LeBron James praised the Cleveland Cavaliers for "going for it" at the trade deadline and strengthening their roster, while speculation continues to grow that he could return to Cleveland in free agency to potentially finish his career where it began.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James had nothing but praise for his first NBA team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the moves they made ahead of the February 5 trade deadline.
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"They're going for it," LeBron said on the Mind the Game podcast. "They felt like they needed another playmaker, someone who's been there, kind of been in the situation before. And they added James [Harden], a perennial All-Star who is still putting up All-Star numbers. It gives Donovan Mitchell another ball-handling guy who can make shots late in the game.
"Also, those pickups they got from Sacramento, you know. [Dennis] Schroder, a former teammate of mine, is going to compete every single night," James noted. "And Keon Ellis, guy who's going to compete, make shots. Those guys are going to be really, really good for that team, especially in the East, where you gotta have some dogs in there. So I think they added a lot."
LeBron began his career in Cleveland in 2003 and played there until 2010. He returned in 2014 and led the franchise to its first NBA championship in 2016 before leaving again in 2018.
Now, many believe another reunion could be on the horizon, as James may be preparing for Year 24 in the league.
Credit Image AP – Scanpix
The Lakers would reportedly welcome him back if he chooses not to retire, though team governor Jeannie Buss recently expressed uncertainty about whether the 41-year-old will remain in Los Angeles for the 2026-27 season.
Former Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin believes LeBron may end his legendary NBA career where it all began.
"As a Bron fan, to be able to be a teammate would obviously be special, but that's not in my control," Donovan Mitchell said.
A recent report also suggested that Mitchell and new Cavaliers star James Harden are expected to recruit LeBron to return to Cleveland next season.
James is currently playing on an expiring $52.6 million contract.
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