Cleveland thanks LeBron, who carries Lakers past Cavs

"From the time we landed yesterday, it just felt a different way," he said. "I'm a different person. We're all different from eight years ago, both good and bad. But more importantly, this experience has been great. So it's all about growth and we all have grown from that moment eight years ago. So I kind of leave the past in the past and always focus on the present and see what happens in the future."

The Cavs, who came in a league-worst 2-13, gave James and the Lakers all they could handle. And even after giving up an eight-point lead, they had a chance to tie late, but Kyle Korver missed a wide-open 3-pointer with 17 seconds left and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope made four free throws in the final 15 to seal it for Los Angeles.

Jordan Clarkson had 20 points and Tristan Thompson 14 and 15 rebounds for Cleveland.

From the moment he stepped back onto Quicken Loans Arena floor, James was treated like a returning champion.

On the night before Thanksgiving, Cleveland said thanks to the Northeast Ohio son, the one who ended the city's 52-year championship drought.

"A hero has come back," Cavs coach Larry Drew said before tip-off.

James was the last Lakers player introduced before the game, presented with a line familiar to all Cavs fans: "A 6-foot-8 forward from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School," said arena announcer Sean Peebles. "Welcome home! LeBron James."