LeBron James returns to Cleveland for Celtics-Cavaliers Game 4

CLEVELAND – LeBron James attended Cleveland’s playoff game against the Boston Celtics on Monday night, an appearance sure to spark discussion about the superstar’s future.

James, who can terminate his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers and become a free agent this summer, played two stints in Cleveland. He led the Cavs to their only NBA championship in 2016 before leaving two years later.

The league’s career scoring leader, James maintained a residence near his hometown of Akron. He has returned to Cleveland several times since leaving in 2018, but has not attended any Cavs games.

James arrived just as the game started and took his place on the field with his wife, Savannah, and agent Rich Paul.

He received a thunderous ovation when he appeared on the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse scoreboard during a timeout. James acknowledged the crowd, then King James imitated putting a crown on his head.

James had a short playoff run this year as the Lakers were eliminated in the first round by the defending champion Denver Nuggets. He made it clear after the series that he was leaving his options open and had not made any decisions regarding his next move.

James, 39, has spoken in the past about playing alongside his older son, Bronny, who played at USC last season and recently declared for this year’s draft.

On Monday, young James was cleared by league doctors to play in the preseason game in Chicago after suffering a cardiac arrest last summer.

James is a 20-time All-Star, four-time MVP and league champion. He was drafted No. 1 by Cleveland and spent seven seasons with the Cavs before signing as a free agent with Miami in 2010.

He returned to the Cavs in 2014 and led them to four straight NBA Finals, all against Golden State.