Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: LeBron James gets a King's welcome in Cleveland

By Sai Mohan | Last updated 5/14/24

Were Cavaliers fans trying to recruit hometown hero LeBron James on Monday?

The Lakers star, who could become a free agent this summer, pulled up to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse for Game 4 of the Celtics versus Cavaliers series.

During a timeout in the first quarter, the Cavaliers greeted James with an elaborate tribute video, typically only given to star players returning to a former team's arena for an away game. The video was followed by Cleveland's announcer giving James a hearty introduction like he never left the franchise for the Lakers six years ago.

Naturally, fans in the arena greeted James with a rousing ovation.

#Cavs fans go crazy for LeBron James, who is in the house for Game 4. pic.twitter.com/C38LbULn1Q
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) May 13, 2024

LeBron receives a standing ovation from Cavs fans

King returns to Cleveland pic.twitter.com/1651a3E6MF
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 13, 2024

There's been speculation of the 39-year-old James eventually returning to his hometown franchise to close out his storied career. James himself has addressed the possibility in previous interviews.

"The door's not closed on that. I don't know what my future holds," James told The Athletic in Feb. 2022 about a possible reunion with the Cavs.

Some have floated the idea of the Cavs using either their first- or second-round pick this year to draft Bronny James, thereby luring LeBron to return home.

While most insiders expect James to remain in Los Angeles, stranger things have happened in the NBA, and "The King" could make an informed decision after the completion of the ongoing playoffs.

During his season-ending news conference, James refused to answer if he had played his final game as a Laker.

James delivered the city of Cleveland its first-ever NBA title in 2016.

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