LeBron James returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers in free agency could have delivered one of the most emotional homecomings in NBA history. Instead, the four-time NBA champion chose the Philadelphia 76ers, leaving Cleveland to deal with the disappointment of missing out on its former franchise star.
The decision reportedly hit Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson hard. The 2025 NBA Coach of the Year has admitted that he felt “depressed” after James chose Philadelphia. The admission quickly caught the attention of NBA fans, who had plenty to say.
NBA Fans Mock Kenny Atkinson’s Reaction to LeBron James’ Free-Agency Decision
James reportedly had five finalists during free agency, including the Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and 76ers.
Cleveland appeared to have a compelling case, especially because it was the only team James visited in person during the process. Still, the opportunity to bring the 41-year-old home did not materialize.
On Thursday, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin shared Atkinson’s reaction to missing out on James, revealing that the coach initially struggled with the decision before Cleveland’s acquisition of Peyton Watson in August helped change his outlook.
“We were anticipating and excited [to land James], and then you have that [news],” Atkinson said. “Having gone through free agency a lot, when you’re expecting something to happen and it doesn’t happen, that first day or two, you’re just like, you’re depressed, quite honestly. That’s the emotions of it.”
The admission triggered a wave of reactions, with some fans taking issue with the Cavaliers coach’s mindset.
“Man, forget him!!!!!” one NBA fan exclaimed.
“Kenny might retire tonight,” another fan joked.
“He’s not going to make it to Christmas,” one 76ers supporter jested.
“Good Lord, fire him already,” another demanded.
One fan connected James’ decision to what they viewed as a lingering problem with Cleveland’s team culture, writing, “This why he ain’t comeback. Team still soft.”
Another fan turned Atkinson’s reported disappointment into a jab at the coach himself, posting, “Bringing this [expletive] back made me depressed.”
The possibility of James returning had even reignited the interest of some former Cavaliers supporters.
“I was so ready to be a Cavs fan again lol,” one NBA observer admitted.
James, meanwhile, made it clear that his decision did not mean he had forgotten his roots. On the day he chose Philadelphia, he posted a message on X that offered a nod to the city where he began his NBA career: “Northeast Ohio will always [be] home!”
The Cavaliers later faced Philadelphia in their season opener the same night Atkinson shared his thoughts on missing out on the league’s all-time leading scorer. The game gave Cleveland an immediate chance to make a statement against the team James had selected. Instead, it became another painful talking point for the franchise.
Cleveland built a 29-point lead before eventually falling 114-106. James managed only 5 points by halftime as Philadelphia trailed 69-45.
Even with their new star relatively quiet early, the 76ers rallied behind Tyrese Maxey, who finished with 32 points, along with contributions from Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown, who combined for 45 points. James eventually ended the game with a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double.
Atkinson, who took over as Cavaliers coach in 2024, now faces the task of keeping his team focused on the season rather than a star who chose another destination. The Cavaliers will return to action on Saturday against the Brooklyn Nets.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.