Cavaliers’ LeBron James to have welcome-home party in Cleveland after all

LeBron James will be having a homecoming party in Cleveland to celebrate his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

"there will be a welcome-home event for James on Aug. 8 at the University of Akron. The event is part of James’ annual Family Reunion and Wheels for Education event in Akron.Per Friday’s release, from Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, “LeBron has always remained dedicated to Akron and his Wheels for Education kids. Our entire community is happy to celebrate with him and welcome him back to his hometown, Akron, Ohio. We plan to do that in a big way by celebrating those aspects of our community that LeBron himself values most.”"

As Winderman notes, this type of celebration basically contradicts what James said he would do in his announcement to return to the Cavaliers.

"Two weeks ago, in his Sports Illustrated first-person piece about his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James said, “I’m not having a press conference or a party. After this, it’s time to get to work.”"

Still, it doesn’t sound like this celebration will be anything like the one James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh had in 2010 after they signed with the Miami Heat that drew significant criticism.

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LeBron made it clear that reconnecting with the Ohio people was a big reason why he’s headed back to the Cavs, so a community celebration is nothing that should make people upset.

James averaged 27.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game last season with the Heat.