Lebron expects emotional return to Cleveland

MIAMI - There's not much LeBron James can absolutely say about what awaits when he returns to Cleveland as an opponent tomorrow night.

Fun, weird, tough, draining. James cites them all as expectations.

He's likely right on each count, and who knows how many more ways the emotional gamut will swing Thursday when the Miami Heat visit Cleveland, the city James scorned on July 8 when he announced in a nationally televised special that he was "taking my talents to South Beach." It'll be James' first time back as a visitor, and Cavaliers fans have been waiting months to not welcome him home.

"It's going to be tough, but I'm there to win a basketball game," James said after yesterday's Heat practice and preparing for tonight's game against Detroit - almost forgotten given the magnitude of what looms Thursday. "I understand. I understand how passionate fans are about sports. I'm ready for whatever response that I'm going to get. It's going to be very emotional."

True, for all parties involved.

"I think it's going to be very emotional for myself," James said. "I've got a lot of great memories in that city. So many times, from ups and downs, and a lot of things that I've done in my life, I give a lot of thanks to that city, lot of thanks to those fans for giving me the opportunity to not only showcase my talent but grow from a young boy to a man."