CLEVELAND — Editor's Note: The above video aired on January 19, 2021
LeBron James dazzled in his first game back in Cleveland in two years as his Los Angeles Lakers topped the Cavaliers, 115-108, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Monday evening.
Back in the arena where he made so many memories as a member of the Cavs, the 36-year-old James finished with 46 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. He scored 21 points in the final quarter to help the defending NBA champions hold off a feisty Cavs squad.
Andre Drummond led the Cavaliers with 25 points and pulled down 17 rebounds. Cedi Osman added 20 points, while Collin Sexton scored 17.
James got off to a hot start, scoring 17 points in the opening quarter to help Los Angeles jump out to a 34-23 lead. The Cavs closed the deficit to 65-58 at halftime, thanks to a buzzer-beating shot by Osman.
Osman continued his hot shooting in the third quarter, hitting three 3-point baskets to help Cleveland outscore the Lakers 31-23 in the period as the Cavs began the final quarter with an 89-87 edge.
Then, James erupted.
Prior to the game, LeBron James had a brief reunion with Cedi Osman, the only player on the Cavs' current roster who played with the four-time MVP in Cleveland. (Both Kevin Love and Matthew Dellavedova are out of action with injuries.)
The win for Los Angeles came on the eve of the one-year anniversary of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant's tragic death in a helicopter crash. The Cavs played a tribute video prior to the start of Monday's game.
The Associated Press contributed to this story
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