LeBron James found himself overcome with emotion during a tribute video played in his honour as the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a heavy 129-99 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday evening.
The 41-year-old basketball icon was visiting his home state and the franchise where he secured the 2016 NBA championship, potentially for the final time in his illustrious career.
Speculation surrounding the four-time NBA champion's retirement has intensified, with James himself acknowledging this "very well could be" his last season in professional basketball.
The NBA's all-time leading scorer stated he has "not made a decision on the future" regarding his playing career.
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James managed just 11 points during the defeat, marking his lowest-ever scoring output in a Cleveland fixture, having previously never dropped below 21 points.
The tribute shown during the interval following the opening quarter at Rocket Arena featured footage from James' remarkable 48-point performance in game five of the 2007 Eastern Conference finals, a display that clinched a dramatic double overtime victory.
LeBron James struggled as the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night
|GETTY
As the highlights played across the arena screens, the basketball legend initially watched before covering his face with his vest and reaching for a tissue to wipe away tears.
"I'm just trying to take everything in, not take the moments for granted," James explained afterwards.
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LeBron James gets emotional after his tribute video in Cleveland.pic.twitter.com/kU1MSP8WAN
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The veteran admitted the occasion had affected him more deeply than previous returns to Ohio, saying he was "more present" during this visit compared to earlier trips.
"It definitely got to me a little bit," he acknowledged.
His record in Cleveland as a visiting player stood at nine victories and three defeats prior to Wednesday's contest.
James claimed the NBA championship with Cleveland in 2016 during his second spell with the Ohio franchise, cementing his legendary status in the city.
LeBron James pictured playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers
|GETTY
The basketball great holds the record as the league's highest-ever scorer and has featured in 28 matches for the Lakers during the current campaign.
In June, the four-time champion committed to another year with Los Angeles by signing a one-year contract extension.
His season began later than planned after sciatica forced him to miss the opening fixtures, but his return in November saw him achieve another milestone by becoming the first player in NBA history to compete across 23 seasons.
Throughout his career as a visiting player in Cleveland, representing both the Lakers and Miami Heat, James had accumulated nine wins against three losses before Wednesday's heavy defeat.