Video: Cavaliers' LeBron James cheered in Christmas return to Miami

LeBron James was cheered by the American Airlines Arena crowd in his first return to Miami after leaving the Heat to sign with the Cavaliers as a free agent last summer.

LeBron James was cheered by the American Airlines Arena crowd in his first return to Miami after leaving the Heat to sign with the Cavaliers as a free agent last summer.

The four-time MVP was the first member of the Cavaliers introduced prior the Christmas Day game against the Heat.

There was some question as to whether Heat fans would boo James for leaving the franchise after guiding the team to four straight Finals appearances and back-to-back titles.

• GOLLIVER: LeBron forced to grin and bear Cavaliers' Christmas loss

"I gave everything and more to this city while I was here," James told reporters before the game, according to CBSSports.com. "That's all I can do."

James and former teammate Dwyane Wadeembraced before the game tipped off. The Heat defeated the Cavaliers 101-91 in this long-awaited Christmas Day matchup. James scored 30 points and dished eight assists in the loss. Wade dropped a game-high 31 points while forward Luol Deng added 25 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.

• GOLLIVER: Wade threw down a putback dunk over Cavs' Kevin Love

Miami improved to 14-16. Cleveland fell to 17-11.