LeBron James
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Lakers' LeBron James during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers in January 2026
For years, speculation has followed LeBron James over when and where his career might end, with a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers often framed as the most poetic conclusion.
Questions have only grown louder over whether the 2025–26 season could mark James’ final campaign, or if another year might serve as a full farewell tour.
With the Los Angeles Lakers superstar opting into his player option last offseason, positioning himself to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and amid reports of growing tension with the franchise, the possibility of a departure feels more tangible than ever.
Now, fresh reporting has added further weight to the idea that a split with Los Angeles could be looming.
LeBron James Reunion With Cavaliers Comes Into Focus
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Cavaliers would not hesitate to welcome James back for another stint in Cleveland.
“Multiple team and league sources told ESPN the 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,” he reported.
McMenamin has previously pointed towards the possibility of James leaving Los Angeles, noting that while he exercised his player option, he declined to pursue an extension with the Lakers, intentionally positioning himself for free agency.
For now, James has reportedly remained undecided about retirement, prioritizing health and availability rather than making long-term declarations.
While he missed the early portion of the season, his play since turning 41 on December 30 has been anything but ordinary.
He is averaging 24.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 8.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 49.1% from the field and 34.5% from three-point range, continuing to perform at an elite level.
Lakers Still Chasing One More Run
Despite an uneven season, the Lakers have found some traction, winning four of their past five games and sitting 11 games above .500 at 28-17.
With general manager Rob Pelinka reportedly scouring the trade market for wing and center upgrades, there remains optimism within the organization that a contender can still be assembled around James.
McMenamin also reported that, even with his future unresolved, James has remained committed to the Lakers this season, leaving the door open for a longer stay.
“There’s no telling the ride the Lakers could still go on this spring, especially if James can find that cape to put back on,” he added. “While James is eight years older, he has shown a similar commitment to this season’s Lakers team, sources said.”
“He missed the first 14 games because of sciatica. But James stopped drinking alcohol during his rehab, and he has slimmed down considerably, hoping to take pressure off his back and joints…”
Legacy, Tension, and the Cleveland Question
In the wake of ESPN’s recent report from Baxter Holmes detailing tension between James and Lakers governor and minority owner Jeanie Buss, the four-time champion recently reflected on his broader vision when he joined the franchise.
“At the end of the day, when I came to this organization, my whole mindset was about restoring excellence,” he said. “And I was able to do that, along with 14-16 other guys winning a championship, bringing a championship here. That’s always been my mindset.”
James fulfilled that goal in the 2019-20 season, leading Los Angeles to an NBA title. Even so, his tenure has remained under constant scrutiny.
Outside of a deep playoff run in 2022-23 that ended in a Western Conference Finals sweep by the Denver Nuggets, the Lakers have endured early exits and missed postseasons during his time with the team.
With championship odds this season appearing slim, James was asked directly following a recent loss to the Clippers whether Los Angeles is where he still wants to be. His response offered little clarity.
“I’m good, I’m good… I’m good,” he told reporters.
Since then, ESPN’s Shams Charania has suggested that the situation may be nearing its natural conclusion, describing the Lakers-James partnership as an “end of a relationship” and adding that “the end is near however you wanna slice it.”
If that proves true, a return to Cleveland could present James with an opportunity few players ever receive. For a career defined by legacy, longevity, and symmetry, closing the circle where it all began may be an ending too fitting to ignore.