LeBron James Humbled By Love From Cleveland Cavaliers Fans

Three years ago, it was impossible to imagine hoops fans in Cleveland showering LeBron James with anything but vitriol. Last night, Cavs fans launched their sad “Come Home LeBron’ campaign, and James said he was flattered by the gesture (though, unlike the tampering Anderson Varejao, LBJ refused once again to discuss his impending free agency.) Per the Sun-Sentinel: “Three years after ‘The Decision,’ the tune has changed. Fans here once burned their James jerseys. Now, the fire is used to fuel an attempt to sway him back to his former team if he opts to become a free agent next summer. James gave the fans more reason to want him back after scoring 28 points in the Heat’s 95-84 victory, their eighth straight. […] After a bad breakup, all the Cavs fans want is another chance. James was flattered by the gesture but preferred to keep focus on the Heat. He spoke for an uncharacteristic 10 minutes before the game, answering mostly questions from the Cleveland media. ‘It’s not for me to really comment on or really get too caught up in it,’ James said. ‘Like I said, it’s humbling. It’s flattering to know that you have fans everywhere. I’m grateful for that.’ The mood inside the arena was different from previous trips. When James appeared on the big screen during pregame, he was greeted with a mix of boos and cheers. How things had changed since he made his first return to Cleveland in 2010. ‘I haven’t done the whole Family Feud thing, where you ask 100 people a survey on the street, `Do you still like LeBron or not,’ James said. ‘I haven’t done that. I don’t know. For me, as a basketball player and as a man, I’ve grown over the years. I can just do one thing and that’s continue to represent my family and do the things that I love to do every day and that’s play the game of basketball at a high level.’ As he has all season, James refused to answer questions about his future. He said he will keep the attention on trying to lead the Heat to a third straight championship. The change of heart from the Cleveland faithful came as no surprise to guard Dwyane Wade, saying ‘Why wouldn’t you want the game’s most dominant player in your uniform?’ … ‘We’re just enjoying what we have,’ Wade said. ‘When it’s time for him to sit down and make a decision for his future, he will make that decision. I’m one of his good friends. I’m going to support him whatever decision he makes.'”