LeBron James is a pending free agent again -- and this time, he may move on from the Los Angeles Lakers after spending eight seasons in California.
In the background looms the Cleveland Cavaliers, where James began his career and where he has played across two separate stints. One of James' former teammates in Cleveland said Thursday that he still has a group chat with the four-time NBA champion, and his prediction on FanDuel TV's Run It Back could make Cavs fans pretty happy.
MORE:Lakers address major need in trade for $11 million backcourt upgrade to help Luka Doncic
JR Smith told Boogie Cousins that in his opinion, James will go back to Cleveland in the summer and "ride into the sunset" wearing a Cavs jersey.
"He obviously doesn't have to keep playing, but I still think he has a lot left in the tank to where he's very impactful," Smith said.
JR Smith on LeBron James' future:
"I think he goes back to Cleveland next year...he has a lot left in the tank."@MichelleDBeadle | @TeamLou23 | @boogiecousins | @TheRealJRSmith pic.twitter.com/OWmmGrJ706
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) February 5, 2026
James could join a Cleveland roster in the summer that just added James Harden to a core that already included Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley.
With rumors continuing to swirl that James and the Lakers are ready to part ways following the season, the NBA's all-time leading scorer would have an opportunity to return to where it all began for one last season.
More NBA news: