With LeBron James back in Cleveland for All-Star Weekend, he offered a hint that he might consider returning for one more stint with his hometown team, writes Jason Lloyd of The Athletic. When asked about playing for the Cavaliers again before he retires, James gave an open-ended response.
“The door’s not closed on that,” he said. “I’m not saying I’m coming back and playing, I don’t know. I don’t know what my future holds. I don’t even know when I’m free.”
James has one season remaining on his current deal with the Lakers at $44,474,988. He could be back on the free agent market in the summer of 2023 at age 38.
James emphasized that he hasn’t specifically pondered a return to Cleveland, but he also hasn’t ruled anything out. Lloyd notes that he could be referring to a simple one-day contract so he could retire as a Cavalier, but he could also mean something more.
The Cavs selected James with the first pick in the 2003 draft, and he spent seven years with the team before leaving for Miami as a free agent in 2010. He returned four years later and took the Cavaliers to four straight NBA Finals, capturing the franchise’s only championship in 2016, before departing for Los Angeles.
Although the Lakers won a title in 2020, Cleveland may have a brighter future than L.A. The Cavaliers have rebuilt since James left and are fourth in the East at 35-23 with plenty of youth on the roster. The Lakers, whose roster is stocked with veterans, are ninth in the West at 27-31.
“I think (Cavs general manager Koby Altman) and those guys have done an unbelievable job drafting and making trades,” James said. “I think big fella (Jarrett Allen), that acquisition was amazing for them to make that trade. Obviously Darius Garland is a big-time player. And I think the role that Kevin (Love) is playing right now has kind of uplifted those young guys, seeing a veteran that could sacrifice, a champion that’s won a championship, all the things that he’s done, to come off the bench and play this role. I am not surprised by anything that they’re doing right now.”
As Lloyd points out, it wouldn’t be easy for Cleveland to open enough cap room to sign James without tearing apart its current core. And James made it clear that he wouldn’t be interested in providing a hometown discount so the Cavs could sign him with their mid-level exception.
“I don’t play mid-level basketball,” he said. “I don’t come back for anything below the top.”
James also revealed today that he plans to play his final NBA season for whichever team winds up with his son, Bronny. Currently a junior in high school, the earliest that Bronny could be draft-eligible is 2024.
“My last year will be played with my son,” James said. “Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point.”
Please don’t.
Should players, while under contract, address questions about joining another team? I don’t think so.
Lebron isn’t just any player, though…
Exactly, so him doing this is actually worse. No one cares what Marvin Bagley III says about who he wants to play with. When Lebron does this it alters the fates of multiple franchises.
“ AKA” I want to tear up one more team out the door. Hopefully the Cavs wouldn’t want to pay an upper tier salary to a below mid level player. The day of him dictating what he wants are over.
Someone close and lock the door fast!
“My last year will be played with my son,” James said. “Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point.”
Now read “ One Paragraph Earlier” in the narrator voice for Spongebob.
“I don’t play mid-level basketball,” he said. “I don’t come back for anything below the top.”
Was he even paying attention to what he was saying during this interview?
He is a free agent the year before Bronny is eligible to be drafted. So for that 1 year he is saying he expects to be paid. Then its whatever he has to do.
Reading comprehension would help you a lot to make sense of clear & easy to understand statements, right?
If his son is not good enough he may have to buy a team or pay them to add him and his son. On the other hand, he could play bball in any number of non-NBA leagues around the world with his son. That would be a trip.
LBJ making sure someone drafts Bronny
Good for Lakers future？
Should the Lakers wave white flag？
Of course, Cleveland has a brighter future than LAL now
If I am a Laker Season Ticket holder I am apoplectic. How dare he talk about joining another team and jumping ship while he still plays for Los Angeles! Show some loyalty.
His focus should be on his current team and winning. “I want to be a Laker forever and Bronny will come here.” The Buss family and Magical Johnson have bent over backwards to accommodate him. Pelinka will probably even lose his job.
Meanwhile Lebron goes on vacation to his ex girlfriend house. Such a bad look. If I’m a Laker season ticket holder I demand a refund.
