A new NBA rumor may have just revealed where LeBron James will end up when he eventually leaves the Los Angeles Lakers this summer.
It may surprise some fans, but James’ time with the LA Lakers has been longer than his dominant run with the Miami Heat. The reason it may seem like it hasn’t been as lengthy a tenure is that his time in Los Angeles hasn’t been anywhere close to as impactful as his dominant stay in South Beach.
During his four years in Miami, LeBron James and the Heat were title contenders every year. In Los Angeles, the future Hall of Famer has missed the playoffs twice and seen his team eliminated in the first round three times. While he did win a championship for the Lakers in 2020, it came in the infamous bubble playoffs during the COVID pandemic.
Yet, despite the ups and downs, James wearing a Lakers uniform has been very profitable for both sides. However, that partnership is nearing its end. LA has shifted to making Luka Doncic the new face of the franchise and wants to build the roster around him. Which means the days of James making around $50 million a season with the team are over.
Is LeBron James Cleveland-bound for a third run with the Cavaliers?
So, unless the 21-time All-Star wants to take a huge pay cut, his days in LaLa Land are numbered. Yet, despite turning 41 last month, James doesn’t seem ready to retire anytime soon. But where could he end up if he doesn’t retire? Where would be a fitting location for the legendary conclusion of the NBA icon’s career?
Well, a new rumor may offer the perfect place. “Multiple team and league sources told ESPN the Cleveland Cavaliers would gladly welcome James back this summer if he wanted to return to Cleveland for his 24th NBA season and third stint with the team,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports.
LeBron James going back to Cleveland for a third and final run makes a ton of sense. It is his home state franchise, it is the one that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2003, and where he played 11 (over two tenures) of his 23 seasons in the league. However, James would like one more run at a championship. With some moves to free up space to sign him, the Cavs can offer that by pairing the legend with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley in 2026.
Sure, he could go back to the Heat or maybe join pal Stephen Curry with the Golden State Warriors for a big discount. But no other option feels as fitting as James going back to Cleveland one last time.
