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Los Angeles Lakers: Predicting LeBron James’ stat line in Cleveland return

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 14: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers scores over Evan Turner #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers during a 126-117 Laker win at Staples Center on November 14, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 14: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers scores over Evan Turner #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers during a 126-117 Laker win at Staples Center on November 14, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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The Cleveland Cavaliers host LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday in LeBron’s first game back in Cleveland since leaving for LA.

The Los Angeles Lakers will head into the Quicken Loans Arena to square off with the Cleveland Cavaliers on primetime on Saturday night. Of course, the biggest storyline around this game is LeBron James‘ return to Cleveland after joining the Los Angeles Lakers.

This homecoming is much different for James than it was when he left to the Miami Heat. When that happened, James became the most hated athlete in Cleveland due to his entire take on the process and leaving the Cavaliers to create a super team.

This time around, though, the Cleveland crowd is going to be much more welcoming than it was in 2010. At least, that is what seems like will be the case and James himself is even hoping for a different welcoming.

The Cavalier fans really have no reason to boo James in his return. Everyone in the NBA world knew that James would be leaving the Cavaliers after last season due to the terrible state the team was in around him.

He put the entire franchise on his back and carried a pretty bad team otherwise to the NBA Finals. Not only that, he brought the promised NBA Championship to Cleveland, something that Cavaliers’ fans should always remember.

Either way, this game obviously has a different feel to it and is going to be one of the most important regular season games of LeBron’s season. We are going to see a hyped up James that will come out looking to give his hometown crowd a show.

The best part is that he is coming up against a Cleveland team that is woefully bad. This has all the making of a great night for James.

And it will be a great night.

James’ projected stat line: 38 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists.

There is not a doubt in my mind that LeBron James will get a triple-double in his return to Cleveland. Not only will James pull off the triple-double, but he will also do so in convincing fashion with a near-40 point night, over a dozen rebounds and nearly a dozen assists.

James has been cooking as of late and that hot streak will undoubtedly carry over into his hometown. LeBron has scored more than 40 points twice in his last three games and is averaging 39 points per game in that frame.

His shot is starting to fall like it is still the NBA Playoffs and he is growing more and more visibly comfortable with this young Lakers’ core. Everything is pointing in the direction of success for James, who is going to have just his second triple-double of the young season.

dark. Next. It is not worth trading for Beal or Wall

The Los Angeles Lakers are going to come away with a convincing win in Cleveland, something along the lines of a 15-17 point margin.