LeBron James Brought To Tears From Cavaliers Tribute Video

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers was brought to tears during a tribute by the Cleveland Cavaliers during their January 28 game. 

James played two stints with the Cavaliers, one from 2003 to 2010 and another from 2014 to 2018. In 2016, he helped the team win its first championship in franchise history. The Cavaliers’ tribute highlighted his 2007 Eastern Conference Finals performance and the 2016 championship. 

The game itself was much less ceremonious. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 129-99. The Cavaliers had a strong game from All-Star starter Donovan Mitchell and Jaylon Tyson. The Lakers were led by Luka Doncic with some help from Gabe Vincent. James was held to just 11 points on 30 percent shooting. 

This game was also the first time James’ mother saw both him and her grandson, Bronny James, play in an NBA game in person. Bronny scored eight points in his eight minutes of play. 

The topic of discussion in the postgame wasn’t the game itself, but rather James’ future. James is currently the oldest player ever to play in the NBA. James is currently still averaging 22 points per game. However, this is the second-lowest mark of his career, only behind his rookie season. 

James has been very noncommittal about his future and possible retirement this season. James is in the second year of a two-year, $101 million contract. He accepted the player’s option for this season during the offseason. He will be a free agent at season’s end. 

“But the drive is how much, like, juice I can squeeze out of this orange,” James said, “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.”