As the article states he could be simply talking about taking a one day deal to retire with CLE when its all over anyways. So what tampering? Also telling people what we already knew about his desire to play with his son isnt news. Everyone knew that, and everyone will know going into that draft that Bron who will ensure he is a FA that season will go where his son goes, and it may be on the cheap if thats what he wants.
The only thing that will really throw things is if Bronny isnt being viewed in the top 100 of that draft at what point does a team snap him up as a way to get the final years of his dad?
If you love the Lakers be more afraid of him asking out this summer since you would get something from him leaving as opposed to FA, but he may just peace on the s*** show he created with Russ since that mistake cant be fixed this summer, and I dont see how you fix the roster around them with minimums and no draft picks.
I’m not talking about tampering I’m talking about the leader of the team buying in and putting The Lakers first, since the Lakers sure as heck put him first (probably to a fault).
Don’t give out cute interviews and sound bites when you know full-well how they’ll be construed. Just say you’re happy to be home, the Cavs look great, but right now in LA we’re focused on doing what we can to win a title.
Unless you’re not focused. In which case if I’m a season ticket holder I demand my money back!
@LilD
if you took from that, that LBJ doesn’t care about the “now” and the team he’s with, then you really have some mental issues to address. He was asked about a future scenario that takes place after his contract expires. even then he clearly says “I don’t know what my future holds”.
LA….. he won you a chip after toiling for years with a sub par Kobe and draft picks that hadn’t turned the corner. say thanks.
@knicksfan I get it. You’re one of those people who think basketball is a sport for recess and after school and not a multibillion dollar business.
Well in business there is something called optics. It is the same reason Amazon doesn’t publish shareholder reports with Jeff Bezos saying “yeah one day I’d like to work for Apple.” The market would crash.
In LA you have hardworking people who pay a lot of money for the privilege to watch a sport. If you pay top dollar you expect a certain product. With James going off script he is effectively diluting that product.
I’m not a Lakers fan FYI so I don’t care where he goes. But after 2 players forced trades seeing this is alarming.
Just like in business you need to be a few steps ahead or you’ll go out of business. Kind of like how my reply just put you out of the commenting business…
I don’t know what you expected. It’s like going a date with a guy or girl and you find out the cheated on their last 3 partners. If you are gullible enough to think they will have any loyalty then it’s on you when you get burned. Lebron has always been a mercenary. He’s not like Dirk or Giannis or MJ. Also, if you think he cares about hard working season ticket holders, his presence on the Cavs had a major financial impact on the city and he left. Twice.
Ah, the days of MJ, sure miss those. Barkley, Shaq, Reggie Miller, hell, even Bird, they made a mark on the sport for a reason.
In 20 most people won’t even remember L James for the sporting reasons, they will remember him for all the drama, not showing up when the chips were down and his narcissism.
@LilD
I truly have no idea how you came to the conclusion you did regarding my statement.
The comp of Bezos saying he wants to play for Apple was asinine. Grea the wealthiest person in the world and owned Amazon. LBJ has NEVER demanded a trade and only departs as a FA. He was skerred a question and he simply said the door til return to Cleveland is open, meaning he doesn’t have ANY problem with going back if, at that time, the situation makes sense including, if his son was drafted there.
The idea that the Laker franchise would crumble from this is stupid. The idea that LBJ would dilute the product is equally as stupid. Teams have windows of opportunity. Once it shuts, for whatever reason, then teams rebuild.
@knickscavs Here’s what I’m going to do. As the adult I will do the grown up thing and agree to disagree (even though I’m right). No point in trying to turn a rock into a computer.
But if you ever debate me on Business again let’s pull out our bank accounts and see who understands the stock market and BUSINESS. which is what the NBA is as Al points out (hat tip and nice showing by Obi last night). Don’t question Jeff Bezos
So touchy it’s cute ……
This is the entertainment business. And major stars like Bron and Prince. Can talk about future endeavors. He’s not talking about leaving them now. And he’s already in his last yrs. So it’s not going to affect the Lakers. It’s his son lol. And this has never happened in NBA. So you know how he is about going in the record books. It’s not like he’s 25 and going into FA. Plus this really is old news already, like the man said. Chillax
Which is exactly why I quit following the Lakers once this POS was signed. Had no problem cheering them on during the Kobe injury years, the losing, and encouraging the improvement of the young draft picks, but I have my limits.
