LeBron James gets emotional during Cavs tribute video

41-year-old Lakers star tears up watching highlights of his 25-point playoff performance in 2007.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:47pm

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LeBron James was visibly emotional during a timeout in Wednesday's game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers, when the Cavs played a tribute video highlighting James' 25 straight points in Game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals against the Detroit Pistons. James, who spent 11 seasons with the Cavaliers over two stints, wiped away tears as the crowd cheered the iconic performance from his younger days.

Why it matters

LeBron's return to Cleveland is always an emotional event, as he is revered as one of the greatest players in Cavaliers history. This particular tribute highlighted a seminal moment in his career, when he led the Cavs to their first-ever NBA Finals appearance at just 22 years old, foreshadowing the success he would go on to achieve.

The details

In the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals, the 22-year-old James scored 25 consecutive points to lead the Cavaliers to a double-overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons in Game 5. James finished that game with 48 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists, helping the Cavs clinch the series in the next game and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.

  • On Wednesday, the Cavaliers played a tribute video for LeBron James during a timeout in the first quarter of the game against the Lakers.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA superstar currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. James spent 11 seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers over two stints, leading them to the NBA championship in 2016.

Cleveland Cavaliers

An NBA franchise based in Cleveland, Ohio that LeBron James played for during the prime of his career, leading them to their first NBA Finals appearance in 2007 and their first championship in 2016.

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The takeaway

LeBron James' emotional reaction to the Cavaliers' tribute video highlights the deep connection he still feels to the city of Cleveland and the franchise that drafted him, even after over a decade away. His legendary performance in the 2007 playoffs foreshadowed the sustained excellence he would go on to achieve throughout his Hall of Fame career.