CLEVELAND (AP) — LeBron James came home with the trophy he promised, and the championship Cleveland has coveted for 52 years.
The NBA superstar, born and raised in nearby Akron, stepped off a plane Monday and hoisted the shiny Larry O’Brien Trophy as more than 10,000 fans celebrated the city’s first title since 1964.
The Cavs overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors in seven games, ending Cleveland’s title drought going back to 1964.
James, who was selected as the Finals’ MVP, paraded the championship trophy around the parking lot so Cleveland fans could get a closer look to something they’ve waited a lifetime to see.
In this Sunday, June 19, 2016 photo, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) blocks a shot by Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) during the second half of Game 7 of basketball’s NBA Finals in Oakland, Calif. James had three blocked shots, including this key one against Iguodala on a fast break in the final minutes. The Cavaliers won 93-89. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James answers questions as he holds his daughter Zhuri during a post-game press conference after Game 7 of basketball’s NBA Finals Sunday, June 19, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. Cleveland won 93-89. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, right, shoots against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green during the second half of Game 7 of basketball’s NBA Finals in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Cavaliers won 93-89. (John G. Mabanglo, European Pressphoto Agency via AP, Pool)
