LeBron returning to Cleveland for what could be final time in his career

CLEVELAND — It remains a mystery whether LeBron James will decide to play past this season. Remember, Father Time is undefeated. If this is truly his last go-round, tonight could be his final appearance at Rocket Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers (28-17) will face off against the red-hot Cavaliers (28-20), who have won four in a row, six of their last seven and 11 of their last 15. James, the oldest player in the NBA at 41, is still putting up decent numbers. In 28 games, he is averaging 22.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.7 assists and shooting .507 from the field, .328 from the 3-point line and .745 from the foul line. His scoring and rebounding are at his lowest levels since his rookie year in 2003-04 in Cleveland. "They are saying it could be his last year here," Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said. "He could also have like four years left. As great as he is and as great as he's playing, who has done this? Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar)?" Tonight's game is televised nationally by ESPN and is going to be an attraction. "The fans celebrate him," Atkinson said. "Every game we get to compete against him, it's a celebration. I've always felt like, as great as he was, he always played with class. He's respectful of the other team and his opponent. He's a class act. "I can't wait. This is going to be fun." James is a 21-time All-Star and All-NBA performer. He's won four Most Valuable Player awards and has been a four-time NBA champion — two in Miami, one with the Lakers, as well as Cleveland's lone title in 2016. "I've always said, we're trying to replicate what he did here by winning a championship," Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell said. "(We'd like to) bring a championship back to the city. "To be a part of what could be his last game here, you know it's going to be a spectacle and everything it deserves to be. To be a part of that, it's always great to match up against him in that light. He did a lot for the city. To be from here, that's equally impressive. You appreciate his greatness. Enjoy the moment and allow yourself to be a child. The only way to honor him is to compete at your hardest and go out there and find a way to win." The Cavs will be wearing their classic jerseys from the LeBron era. Some of the younger Cleveland players might not comprehend James' 22-year career. Two-way player Chris Livingston, also a native of Akron, was born 14 days before James' NBA debut in Sacramento on Oct. 29, 2003. James was putting the finishing touches on his celebrated Rookie of the Year season in 2003-04 before Cavs rookie guard Tyrese Proctor was even born (April 1, 2004). "Ever since I've been alive, he's been in the league," Cleveland forward/center Evan Mobley said. "Him coming back here and being in The Land is definitely big, but we have to focus on what we have to focus on. We have to take care of business and get another win. We have to be locked in." The 6-foot-9, 250-pound James is far from the Lakers' only offensive threat. Guard Luka Doncic leads the league in scoring at 33.8 points per game and also averages 7.8 rebounds and 8.8 assists. The 6-8, 230-pounder is one of the NBA's most complete players. Contact Bob Finnan at rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.