LeBron James Gets Warm Welcome in Cleveland

LeBron James received a warm, largely unbooed welcome in Cleveland on his first return as a Philadelphia 76er after choosing Philadelphia over the Cavaliers in free agency. The Sixers entered on a five-game winning streak with the NBA’s best record, while Cleveland had lost three of its previous four; Philadelphia had also come back from a 29-point deficit to win the teams’ first meeting this season. James’s agent, Rich Paul, said Philadelphia lets him compete alongside other high-level players without the same scoring burden, and attributed the Lakers’ improved defense to roster additions rather than James’s departure. Separately, the Lakers assigned Bronny James and rookie Cameron Carr to their G League affiliate to get more playing time and development after limited NBA opportunities; former Laker Derek Fisher supported the move.