Cavaliers Dominate Lakers As LeBron Returns To Cleveland

The Cleveland Cavaliers delivered a statement win on January 28, 2026, routing the Los Angeles Lakers 129-99 at Rocket Arena in a matchup that was as much about nostalgia as it was about future promise. The game, broadcast nationally on ESPN and streamed via Sling TV, wasn’t just a regular-season clash between two fifth-seeded teams—it was a homecoming for LeBron James, possibly his last as an NBA player in Cleveland, and a showcase for the Cavaliers’ surging young core.

Before tipoff, anticipation buzzed through Rocket Arena. Fans and media alike speculated: Would this be the final time LeBron James, the kid from Akron, played an NBA game in Cleveland? The Cavaliers honored their former superstar with a stirring tribute video in the first quarter, prompting visible emotion from James as the crowd erupted in cheers. The moment underscored his unique legacy with the franchise—a legacy that includes a championship in 2016 and a laundry list of franchise records: games played, points, rebounds, assists, steals, field goals, three-pointers, free throws, and triple-doubles.

But sentimentality quickly gave way to the Cavaliers’ on-court dominance. Despite missing key starters Evan Mobley (left calf strain), Darius Garland (sprained right big toe), and Max Strus (offseason left foot surgery), Cleveland extended their winning streak to five games. The team’s ability to thrive while shorthanded has become a hallmark of their season, and this contest was no exception.

Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs’ All-NBA guard, led the charge with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Without Garland, Mitchell has shouldered a heavier offensive load, often drawing the brunt of opposing defenses. Yet on this night, he expertly balanced aggression with facilitating. "To be a part of possibly his last game here, you know, it's going to be a spectacle. It's going to be everything that it deserves to be," Mitchell said, reflecting on the gravity of LeBron’s return.

Mitchell’s supporting cast delivered in a big way. Jaylon Tyson, in just his second NBA season, showed no fear facing off against his childhood idol. Tyson tallied 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, and his defense on James—including forcing multiple offensive fouls—set the tone for Cleveland’s energetic effort. De'Andre Hunter shook off a cold start to finish with 19 points, nailing three consecutive three-pointers in the third quarter and helping the Cavs pull away for good.

Jarrett Allen was a force in the paint, posting 17 points and 9 rebounds. His early pick-and-roll attacks opened up the floor, while Dean Wade continued his steady play with 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. Nae'Qwan Tomlin, known for his hustle, electrified the crowd with a fastbreak dunk after stripping Luka Doncic at halfcourt and later capped his night with a windmill dunk that ignited a "Cavalanche." Tomlin ended with 8 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and a block—his energy emblematic of the Cavaliers’ youthful exuberance.

The Lakers, meanwhile, struggled to keep pace. Luka Doncic, who has been putting up MVP-caliber numbers all season, led Los Angeles with 29 points despite suffering a left ankle scare in the first quarter. Doncic’s early injury forced him to the locker room, but he returned to play significant minutes. LeBron James finished with 11 points, 4 assists, and some emotional moments, but the Lakers’ offense sputtered, especially as the Cavs’ defense clamped down in the second half.

Bronny James, LeBron’s son, provided a late spark for the Lakers and a feel-good moment for the Cleveland crowd. Entering the game with 8:23 left in the fourth quarter, Bronny scored 8 points, including a fast-break dunk and a pair of three-pointers, drawing thunderous ovations. The crowd’s chants of "we want Bronny" echoed through the arena, highlighting the generational connection between the James family and Northeast Ohio basketball fans.

Sam Merrill, returning from a hand injury, contributed 4 points, 1 rebound, and 4 assists for the Cavaliers. Craig Porter Jr. chipped in 7 points, 3 assists, 1 rebound, and 2 steals, keeping the offense humming during his minutes as the backup point guard. Every Cavs starter scored in double figures, a testament to the team’s balanced approach and unselfish play.

The game’s pivotal stretch came in the third quarter. The Cavaliers, leading by just two at halftime (57-55), exploded offensively. Dunks from De'Andre Hunter, Nae'Qwan Tomlin, and Thomas Bryant, along with timely three-pointers from Mitchell, Wade, and Hunter, pushed the lead to double digits. By the end of the third, Cleveland led 99-77, and the outcome was all but decided.

For the Lakers, injuries played a role. Austin Reaves (left calf strain) and Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain) were ruled out, while Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, and Deandre Ayton rounded out the starting lineup alongside Doncic and James. The lack of depth was evident as the Cavs’ bench outperformed their counterparts.

The Cavaliers also made roster moves before the game, signing forward Tristan Enaruna to a two-way contract and waiving Akron native Chris Livingston. These moves signal Cleveland’s ongoing commitment to developing young talent, even as they contend in a crowded Eastern Conference playoff race.

Historically, the Lakers have held the edge in the all-time series (70-55), but Cleveland has now swept the regular-season series for the second consecutive year, having won both meetings in the 2024-25 campaign. The Cavs’ home record against the Lakers improved to 34-28, and their recent dominance suggests a shift in the balance of power—at least for now.

With both teams sitting at the fifth seed in their conferences and 28 wins apiece entering the night, the win was a crucial statement for Cleveland. The Cavaliers showed that even without key starters, their depth and youthful energy can overwhelm a veteran-laden opponent. As for LeBron James, speculation about his future—retirement, a return to Cleveland, or another run with the Lakers—will only intensify as the season winds down.

For now, though, the Cavaliers and their fans can savor a memorable night: a resounding win over a storied rival, a heartfelt tribute to their greatest player, and a glimpse of a bright future led by a fearless young core. The NBA world will be watching closely to see what comes next for both franchises.