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The video was highlights of James from his incredible Game 5 performance against the Detroit Pistons<\/a> in 2007. He watched a version of himself that physically couldn\u2019t be stopped by one of the best defensive teams of that decade, even though each defender was doing everything in their power to do so.<\/p>\n That clip was 19 years old and from multiple basketball lifetimes ago, even though James still remembers \u201cthat moment like it was yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n Basketball mortality isn\u2019t something James has seemingly had to contemplate often. The guys he came into the league with have transitioned to different phases of their lives. Even someone like Derrick Rose, who was once thought of as the up-and-coming young player that represented a new generation to challenge James for his throne, just had his jersey retirement ceremony with the Chicago Bulls last weekend.<\/p>\n The regular laws of physics and aging have generally not applied to James, but that\u2019s changing.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t take these moments for granted, because it could be,\u201d James said when asked if this was his last game in Cleveland. \u201cObviously, I haven\u2019t made a decision on the future, but it very well could be.\u201d<\/p>\n The hometown fans didn\u2019t take the moment for granted either. As has been the case for the last 23 years, they reacted to every move that he made once he entered the stage.<\/p>\n The crowd erupted when he first emerged from the tunnel for pregame warmups. Provided him with the loudest ovation during player intros. Groaned when he missed a putback layup. And gave him the loudest ovation of the night after the tribute video ran.<\/p>\n One of those people cheering was his mother. James took a moment to look up to her suite at the start of the game and gave her his signed jersey from the game as a present.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n As has become a tradition the last two seasons, Bronny James has been one of the highlights of the night. He scored eight points once the game was decided, including a breakaway dunk that garnered one of the loudest crowd pops of the evening.<\/p>\n \u201cMy mom is here watching her son and her grandson,\u201d LeBron said. \u201cI don\u2019t even know how to even wrap that all around in my brain, you know. It\u2019s so weird and so cool, and so surreal. My mom gets to watch her son and her grandson play in the NBA at the same time. \u2026 Shit.\u201d<\/p>\n Support us and Let \u2018Em Know with Homage!<\/a> Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can also shop all of Homage\u2019s Cavs gear HERE<\/a>. The link to the 2016 championship shirt HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n This warm and familial reception from his hometown stands in stark contrast to what James has been facing with the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a>.<\/p>\n James is no longer the star the organization revolves around. He wasn\u2019t offered a contract extension last off-season, and could enter free agency next season with his current team presumably not too concerned about whether or not he leaves<\/a>.<\/p>\n That has also carried over on the court. The night-to-night excellence isn\u2019t to the level it\u2019s been for the last two decades. Wednesday\u2019s 11-point performance, in which James had more turnovers than assists, was the exception to what has been an All-Star caliber season. Still, it\u2019s been rare to see James draw a blank on a game that meant something to him.<\/p>\n Aging is a difficult process. You\u2019re trapped with the memories of who you used to be, even though that person can never be summoned again.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3d6df44f8bc47185ad97a7fa0516f393.jpeg\"\/)
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