LeBron James will return to Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland as a member of the visiting team for the first time on Thursday night.

"It's going to be tough, but I'm there to win a basketball game," James said. "I understand. I understand how passionate fans are about sports. I'm ready for whatever response that I'm going to get. It's going to be very emotional."

Because of Wednesday's game against the Pistons, the Heat will spend very little time in Cleveland. In fact, they'll be in Ohio for less than 24 hours.

"I think it's going to be very emotional for myself," James said. "I've got a lot of great memories in that city. So many times, from ups and downs, and a lot of things that I've done in my life, I give a lot of thanks to that city, lot of thanks to those fans for giving me the opportunity to not only showcase my talent but grow from a young boy to a man."