The Cleveland Cavaliers are gearing up for their 2025-2026 NBA season schedule, with an anticipated highlight being a single home game against the Los Angeles Lakers featuring LeBron James. On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, James will return to Cleveland for the first time in a decade since leading the Cavaliers to their historic 2016 NBA Championship. This much-anticipated event marks LeBron James return Cleveland Cavaliers fans have eagerly awaited, though exact game time and broadcast details have yet to be announced.
Because of the NBA’s structured 82-game regular season, Cleveland, as an Eastern Conference team, will only host one game against a Western Conference opponent like the Lakers. This scheduling format ensures the Cavs only face James at home once during the season, heightening the significance of this encounter for both players and fans.
The Historical Significance of LeBron’s Return to Cleveland
LeBron James’ upcoming visit holds deep emotional and historical importance for the Cleveland community. The 2025-26 season marks the ten-year anniversary of the Cavaliers’ stunning 2016 NBA Championship victory, where James played a pivotal role alongside Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. Overcoming a 3-1 series deficit against the Golden State Warriors in the Finals, Cleveland achieved a historic comeback, becoming the first team to win the NBA title after trailing by such odds.
This victory also ended a long championship drought for the city that dated back to 1964 when the Cleveland Browns won the NFL Championship. The Cavaliers’ 2016 triumph restored Cleveland’s proud legacy, earning the city renewed identity as the “City of Champions.” As James returns, the game will no doubt serve as more than just a regular season match—it will be a celebration of that landmark moment in Cleveland sports history.
What Fans Can Expect from the LeBron James Homecoming Game
Given the national attention LeBron James commands, the Lakers’ sole trip to “The Land” will attract widespread broadcast coverage and intense fan interest. The Cavaliers are also expected to bring the same level of competitive spirit that carried them through last season’s strong performance. Fans will likely witness a night filled with tribute events and communal reflection on James’ impact on the franchise and the city at large.
LeBron’s presence is not only a nod to his legacy but also a potential moment for current Cavaliers players and supporters to engage with the history he helped create. This rare home appearance promises to mix nostalgia, excitement, and high-level basketball, amplifying its significance well beyond the game itself.
Marking a Milestone in Cleveland’s Basketball Story
LeBron’s visit highlights the enduring connection between a player and the city whose fortunes he helped transform. It’s a reminder of the pivotal moments that shaped the Cavaliers and their fan base, reigniting memories of one of the most thrilling championship runs in NBA history. The anticipation surrounding this game underscores the lasting impact of LeBron James’ tenure with Cleveland.
“The Los Angeles Lakers play on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Jan. 28, sources told ESPN. It is LeBron James’ lone trip back to The Land on the schedule and this one comes 10 years after capturing the 2016 NBA championship with the Cavs.” —Dave McMenamin, ESPN NBA Insider
As the Cavaliers and Lakers prepare for this important game, the city of Cleveland stands poised to welcome back a sports icon and to celebrate a defining chapter in its athletic heritage. The upcoming matchup will not only showcase top-tier NBA action but also offer a moment for reflection and honor on the shores of Lake Erie.