LeBron James reportedly wants to end NBA career with this specific team

LeBron James made NBA news by attending the Cleveland Cavaliers playoff game on Monday, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd and sparking NBA rumors that he could head back to the Cavaliers.

James, heading into his age-40 season, is near the end of his legendary NBA career. Many have wondered if he would eventually return home to Cleveland for his farewell seasons and his appearance during Monday’s playoff game fueled all of it.

LeBron James stats this season: 25.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.3 SPH, 54% FG

When James was spotted, NBA executives texted ESPN reporter Brian Windhorse en masse about the appearance. For many in the league, it felt reminiscent of 10 years ago when James flew from Chicago to Cleveland to attend a Cavaliers’ game for the retirement of Zydrunas Ilgauskas. That summer, he signed with the Cavaliers in free agency.

A decade later, James has the opportunity to repeat history. He can opt out of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming a free agent who could sign with the Cavaliers. Now, amid the growing debate, there appears to be a clear team James reportedly wants to end his career with.

LeBron James career stats: 40,474 points, 11,185 rebounds, 11,009 assists, 2,275 steals, 1,111 blocks in 1,492 regular-season games played

Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported on his podcast “Buha’s Block” that “signs are pointing toward LeBron being back” in Los Angeles and James wants to retire as a Laker.

While James ending his career with the Cavaliers would be a good storybook ending, that chapter of his basketball career seems closed. While there are motivations behind a lot of what he does, attending that playoff game might’ve just been an opportunity for him and his family to be back home while witnessing the playoffs. For now, it appears James will finish his career in Los Angeles.