LeBron James shut down speculation after training at the Cavaliers’ facility, reminding fans that he lives in Cleveland and works out there every summer. Despite opting into his Lakers contract, rumors around his NBA future remain active this offseason.
LeBron James has once again found himself at the center of NBA offseason buzz—this time, for simply getting some shots up in a familiar gym.
Points this season
Los Angeles Lakers
NBA
A video of James working out at the Cleveland Cavaliers’ facility went viral on July 4, sparking immediate speculation across social media about a potential return to where his legendary career began.
Fans and analysts alike began piecing together possible scenarios involving the four-time NBA champion making a homecoming move.
But just hours later, James took to X (formerly Twitter) to set the record straight—and with his trademark bite:
“And every summer since it was built. I live here still and train every summer. Got damn y’all bored man! Go get a plate of food somewhere and enjoy the 4th of July!”
The King was clearly not in the mood for fireworks—figuratively or literally.
With James recently opting into the final year of his $51.4 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, the NBA world is on high alert for any indication of what might come next. His public workout in Cleveland, just days after exercising his player option, fueled theories about a trade, a buyout, or a possible return to the Cavs.
But according to James himself, there’s no secret plot unfolding—just a routine summer session in the city he still calls home.
Despite his social media response, speculation about LeBron’s future isn’t going away anytime soon. His no-trade clause and his desire to compete for another championship, as confirmed by agent Rich Paul, have kept the rumor mill spinning.
Paul emphasized that James opted in not because he’s committed long-term to the Lakers, but to control his own fate as the team evaluates potential roster upgrades.
Some outlets have even floated the possibility of a buyout, but that idea has little traction—and even less logic. James was an All-NBA Second Team selection last season and remains one of the league’s most valuable players, both on and off the court.
The Lakers have no intention of buying out James, nor does it make financial or competitive sense. If a separation were to happen, it would more likely be via a trade—a scenario James can fully control, thanks to his contract structure.
For now, though, he remains a Laker—and a Clevelander in the offseason.
“It’s home,” James said in a past interview about Cleveland. “No matter where I play, it’ll always be home.”
Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.