LeBron James’ 2nd return to Cleveland was thoroughly boring. Here’s why.

LeBron James made his second, first return to Cleveland after leaving the Cavs for the Los Angeles Lakers in July, and it was entirely uneventful. James was brilliant, scoring 32 points in a close, 109-105 win, but a once drama-filled event was forgettable. “The Return,” felt like any other day; That’s how much the times have changed.

James was cheered for as he took the floor for pregame shoot-around, dapping up old teammates and smiling. Then his name was applauded as he was called in the Lakers starting lineup. And after the first timeout, Cleveland played a montage which celebrated James’ second tenure with the Cavs for both his on- and off-the-court wins in the NBA Finals and in the community.

The night was pleasant, it was normal, it’ll struggle to make headlines or an imprint in your brain, and that goes entirely against what we expect from the NBA.

So why were things so calm?

LeBron’s first return was so hostile for not only the manner he left the team, but the state he left it in. The Cavs had never won a championship, and James was supposed to be their hometown savior, until he bailed.

Ever since the Warriors blown 3-1 lead in 2016, the level of respect from Cavs fans for LeBron has reached an untouchable level, because the prophecy has been filled. James promised a championship and delivered.

While “The Decision” shocked the world in 2010, James’ brief PR statement about his decision to sign with L.A., and immediate escape on vacation wasn’t so surprising. James had dragged another lifeless Cavs roster to the Finals where it again fell short to the horde of superstars who teamed up to stop him. The fans in Cleveland understood that James was unlikely to sign up and do it all over again.

They had time to process his departure.

Had James opted to head for Golden State or Boston, maybe the feelings would’ve been different, but the Lakers are far from a threat. They’re an ok team without a second or third star, playing major minutes to guys who aren’t yet ready to consistently compete.

James has a project in L.A., and that’s easier for fans to swallow than when he ring-chased in South Beach with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

James’ first exit from Cleveland came under extreme scrutiny, and ever since, other stars have followed in his footsteps, dissipating such a tense reaction. Jimmy Butler forced his way out of Minnesota, Paul George from Indiana, Kawhi Leonard from San Antonio, Kevin Durant from Oklahoma City and so on. It was almost a shock when Paul George stayed put this summer.

Though of course each faced his own hardships moving on, each move has seemed to diminish in public backlash as fans are becoming more understanding of why players flee, and why it’s ok. Even if LeBron had chosen a star-studded rival, he was never likely to have return like his first one.

The movement of drama-filled Returns is fading fast, because cutting ties with superstars is becoming more normal. Well, maybe expect for fans in Utah.