LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Getty
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
A former Cleveland Cavaliers general manager believes Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James will finish his career where it began. David Griffin, who served as Cleveland’s GM during James’ second stint with the franchise, recently addressed the possibility of another homecoming for the 41-year-old.
Griffin’s comments come as James’ contract with the Lakers approaches its expiration after the 2025-26 season. The superstar will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and multiple teams are positioning themselves to pursue him.
Griffin Says Northeast Ohio Means Too Much to James
Griffin appeared on the BIGPLAY Sports Network and was asked directly whether he believed a James return to Cleveland was realistic. His answer gave Cavaliers fans reason for optimism.
“There’s a big part of me that would be surprised if he doesn’t on some level, just because Northeast Ohio means so much to him,” Griffin said. “It would be surprising to me on some level if he didn’t want to. But knowing nothing and having no relationships of any kind there, it’s hard to say, but I can tell you the theater of it excites me.”
Griffin’s perspective carries weight. He worked alongside James during Cleveland’s championship run in 2016 and understands what the region means to the four-time NBA champion. James was born in Akron, drafted by the Cavaliers in 2003, and delivered the franchise its only championship before leaving for Los Angeles in 2018.
The “theater of it” that Griffin mentioned speaks to the narrative appeal of James finishing his career in Cleveland. It would represent a full-circle moment for one of the greatest players in NBA history, completing a journey that began when he entered the league as an 18-year-old phenom.
BIGPLAY
“A big part of me would be surprised if he doesn’t on some level because Northeast Ohio means so much to him.” #LetEmKnow
Former Cavs GM David Griffin would be “surprised” if LeBron doesn’t return to Cleveland.
Perkins Says Cavs Stars Already Recruiting James
Donovan Mitchell and LeBron James
GettyDonovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers.
Griffin isn’t the only person connected to Cleveland discussing James’ potential return. According to ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins, who played alongside James with the Cavaliers, stars Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are already pushing to recruit the superstar this offseason.
Perkins appeared on The Road Trippin Show and shared what his sources told him about Cleveland’s pursuit. As soon as Harden arrived via trade from the Los Angeles Clippers, the conversation immediately turned to making a championship run while also targeting James in free agency.
“My sources told me that Donovan Mitchell and James Harden already are starting the push to go and recruit LeBron James this offseason,” Perkins said.
The Cavaliers acquired Harden specifically to pair him with Mitchell and build a contender. Adding James to that mix would create a legitimate Big Three in Cleveland and give the franchise a chance to compete for championships immediately.
This would mark James’ third stint with Cleveland if he decides to return. He left for the Miami Heat in 2010, returned to the Cavaliers in 2014 and won a championship in 2016, then departed for the Lakers in 2018. Another homecoming would complete the narrative Griffin referenced.
What Lakers’ LeBron James Wants Remains Unclear
LeBron James
GettyLeBron James has been with the Los Angeles Lakers since 2018.
No one outside James’ inner circle knows exactly what he wants to do when his Lakers contract expires. He’s given no public indication about his plans, leaving teams to speculate and position themselves accordingly.
James is currently playing alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves in Los Angeles. The Lakers sit fifth in the Western Conference at 32-20, but Dončić is dealing with a hamstring injury that will sideline him for an undetermined period.
The Lakers’ championship chances this season depend heavily on health and whether their current roster construction can compete with the West’s elite teams. If Los Angeles makes a deep playoff run, that could influence James’ decision about his future. If they fall short again, he might decide it’s time for a change.
Cleveland offers a return home and a chance to finish his career where it began. The Cavs are already legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference with Mitchell, Harden, and a strong supporting cast. Adding a star like James would push them over the edge and elevate them to true title contenders.
What’s Next for James and Lakers
LeBron James and JJ Redick
GettyLeBron James and JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers.
James will focus on maximizing what appears to be his final season with the Lakers. He’s averaging 23.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.9 assists this season while shooting 50.4% from the field. At 41 years old, he continues playing at an All-Star level.
The offseason will bring clarity about his future. Teams like Cleveland are already positioning themselves to make offers. The Lakers will have the opportunity to convince him to stay and finish his career in Los Angeles.
James has earned the right to choose his own path. Whether that means returning to Cleveland for a third stint, staying with the Lakers, or retiring altogether remains his decision alone.
Griffin’s comments suggest he wouldn’t be surprised if James chooses Cleveland. Perkins’ report indicates Mitchell and Harden are actively recruiting him. The Cavaliers offer familiarity, a chance to come home, and a roster capable of competing for championships.
The next few months will determine whether James’ legendary career ends in Los Angeles or whether he has one more chapter left to write in Cleveland. Based on what Griffin believes and what Perkins is hearing, the Cavaliers intend to make sure James knows they want him back and can offer him everything he needs to chase one final championship.