Sports always have a way of playing a big part in Cleveland each year.
And 2018 was no exception.
Whether it was the Indians' third straight American League Central Division title, the resurgence of the Browns, the never-ending drama that's been the Cavaliers or even big news for the Buckeyes, 2018 turned out to be one of the most memorable years in Cleveland sports history.
With that in mind, let's take a look at the five most-read sports stories on WKYC.com in the last 12 months.
5. WATCH | LeBron James banner removal completed in Cleveland
Although LeBron James' second departure from Cleveland carried a different sentiment than the first, it also brought back a familiar scene. Just days after the 4-time MVP announced his decision to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, his building-sized banner on the Sherwin Williams building was removed.
WKYC.com live streamed the event, with fans stopping by for one last picture with the oversized portrait. In October, the Cavs' replaced the signage with a banner of a mural featuring the Guardian of Transportation, comprised of pictures from Cleveland fans.
Read the story here.
4. Baker Mayfield calls for more Cleveland Browns fan support after Sunday's lower attendance
On Dec. 9, 59,392 fans at FirstEnergy Stadium witnessed the Cleveland Browns' 26-20 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield noticed that was short of the stadium's capacity.
“We would love to have more fan support," Mayfield said. “Today was cold, I get it, but having more people, especially at our last home game coming up, we would love to have more people in the stands cheering for us because we feed off of the energy.
“You can tell. It is very obvious. I do not have to say it how our defense feeds off of the energy in the stadium and being able to start fast and get that going and put teams in a bind and put pressure on them.”
As one would imagine, Mayfield's comment drew quite the reaction on social media. And on Dec. 23, when the Browns are scheduled to face the Cincinnati Bengals in their home finale for the regular season, we'll find out if they had any effect.
Read the story here.
3. Why Kawhi Leonard's trade request could be bad news for the Cleveland Cavaliers
Shortly after the end of the NBA Finals, All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard informed the San Antonio Spurs that he would like to be traded.
And although the Cavs were never considered a serious suitor for the former Finals MVP, Leonard's trade request did threaten to decrease their chances of retaining LeBron James.
With Leonard seemingly available, teams looking to lure James could pitch the idea of pairing him with the former Defensive Player of the Year. In particular, the Lakers were thought to be a serious contender to add both James and Leonard -- and potentially also Paul George.
James, of course, wound up taking his talents to Los Angeles, but Leonard didn't follow -- at least not year. In July, the Spurs agreed to send Leonard to the Toronto Raptors, where he is currently enjoying an MVP-caliber season.
Read the story here.
2. Report: Urban Meyer won't coach at Ohio State past 2019, expected to be replaced by Ryan Day
One day before Ohio State faced Northwestern in the Big Ten Championship Game, FootballScoop.com reported that Urban Meyer wouldn't be the Buckeyes head coach past 2019 and that he would be replaced by offensive coordinator Ryan Day.
Although it was initially denied by Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith, it didn't take long for the report to be confirmed. Four days later -- and three days after the Buckeyes' win in the Big Ten title game -- Meyer announced his retirement from OSU.
As was reported, the 3-time national champion head coach will be replaced by Day, who served as the Buckeyes' interim head coach for the first three games of the 2018 season while Meyer served a suspension. Meyer will coach Ohio State for the final time on New Year's Day when the Buckeyes face Washington in the Rose Bowl.
Read the story here.
1. REPORT: Lonzo Ball out if Cleveland Cavaliers SF LeBron James joins Los Angeles Lakers
As rumors of James joining the Lakers picked up steam, one of the most popular theories became that he wouldn't do so as a free agent, but would instead force the Cavs to send him West in a sign-and-trade.
And according to Chris Haynes, who at the time worked at ESPN, one player whose name was consistently being brought up in such talks was Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball.
Only such deal never came to fruition, with James signing as a free agent in Los Angeles, where he is currently teaming up alongside Ball. Months later, however, one Ball did make his way to Northeast Ohio, with Lonzo's younger brother, LaMelo, enrolling at the SPIRE Institute in Geneva, where he is currently spending his senior season.
"Since LeBron left, I brought you a Ball boy," LaVar Ball, Lonzo and LaMelo's father announced upon LaMelo's arrival.
Read the story here.
