While star forward LeBron James is currently a member of the Los Angeles Lakers and has been for quite some time, that could all change this summer. After all, he’s on track to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, and according to NBA insider Sam Amico, people around the league see James’ former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, as a potential landing spot for the 41-year-old in free agency.
Amico said based on his conversations, the Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs are the three teams folks are speculating about as offseason landing spots for James.
"I identified three places where people around the league are talking about… Cleveland, Golden State, and San Antonio. Those are the three spots people are speculating." 👀👑@AmicoHoops says LeBron James may make a third return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/V3AUqrSNhf
— Full Court Cleveland (@FullCourtCLE) January 29, 2026
The appeal of going to the Spurs would surely be to play next to star big man Victor Wembanyama and the rest of their young nucleus. As for Golden State, James would be able to team up with star guard Stephen Curry and defensive ace Draymond Green after facing off against them in so many NBA Finals series in years past.
However, James couldn’t possibly enjoy more of a storybook ending to his legendary NBA career than if he capped things off where it all started —in Cleveland. James is already a beloved Cavaliers legend, as he spent 11 seasons with the team across two stints, and he was largely responsible for Cleveland finally winning its first title in franchise history in 2016.
Plus, if James decided to come home, he theoretically would have a real puncher’s chance at helping the Cavaliers to another ring in 2027. Cleveland has been one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference in recent years and might be a proven playoff performer of James’ caliber away from making its first deep playoff run with its “core four.”
Assuming James’ NBA career will continue past this season (which is no guarantee), finding out where he lands will be one of the most exciting aspects of the offseason, and Cavaliers fans in particular might just be celebrating depending on his decision. It will be worth keeping tabs on any rumors that surface regarding James in the months to come.