LeBron James vs. Cleveland: Top performances against Cavaliers - ESPN

LeBron James returns to familiar territory on Wednesday as the Los Angeles Lakers face the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road.

A native of Akron, Ohio, James attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in the city, becoming one of the nation's most highly touted prospects. The Cavaliers selected James with the No. 1 pick in the 2003 NBA draft.

James, who spent 11 seasons with the Cavaliers across two separate stints with the team, often shifts into an extra gear when he returns home. Holding a 9-2 record, he's averaging 31.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game on 54% shooting when playing in Cleveland as an opponent.

Last season, James described returning to play at home as «just special.»

«Stepping back on this floor is always a pretty cool feeling, looking up there and pretty much being a part of all of the banners in this arena,» James said. «And the No. 1 banner, the one that sits in the middle, was that '16 championship, so that's pretty cool.»

Here's a look back at James' notable games against the Cavaliers in Cleveland.

Date: March 21, 2022

Stats: 38 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds, 58.6% shooting

Results: 131-120 Lakers win

In the middle of a down season in Los Angeles, James dominated during his trip back home.

He scored 17 points in the second quarter en route to a 38-point triple-double, becoming the sixth player in NBA history with at least three triple-doubles against his former team, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

It also marked his third triple-double against the Cavaliers, all of which have come on the road. The only other players in NBA history with three triple-doubles against their former team in their building are Domantas Sabonis and Fat Lever. His 38 points are second most in a