NBA: Cavaliers' video tribute leaves LeBron James in tears

LeBron James has yet to decide if he will play in his final NBA season, but his emotions on Wednesday may have given fans a glimpse into his mindset.

During a return to his longtime home of Cleveland, the 41-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star was moved to tears as the Cavaliers honored him with a video tribute.

James has played in Cleveland eight times since ending his second stint with the Cavaliers after the 2017-18 season, including the 2022 All-Star Game, and each time he was celebrated with a video. However, Wednesday’s tribute elicited an unusually emotional reaction.

The highlight package featured James scoring 25 consecutive points as the Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons in Game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals. Reflecting on the moment, James said, "I didn't expect that. ... I try to take everything, not take the moments for granted, because it could be (my last game in Cleveland). Obviously, I haven't made a decision on the future, but it very well could be."

Recalling the 25-point outburst, James added, "I remember that moment like it was yesterday. I was the underdog going against that Detroit Piston team, and for us to win that game and then ultimately win Game 6 here and advance to the NBA Finals was a pretty cool moment."

On the court, however, James had a tough night. He finished with 11 points, three rebounds, five assists, and six turnovers as the Lakers fell 129-99 to the Cavaliers.

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer is averaging 22.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists through 29 games this season. The 21-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion holds career averages of 26.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists.

—Field Level Media/Reuters