LeBron James‘ future with the Los Angeles Lakers appears increasingly unclear as the NBA legend enters the twilight years of his iconic career. While the four-time champion remains among the league’s elite, speculation is mounting about where he might play next, with one franchise from his past keeping a close eye on developments.
According to a report from Hoops Wire, the Cleveland Cavaliers are monitoring LeBron‘s situation and are open to bringing him back but only under specific terms. The Cavaliers, the team that originally drafted James No. 1 overall in 2003, reportedly aren’t looking to make a trade for the 39-year-old due to his massive contract. However, a buyout scenario has emerged as a possibility.
“The Cavaliers could benefit from adding James, who made the All-NBA Second Team and finished sixth in MVP voting last season. However, Cleveland can’t feasibly trade for James since the future Hall of Famer will make too much money ($52.6 million) next season.
Sources said that Cleveland is only interested in James in a buyout situation. And why wouldn’t they be?” Hoops Wire’s Ashish Mathur wrote.
Lakers eye transition as Cavaliers keep tabs
James’ connection to Cleveland runs deep. He spent the first seven years of his NBA career with the Cavaliers before leaving for the Miami Heat in 2010, where he won two titles. In 2014, he returned to Cleveland with a mission to deliver a championship to his home state – and he delivered in 2016, leading the franchise to a historic title comeback against the Golden State Warriors.
That emotional bond makes the idea of a third stint in Cleveland particularly intriguing, especially if the Lakers appear ready to move on. According to ESPN insiders Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst, the Lakers have internally decided not to extend LeBron beyond this upcoming season, suggesting a defined timeline for his exit from the franchise.
“The Lakers had already made their statement in not offering James a contract beyond this season. It was abundantly clear that the 21-time All-Star’s time as the face of the Lakers had, for the first time, a planned end date, even if James’ record-setting NBA career did not yet. Whether the 2025-26 season is to be James’ final season in the NBA is up to him. But if he wanted the kind of Hollywood ending that only the Lakers can give legends of the game, the release date was set. Spring, 2026. Luka Doncic in, LeBron James out,” the report stated.
If the Lakers are preparing for life after LeBron, it raises the possibility that the franchise may agree to a buyout at some point, paving the way for Cleveland or another contender to make a move. James, who has consistently stated that he wants to compete for another championship, may prioritize teams that offer a more immediate shot at contention.
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