LeBron James: 10 Ways He Can Become More Hated in Return to Cleveland

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LeBron James makes his return to Cleveland on Thursday when the Heat travel to Quicken Loans Arena to take on the Cavs.

James has been a hated figure in Cleveland (and most of Ohio) from the instant he announced his intention to leave the Cavs and take his talents to South Beach. 

James has been turned from one of basketball's biggest heroes to one of it's villains almost overnight thanks to Cleveland. For many, it's hard to imagine James being any more hated than he already is. 

But, that's simply not the case. Here are 10 ways King James could dig himself even deeper into a hole on his return to the shores of Lake Erie.

10. Cheat On Elin Nordegren

Just ask Tiger Woods how upset people get when you do it. 

9. Hold a Press Conference Televised From a Boys and Girls Club

You know, just to rub it in a bit. 

8. Set the River On Fire

The Cuyahoga River has caught on fire numerous times over the years because it's so polluted. That's right, the river caught on fire.

Clevelanders don't like to talk about this, so the last thing they'd want is for James to set it ablaze again and give people from Cincinnati more to give them crap about. 

7. Admit He's a Michigan Fan

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When a rivalry's as heated as Ohio State-Michigan, you'd best know which side of the border you're on. If James admitted he rooted for the Wolverines, the few fans he has left in Cleveland would turn on him in a flash. 

After all, northern Ohio is Buckeye country. 

6. Admit He's a Bengals Fan

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This would be a borderline unforgivable betrayal of the Cleveland sports universe and would guarantee James entry into full-blown super-villain status in the city until the day he died. 

However, given the Bengals' level of play this season, it might be best to hold off on this one. 

5. Do His Chalk Routine

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You know the one I'm talking about. Cleveland fans would lose their minds if James, in his infinite wisdom, decides it's a good idea to do his pregame ritual at the Q now that he's in South Beach. 

4. Light Up the Cavs

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He doesn't have to win to irk Cleveland further. If he drops 50 on them (not out of the question, considering who the Cavs will be marking him with), James will be even more loathed in northern Ohio than he already is. 

After all, even if you beat your former superstar, if he lights you up, it's almost as bad. 

3. Insult Drew Carey

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Carey is one of Cleveland's most beloved icons. His show was hilarious, he's been excellent on "The Price is Right" (he's no Bob Barker, but who is?) and to insult him is a great way to start a fight in Cleveland. 

If James wants to be more hated in Cleveland, this is a great way to do it. 

2. Explain Why Bernie Kosar Stinks

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You laugh, but Kosar's a saint on the shores of Lake Erie. He's a borderline deity. To insult him or speak ill of him is a good way to become public enemy No. 1. And that's if they like you in Cleveland to begin with. 

So, imagine if James explained how Kosar was never all that great, how he couldn't throw the football right, and how he might be the most overrated player in NFL history. Look out, because there would be a riot.

1. Beat the Cavs

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Want to really get under Cleveland's skin? Then beat the Cavs on Thursday. After all, there's nothing worse than losing to your former superstar. 

If James and the Heat beat the Cavs, rest assured that the chances of Cleveland ever forgiving James go out the window. It's the best way to ensure that this trip to the Lake makes him the biggest villain in Cleveland sports history.