How LeBron James Turned Cleveland Into ‘Hollywood of The Midwest’

Rich Paul reflects on LeBron James' impact in Cleveland beyond basketball.

How LeBron James Turned Cleveland Into ‘Hollywood of The Midwest’

LeBron James (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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LeBron James will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball. And there is no debate that he is the greatest player to ever play for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Regarded for his longevity, James has earned numerous accolades and rewritten several NBA records.

In the 2003 NBA draft, LeBron James was drafted as the number one pick, and the rest is history. James spent 11 seasons with the Cavaliers over two stints. During his time with the Cavs, he brought relevancy to the franchise. He took them to five NBA Finals, helped them win their lone NBA Championship in 2016, and achieved numerous accolades.

Since his departure in 2018, the Cavs have struggled to find success in the postseason, underscoring his influence as a leader and a player. While James has shown no signs of slowing down after turning 41, he is nearing the end of his career. But some believe that the “King” will return to the Cavs and want to end his career where it all began.

The Cavs were never the most appealing team in the NBA, but James’ arrival changed that. They became contenders. Alongside Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, they became the most feared team in the Eastern Conference. Beyond basketball, he transformed the franchise financially.

James’ longtime friend and agent Rich Paul, who has faced criticism for starting his own podcast, spoke about the four-time champion’s impact on the Cavs on the Game Over podcast.

It’s one thing to change the basketball team, it’s a whole other thing to change the economy. Everyone came to Cleveland. Cleveland became the Hollywood of the mid west because of LeBron.

The Cavs’ value dropped from $476 million to $375 million when James decided to move to the Miami Heat in 2010. It just goes to show the influence of a superstar like James. While James is not the player he once was, he would still be an invaluable asset if he decides to join the Cavs next season.

Cleveland Cavaliers would be open to LeBron James reunion

The 2025-26 campaign represents James’ 23rd season in the NBA. A number no player has achieved in league history. While James is at the backend of his career, he has still put up impressive performances after a slow start to the season. He is currently averaging 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists.

With James having confirmed he will be ending the current season with the Lakers, his contract is coming to an end. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin spoke to SportsCenter about James’ return to Cleveland.

I was told by some league sources and some Cavs team sources that if LeBron chooses to extend his career this summer, the Cavs would welcome him back with open arms for a third stint in Cleveland. So that’s certainly one thing to look at.

It remains to be seen what James decides to do in the offseason. Cavs fans will be hoping to see their greatest player back for the final time before hanging up his boots.

LeBron James sheds tears in what ‘could be’ final game in Cleveland

James returned to Cleveland on January 28, donning the purple and gold. While the Cavs blew the Lakers away 129-99, he returned to the building filled with history and memories, as it was the king’s return to his old palace.

Following a highlight package dedicated to James’ masterclass in Game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals against the Detroit Pistons — a video that ended with the tagline “welcome home” — James became teary-eyed and wiped the tears from his eyes.

LeBron James in tears
LeBron James in tears (Image via LeBron Wire/X)

It may not have been the homecoming he was looking for, as it was James’ worst statistical game against Cleveland, scoring 11 points on 3 of 10 shooting while committing more turnovers (6) than assists (5). Nevertheless, it was an emotional night for “the chosen one”.

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