A 60-second tribute video honoring LeBron James was played for the future Hall of Famer by the Cleveland Cavaliers before Wednesday’s game, commemorating him before playing against the team where he began his iconic NBA career.
Throughout the past eight years, whenever LeBron James would return to Cleveland, the city where his iconic NBA career began, he’s been welcomed with open arms and tribute videos honoring the future Hall of Famer, and this Wednesday’s game was no different. However, it was extra special for a multitude of nostalgic reasons.
At this week’s game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the tribute brought James to tears, as he became overwhelmed with gratitude and reflection over his illustrious career and where it all began.
When his name was announced during pregame introductions, the crowd erupted in an echoing standing ovation that mimicked a Sundance film festival premiere. During the game’s first break, the tribute video played on the jumbo screen as both James and the 20,000+ fans in attendance watched on.
The montage included historic moments throughout James’s Cavaliers career and highlighted one of his most well-known moments which took place during Game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals where he scored 25 consecutive points. Many consider that to be the game that initially cemented James as a NBA legend.
After the game, James talked about why he felt overcome with emotion this time around, wiping away tears and dabbing his eyes after the video played.
“The moment they put up the video, looking up at the rafters and I saw our championship banner, it was a lot of reflection. Being present in the moment. It got to me a little but for sure. I was super thankful.”
James is now on his 23rd NBA season, but was initially drafted number one overall by the Cavaliers in 2003. He’s the league’s all-time leading scorer, has four championships with three different teams, a multitude of iconic playoff moments, and practically every significant individual milestone the NBA has to offer.
This is why Wednesday’s tribute moment carried such a weight for James, as it may have been the final time he played an NBA game in the city where his career started.
“I haven’t made a decision on the future, but it very well could be [my final game in Cleveland],” James said.
“No matter if it’s here or in Washington playing in our next game, or in the Barclays on this road trip. Obviously, it means more here for me personally because I grew up 35 miles south of here.”
The crowd, teams, crew, and everyone else in the building felt the significance of this moment throughout the tribute where Cleveland was offering their full gratitude to the basketball legend. Beyond just the court, James was able to cherish that moment with family, as his son and teammate Bronny was there along with several other close family members.
“It was pretty cool just sitting over there and watching Bronny continue to live out his dream. My mom was here watching her son and grandson. I don’t even know how to wrap that all into one in my brain. It’s so weird and cool and so surreal.”
Bronny also felt the intensity of the moment of admiration for his father.
“Very nostalgic to be here. I was here pretty much every day as a kid, so it feels good to be out here. I was almost emotional myself. Being home is another feeling. It’s crazy to come back and have so much love. It got him. It almost got me,” he said.
Gloria James, James’s mother, also felt the emotion and was reflective over the past 20+ years.
“I don’t get as emotional as I used to, but I did a little. I’ve been there from day one, every single game he’s played in the NBA. Thinking about all of those years and being here tonight – it’s memorable and awesome,” Gloria told the Guardian.
Chris Dennis, once a James family advisor, said that the reaction from the audience truly showed how much James and Cleveland mean to one another.
“They were hyped when LeBron came back into the game after the video, because the fans are a part of who he is. A lot of those fans grew up watching LeBron. When you grow up with a dude that represents your city, you’re going to show that love,” said Dennis.
When it comes to the future of James and his career as a whole, he could take many paths, and which he will pursue is still unknown.
“The question gets asked more, and the thought creeps into my mind more at 41 years old,” James said.
“Of when the end is and where the finish line is when it comes to hanging this thing up. I’m in a battle with Father Time, and I’m taking it personally – seeing how many times I can be victorious over him. But I won’t be one of those guys who won’t be able to walk off the court. That’s for sure.”
Eric Mastrota is a Contributing Editor at The National Digest based in New York. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz, he reports on world news, culture, and lifestyle. You can reach him at eric.mastrota@thenationaldigest.com.
