LeBron James Reportedly Eyes Cavaliers as Only Alternative to Lakers
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NBA agents and front-office executives largely agree that, if LeBron James ever departs the Los Angeles Lakers, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the lone franchise he would seriously weigh, according to Bleacher Report’s Yaron Weitzman.
“If he wants to do a farewell tour like Kobe Bryant did, it’s the only other team that makes sense,” one unidentified executive told Weitzman. “LeBron cares about narratives. He doesn’t want to be like Michael Jordan on the Wizards.”
James, 40, was raised in Akron and remains the most accomplished player in Cavaliers history after leading the club to its first championship in 2016. He has already completed two stints with Cleveland, and next summer marks his first opportunity to enter free agency since 2018, fueling renewed speculation about a potential homecoming.
“A farewell tour with the Cavs makes sense,” an NBA agent added. “It’s a way for LeBron to save face and say this is what he wanted. But he’s not getting a big payday from them.”
The four-time MVP holds a no-trade clause and is not expected to be moved by Los Angeles. However, he can leave outright in 2026 if he chooses to close out his career in Ohio.
Despite being the league’s oldest active player—he turns 41 in December—James still averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists last season, maintaining his status as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Whether the final chapter unfolds in Southern California or back in Cleveland remains a decision only James can make.
Source: Hoops Wire