I knew his crap would drop eventually.
Already has 1 foot out the door. What a joke
Adam Silver needs to put his money where his mouth is and fine him. Two trades forced in the last two years and now Lebron is opening the door for another. Fines and suspensions. Make an example. Spineless Silver won’t though.
Silver is bound by the CBA.
They dont usually demand a trade like Simmons did, it is usually more I have one year left and once its done Im gone so either get something now while you can for me to send me out or know what will happen in one year.
Thats nothing that Silver has a say over. In fact its better for the team to know that while a trade is still an option.
David Stern stepped in when things were going off the rails. Don’t act like Silver is some lame duck. Otherwise vote him out! Too much division in this country. Why can’t we all just get along
@LilD
When has LEBRON JAMES ever demanded to be traded??? AD may have demanded a trade but that’s AD’s decision, not Paul nor LBJ.
Man, you guys are so damn literal. All he said is that he’s not against returning to Cleveland. You know, because he’s at the all star game….in Cleveland.
Lakers stink. Cavs good, I’m going to join Cleveland and take credit. What an a hole
More like I ruined LA so I’m gonna jump ship and go ruin Cleveland
He won them a championship.
Cleveland is not ruined, genius tjeck. Nor the Cavs. Or if it is (which it’s not), not because of LJ.
@TJECK
you’re the only person I ever heard to think “winning a championship” is tantamount to “ruining a franchise” (not verbatim).
But due to his pompous attitude thinking he’s a de facto GM, they will suck eggs for the next 15 years. I’m not a fan of GS, but look how they continue to be a force when not overwhelmed by injuries. They build upon success, not just “one and done”.
@Brown @TJECK
Maybe next time he should just reply “no comment” and NOT say, “I don’t know what my future holds”. CLEARLY he was replying to a question as opposed to offering it as a statement.
So LeBron willing to play in the G-league for his final season?
Would laugh my arse off if his son is shut out of the NBA (for lack of talent, not because he’s the son of a jerk) and he signs with a Chinese team. L James would love playing there!
He could have just said “I’m a member of the LA Lakers, ask me again when I’m a free agent..whenever that is.”
Or he could dare to be human responding, and not just a talking thing-thing,
With the exception of Bill the rest of you guys are being too harsh. What’s he supposed to say? “Aww hell no, I’ll go back to that stinking city.”
Yeah no doubt, not seeing the issue here at all
Looks like he’s already making plans for a yet undetermined team that will draft his son. That’s enough foreshadowing to guarantee me that Bronny won’t be drafted by my team. Sounds like he’s determined to GM future Bronny teams as well as his own.
These comments are so sad. Lebron can’t be open and honest with media because people want to hold him to some ridiculous standard where he can’t think about the best decision for the future. But if he said he wanted to be a Laker for life and then left? If you’re crying about LeBron you’re bad for the fanbase legitimately
Players running the NBA ……. nope doesn’t work for me. But give up Love and Sexton and two future #1 picks. Why not . He’s only got two yrs left. That’s a good return for a player leaving anyway.
Predicted 3 mos. ago that this idiot was going to openly lobby a return to CLEV. Also predicted the owner Gilbert will tell him to go away. Did anyone noticed the idiot never mentioned Mobley by name for obvious reasons.
It took you until 3 months ago? Why brag? Not that LJ “openly lobbied” any team in particular… He said it was about whatever team has Bronny, and there’s only about a 3% chance that will be the Cavs.
Anyone offering a 5-year max and drafting Bronny will have the upper hand.
That Mobley prediction does not count as one due to the statement’s vagueness. By avoiding specifics, I cannot say you’re wrong, nice tactic.
It’s ok not to comprehend about his intentions. Just like the idiot king telling us he doesn’t know enough about what’s happening in HK. Yeah right.
