The 41-year-old was even more emotional than usual on Wednesday, when the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Cleveland Cavaliers. James teared up during a timeout with 7:46 remaining in the first quarter when the Cavaliers showed video highlights of him scoring 25 straight points during Game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference finals against the Detroit Pistons. The Cavaliers won that game 109-107 in double overtime to take the lead in the series as James finished with 48 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. They beat the Pistons in Cleveland the next game to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James left, shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Cleveland, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.