.
“I think it just comes from just being present, I was just more present today than I’ve been [in past trips],” he added. “[It] definitely got to me a little bit, for sure.”
The occasion certainly affected James’ play as he mustered just 11 points with six turnovers.
“I think there’s certainly emotions always for him coming back here,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “You could see that being back here is very important to him. And you know, there’s a human element to all of this.”
James’ mum watches son and grandson on the same night
There was one positive to the lopsided score: the fact James’ son Bronny got some court time in the fourth quarter, scoring eight points in eight minutes in front of his grandmother Gloria.
“My mom gets to watch her son and her grandson play in the NBA at the same time,” said LeBron. “I actually just started to think about how insane that is. Yeah, that’s awesome.”
As for his future, the 41-year-old knows the end is nigh and said a decision would be coming soon.
“Obviously, the question gets asked more and the thought creeps in my mind more at 41 years old of when the end is, and where’s the finish line for us to hang this thing up,” James said. “But the drive is how much, like, juice I can squeeze out of this orange.
“I’m in a battle with Father Time and I’m taking it personal, and I am going to see how many more times I [can] be victorious over him.”
