WASHINGTON -- Superstar LeBron James on Wednesday was given a hero's welcome in his first trip back to the Cleveland Cavaliers since leaving this summer and he said he appreciated the fans in the city.

"I just felt different from the time we landed. I appreciate these fans, just as much as they appreciate me," said James, who joined the Los Angeles Lakers this season.

"Every single night we stepped on the floor, they always showed their appreciation to not only myself, but to my teammates over these years, those championship runs that we were making, so that was just my salute to them for appreciating what I was able to accomplish with my teammates and coaches along those four years," he added.

The Lakers defeated the Cavs 109-105 as James finished with 32 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists.

"We recognize the fact that certainly this is a big night for the city of Cleveland," Cavaliers coach Larry Drew said before the game. "Because a hero has come back."