CLEVELAND — LeBron James appeared in Cleveland’s playoff game against the Boston Celtics on Monday night, an appearance that was sure to fuel conversation about the superstar’s future.
James has opted out of contact with the Los Angeles Lakers and can become a free agent this summer, but he played two stints in Cleveland. He led the Cavs to their only NBA championship in 2016 and left two years later.
James, the league’s leading scorer, has a home near his hometown of Akron. He has returned to Cleveland numerous times since leaving in 2018, but has never appeared in a Cavs game.
James arrived just as the game started and took a courtside seat with his wife, Savannah, and agent, Rich Paul.
When he appeared on the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse scoreboard during a timeout, he received a huge ovation. James thanked the crowd, and King James mimed putting a crown on his head.
The 39-year-old’s postseason run this year was cut short as the Lakers were eliminated in the first round by the defending champion Denver Nuggets. James revealed after the series that his options remain open and he has not made any decisions about his next move.
James has talked in the past about playing alongside his oldest son, Bronny, who played at USC last season and recently declared for this year’s draft.
On Monday, the younger James was cleared by league doctors to participate in the pre-draft combine in Chicago after suffering cardiac arrest last summer.
James was a 20-time All-Star and a four-time league MVP and champion. He was drafted No. 1 overall by Cleveland and spent seven seasons with the Cavs before signing with Miami as a free agent in 2010.
He returned to the Cavs in 2014 and led them to four straight NBA Finals appearances (all vs. Golden State).
