All eyes will be on LeBron James when he makes his second debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the opening round of the NBA championship on Friday when they take on the New York Knicks.

James is back at Cleveland having spent four seasons with Miami Heat, winning two championships in that spell in Florida.

The 29-year-old believes he’s returning to Cleveland a different player from the emerging star that represented the team from 2003-2010.

"I am coming back to Cleveland not just a different player, but a rejuvenated person. I have two championships now, and I know what you need to build to get to that place,” he said.

In his second stint with Cleveland, James said he wants to inspire the current set of players to succeed.

"I do have a role to mentor now – that is something I will be taking seriously.” 

Without James, the Cavaliers have failed to make the play-offs the last four seasons.

"We have a talented team but a young team at Cleveland – it’s a duty of mine to mentor these guys. I can’t promise a Championship, but I can promise I will do all I can to try and get one." 

While James will steal all the headlines, the game also features one of the hottest commodities in the NBA, the Knicks' Carmelo Anthony.

For Jay Asser's full interview with LeBron James – plus our team-by-team guide to the new NBA season – pick up your copy of Sport360 on Tuesday.