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Cleveland fans will forgive anything

LeBron James made another “Decision.”

The (arguably) best basketball player in all the land is righting a wrong. He has seen the error of his ways and is mending fences with his first, true love — the Cleveland Cavaliers.

At least that’s what he and his agent are saying.

And Cleveland is eating it up.

The same fan base that took to the streets four years ago to set The King’s No. 23 jersey ablaze when James made his first “Decision,” that one to leave the North Shore for the South Beach, returned to those same streets to rejoice his return.

Hypocrites.

I completely understand, however.

When James left the Cleveland Cavaliers, they became the Cleveland Cadavers. While the Miami Heat won two titles, the Cavs compiled a 97-215 record.

With “The Decision” overruled by The King, basketball fans in Cleveland have something to cheer about.

Quite frankly, there hasn’t been much in Cleveland to cheer about lately.

Fans there are willing to forgive just about anything at this point, including going on national television four years ago, thumbing his nose at Cleveland and saying, “Forget you guys, I’m going to Miami, suckers.”

In James’ defense, I really do believe he realized that was a lousy thing to do. And I really do think he wants to bring a championship to Cleveland.

Now there is at least hope.

There was no hope for a winner in Cleveland after he left. No one wanted to go there.

Now with James back, everyone is lining up to play with him.

Kevin Love, perhaps one of the best, young forwards no one has heard much about, wants desperately to play alongside James.

Kyrie Irving is a budding young star. There are other pieces on the current roster and you know James is going to sway others to join him, if not this year, next year.

With James and Johnny “football” Manziel both in Cleveland, there will be plenty of excitement.

And lots to talk about.

Suddenly, Cleveland is kind of a cool place to be.

I dug out my James’ jersey from deep inside my closet, the tags still on it because I purchased it toward the end of his final season with the Cavs.

I had almost forgotten I still had the thing.

People had almost forgotten there was a pro basketball team in Cleveland.

Now they can’t help but know it (thank you, ESPN).

The Cavs are back. Championship or bust — at least until James takes his talents to Los Angeles if things don’t work out.

Mike Kilroy is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle

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