For the first time as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, former Miami Heat forward LeBron James will face the team on Sunday that he was a part of for four seasons. Following the Lakers’ Saturday night game in Orlando, he was asked (at the 1:50 mark) about his thoughts of returning to American Airlines Arena.
[xyz-ihs snippet=”HN-300×250-Image”]
“It always bring back memories when you go to place where you had some success,” James said. “But it seems so long ago, you know, honestly, since I played there. But, you know, the banners still hang and the memories are still there.”
James left the Heat in 2014 after four seasons in which they reached the NBA Finals during each season. In both 2012 and 2013, Miami won NBA titles, with James being named Finals MVP in each of those series.
Returning to his original team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, James also led the Cavs to four straight trips to the Finals. In 2016, he was again named Finals MVP after leading the Cavaliers over the Golden State Warriors
On July 1, James announced that he was leaving the Cavs to sign with the Lakers. His incredible streak of eight consecutive Finals appearances is likely in jeopardy, with the two-time defending champion Warriors the odds-on favorites to win the Western Conference.
James’ Lakers have an 8-7 record entering Sunday’s matchup against the 6-9 Heat. Following this contest, the Lakers will head to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers, the first appearance by the 16-year veteran in his old home since leaving.
[xyz-ihs snippet=”HN-300×250-TextnImage”]