LeBron James welcomed back as hero in return to Cleveland

Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James acknowledges the Cleveland fans during a video tribute to James during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

CLEVELAND — LeBron James got a hero’s welcome at home.

The three-time NBA champion received a rousing standing ovation during player introductions Wednesday night as he made his first appearance in Cleveland since signing with the Los Angeles Lakers last summer.

James, who spent 11 seasons in two stints with the Cavs and led them to the 2016 title, was then saluted with a video tribute during a timeout in the first quarter. Images of James’ playing days with Cleveland were shown along with clips of his impact on the community in Northeast Ohio.

A Cleveland Cavaliers fan holds up thanking Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James before an NBA basketball game between the Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

As the crowd stood and cheered, “Thank You LeBron” was shown on the giant scoreboard. James pointed to all corners of Quicken Loans Arena in appreciation.

The heartwarming warm scene was nothing like what James endured upon his return with Miami in 2010, when Cleveland fans turned their anger on him for leaving.