LeBron James receives mixed reaction during first Philadelphia 76ers appearance in Cleveland

LeBron James returned to Rocket Arena on Friday night as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, marking his 14th regular-season game in Cleveland as an opponent and his first with the team he chose in free agency. The arena’s rotating billboard displayed a 2016 photo of James holding the Larry O’Brien Trophy, a tribute the Cavs reserve for former players who now face the franchise.

James was introduced to a cheering crowd, but the atmosphere shifted as the game progressed, with occasional boos heard when he touched the ball. He finished with eight points on 3-of-12 shooting, seven rebounds and three assists, becoming one of the few times in his career he was held to single-digit scoring.

"At the end of the day, nothing can get as worse as Dec. 2, 2010, from a reception standpoint," James said after the Cavaliers’ 119-95 win. "I’ve seen damn near the depths of hell when it comes to reception here all the way to, like, the heavens above. So, anything in between is easy money."

"I didn’t even hear it, to be honest," 76ers forward Dean Wade said when asked about the boos. "It was loud when he got announced, but the energy is through the roof all the time, so it was fun."

The game ended with Cleveland in control, and James left the court early in the fourth quarter, receiving a brief ovation. In the locker room he reflected on his career in Cleveland, noting that being drafted and winning a championship remain the highlights of his tenure with the franchise.

James' return comes after a summer of speculation, including a secret meeting with Cavs officials that did not result in a contract. He is scheduled to play in Cleveland again on March 1.