LeBron says ready for Cleveland visit

James will visit the city Thursday for the first time since leaving the Cavaliers as a free agent and joining the Heat, a move that was lucrative for him but widely criticized by Cavs fans and by owner Dan Gilbert.

"It's going to be very emotional for myself," James told reporters at a press conference in Miami Tuesday. "I've got a lot of great memories in that city. I give a lot of thanks to that city, a lot of thanks to those fans for giving me the opportunity to not only showcase my talents but grow from a boy to a young man."

James said he expects the visit to be "tough" -- the NBA has hired extra security for an event that's expected to be rowdy.

"I'm there to win a basketball game," he said. "I understand how passionate the fans are about sports. I'm ready for whatever response that I'm going to get."

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