LeBron James receives incredible ovation in return to Cleveland

LeBron James returned to Cleveland on Wednesday for the first time since leaving the Cavaliers for the Los Angeles Lakers.

His reception was vastly different from when he visited in a Miami Heat uniform.

A villain upon his first departure, James rewrote his script with his return to Cleveland and 2016 championship with the Cavaliers, leading to a warm welcome from the the fans of his former team.

The Cavaliers presented a video tribute to James during the game’s first timeout, thanking him for the championship he brought the city and the work he did in the community through programs like the LeBron James Family Foundation and his I Promise school.

“Thank you for what you did on the court,” text from the tribute read.

“But we all know it’s bigger than basketball.”

James acknowledged the crowd, which gave him a standing ovation after the tribute.

Many in the stands had signs thanking James, a far cry from seeing his jersey burned during the 2010 off-season.

James also received a warm welcome during warmups when he took the court for the first time as a Laker.

James’ legacy has gone from hero to villain back to hero in Cleveland.

Nothing he does in Los Angeles is likely to erase the goodwill he built spending 11 seasons with the Cavaliers.

Jason Owens – Yahoo Sports