LEBRON JAMES RETURNED to Miami for the first time on Thursday since swapping the Heat for hometown franchise the Cleveland Cavaliers in a blockbuster free-agency deal in July.
It was not a victorious return for James as his former team ran out 101-91 winners at AmericanAirlines Arena.
But while the game did not go to plan, James was cheered by adoring Heat fans prior to tip-off, much to his appreciation.
The Heat displayed a thank-you video during a timeout with less than six minutes remaining in the first quarter, highlighting the four-time MVP’s achievements across his four years in Miami, where he won two NBA championships.
“It’s cool,” James said of the video tribute.
A lot of emotions come back and you know, I spent four years here with those guys man, and some guys are still here, some guys are not here. We put in a lot of hard work and dedication just to do the best we could.”
“I think these fans are great. I always talked about them and always said that and they always showed their loyalty.”
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“It’s tough to play under these circumstances, man”, James continued.
“You’re so used to playing regular-season games, and then you have to play one like this. Or my first home game, when I went back home [this season], my first home game. So, it’s very difficult.”
