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Home International LeBron James avoids ‘depths of hell’ from Cavs fans, but scoring scarce...

LeBron James avoids ‘depths of hell’ from Cavs fans, but scoring scarce in loss

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CLEVELAND — Akron native LeBron James still has the date on the tip of his tongue: Dec. 2, 2010.

It’s when James visited the Cavaliers for the first time as a member of the Miami Heat and experienced the wrath of enraged Cleveland fans who felt betrayed by “The Decision.”

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Nearly 16 years later, James visited the Cavs (5-4) for the first time as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers (8-2) on Friday, Nov. 6, receiving loud cheers during player introductions and a mostly warm reception, albeit mixed with some booing, in the Cavs’ 119-95 blowout victory.

James said it was “great” how Cavs fans received him in his latest homecoming game. But was the 2003 St. Vincent-St. Mary High School graduate wondering how it would go after he left the Los Angeles Lakers this past summer and announced on July 24 he would sign with the 76ers in free agency instead of his other primary suitors, the Cavs, Heat, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves?

“I don’t know because at the end of the day, nothing can get as worse as Dec. 2 2010, from a reception standpoint,” James said. “So, I’ve seen damn near the depths of hell when it comes to reception here all the way to, like, the heavens above. So, anything in between is easy money.”

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Philadelphia 76ers: Photos from Cavs home game

Nov 6, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James (23) warms up before the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the 76ers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

In a rare occurrence, scoring did not prove to be easy for the 41-year-old James. He finished with a season-low eight points on 3-of-12 shooting from the field (0 of 4 on 3-pointers), seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and six turnovers in 32 minutes.

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“Too many turnovers on my behalf, and I didn’t feel in a rhythm offensively all day,” James said. “… Every game has its own challenges, and I don’t think [we played well] offensively as a group. And I know I damn sure wasn’t good at all.”

Cavs news: How the Cavaliers spoiled LeBron James’ most recent Cleveland homecoming game

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer, James has failed to reach double figures in scoring in just 10 regular-season games in his career. His streak of 396 consecutive regular-season games with double-digit scoring in Cleveland was snapped, according to ESPN.

“The biggest thing is just making it tough [on James],” Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell said. “He’s a hell of a player, but [we were] just trying to pack the paint and knowing that he’s trying to drive to also kick. He had six turnovers, and you give credit where it’s due to our defense as a whole. From there we were able to get out and get going.”

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NBA legend and Akron native LeBron James through the years

Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James greets fans while riding in his Rolls Royce during the team’s NBA Championship celebration on June 22, in Cleveland.

(Phil Masturzo/Beacon Journal/Ohio.com)

The Cavs avenged their 114-106 season-opening loss on Oct. 22, when Cleveland blew a 29-point lead during James’ first home game in Philadelphia.

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In the rematch, Mitchell scored a game-high 23 points to go along with seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Forward Evan Mobley compiled 22 points, six rebounds, four assists, a steal and a blocked shot.

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Mitchell and Mobley explained they have become desensitized to the hoopla of James returning to Rocket Arena. In an unusual twist, the Cavs did not play a customary tribute video on their scoreboards to honor James during the game.

“[The] stands are going to be packed and obviously cheer for him. Rightfully so,” Mitchell said. “He’s a champion. He’s from here. He deserves all that.

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“But, at this point, I feel like it’s just regular, and we’re just out here trying to compete. If anything, it’s inspiring. It’s like, ‘Hey, we want to win a championship here.’ So, for us, it’s normal.”

Nov 6, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Nov 6, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

James, who is in his unprecedented 24th NBA season, said he continues to reflect on his Cleveland journey from being drafted first overall by the Cavs in 2003 to leading the franchise to its only title in 2016.

“Winning a championship is obviously the icing on the cake and something I wanted to do,” James said.

Now James is seeking a fifth ring after capturing two with the Heat (2012 and 2013), one with the Cavs (2016) and one with the Lakers (2020). In a loaded Eastern Conference, the Cavs and 76ers stand in each other’s way.

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James has yet to face the Cavs in the playoffs. Perhaps he will learn what type of reception Cleveland would give him amid a postseason clash.

The Akron Beacon Journal sports department can be emailed at bjsports@thebeaconjournal.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: LeBron James avoids ‘depths of hell’ from Cavs fans, but scoring scarce in loss

Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com

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