Courtside

Yesterday proved to be a successful homecoming for LeBron James. Returning to the Q for the first time since losing in Game Four of the 2018 Finals last June, he responded to the warm reception with a solid 32, 14, and seven line in 36 minutes of play. Most importantly, he led the Lakers to victory, an outcome that remained in doubt until the final buzzer. Had they lost to the Cavaliers, who sported the worst record in the National Basketball Association heading into the match, he would have rightly deemed his visit far from a success.
To be sure, James’ performance was not tied to the multiple ovations he was treated to throughout the contest. True, fans saw fit to reward him with cheers from the moment he set foot on the court to his formal introduction as a starter to the video tribute aired during the first time out to the multiple highlights he provided. Then again, he was greeted with bitterness and vitriol when he donned colors other than the Cavaliers’ in 2010, and he still managed to come up with transcendent numbers.
Nonetheless, there can be no downplaying the significance of the geniality, even fondness, with which James was feasted yesterday. Clearly, he generated more than enough goodwill in marching the Cavaliers to the championship against all odds in 2016 to overcome the acrimony that accompanied his first departure and, yes, the disappointment that came with his second. And, if nothing else, he was thankful for the development. As the video tribute noted, “we all know it’s bigger than basketball.”
If James could change one thing yesterday, it may have been the spotty play of the Lakers, who shot well but turned the ball over too many times for comfort. And they were also often unfocused, allowing the bottom-barrel Cavaliers to post a double-digit advantage and nearly ruin the night for him. Then again, perhaps not. He knew what he was getting into when he decided to don the purple and gold last July, and he understands that there will be plenty other moments of doubt.
Bottom line, the Lakers are three games above .500 for the first time in five years. And while there are myriad factors coming into play, James’ presence is the most crucial one — just as his absence is for the Cavaliers. Needless to say, he and the wine and gold have parted in more ways than one.
 
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994.