@Joe
Do you really…. reallllly…. reallllly think LBJ has to lobby publicly with regards to ANY team, but especially Cleveland????? I mean this guy negotiated to come back with a guy who supposedly hated him and vice versa.
I can’t give the reason I know but trust me….if going back to Cleveland IS on his mind then it’s already been discussed with Gilbert. There’s tons of back channeling options if needed. He doesn’t have to lobby and if you think so then you are crazy.
Hey we’re privileged that you know everything and you can speak on behalf of the idiot king … But, you’ve to tell us you don’t know enough about what’s happening in HK.
Cleveland can win without him. Just need to gel. Mobley is special. Lebron is now poison. I don’t see him getting another ring,
It’d be fun if Cleveland won it without him
You guys are trippin. Get your Bron hating butts away from the NBA go watch UFC or something. No one has ever played with their son in the NBA.
Ken Griffey and Ken Griffey Jr playing on the same team is probably one of the greatest memories those two shared together.
LeBron will be a free agent when Bronny could get drafted. He is lobbying for his fringe nba talent son to get drafted and he doesnt care what he has to do where he has to go. And he will be a free agent the year before his son is drafted. He isn’t taking a min contract anywhere except where his son plays, if he has to. If Cleveland wants him as a FA before Bronny, they won’t get him at the MLE thats all he is saying there. And why should he? That team isn’t even a real contender. They probably get swept this year.
He is in the MVP conversation, he can discuss his potential FA any way he chooses. Media ask guys 3 years left on a contract about their next contract and LeBron is spoken to by more members of the media than any other active player in the NBA. Occasionally hell answer the actual question. Brady started giving real answers too.
He isn’t going to force a trade, not for himself. Hell get them to trade Brick and AD if it means he can win another chip. He isn’t about to do a Harden or Ben Simmons tho.
Watch some team draft bronny and refuse to sign lebron hoping to trade him expecting a kings ransom. Lebron will get his assistant Adam silver to blackmail the owner with a discrimination complaint from 10-20yr ago (all owners have one) asking him to resign. the owner will oblige and trade bronny for a heavily protected 2nd rd pick that will never change hands. NBA, not rigged at all.
Common denominator: LeBron brings short-term success wherever he goes, but every stop he’s made has left the franchise with a multi-year rebuilding effort in which he’s irresponsibly abandoned.
Let’s see he took the most dreadful franchise, CLE, to the finals, right?
Took the bottom feeding MIA, to 2 rings & 2 finals, right?
Took the bottom feeding CLE to 1 ring & 3 finals, right?
Took the bottom feeding LAL to 1 ring, right?
Believe me no one & I repeat no one can see your point!
He went to the worst teams in the league, took them to an unprecedented level of glory, & you complaining ’cause they were bad when he left?!?!?
Just remember all those teams were worst when he arrived than when he left, & that is a fact!
Did it all himself huh? You ppl are as blind to facts as Cedric Richmond, and almost as brainwashed.
@lambeau
Dude it’s called a rebuild and every team faces that once they’ve exhausted their championship years. It’s not like the teams “went all in” and came away with nothing. Strange days when…”fans” prefer prioritize salary cap flexibility and draft pics with winning a championship. As a Knicks fan I would happily accept 1 championship and several finals appearances in a 5 year span for 8 years of a tear down, rebuild and growing pains. You also don’t get that the Cavs would never drafted Sexton, Garland and Mobley if they weren’t in a rebuild with a horrible record.
Also @ Lambeau – Stop.Using.Common.Sense. – It’s dangerous!
I have to disagree with the Heat… they were within 1 game of the ECF (a Hassan Whiteside injury away) within 1 year of him leaving. If Chris Bosh doesn’t get blood clots.. the heat never stop being contenders throughout the 2010’s. In fact.. had Lebron stayed.. the Heat adding Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside in 2014-15 was a far superior roster to what he had in cleveland that same year (IE if Lebron was still on the heat they would have won the east and probably the finals with that team)
What about the rumor that Curry wants to play his last year with his son too ? Since Curry’s son is three years old, we’re talking the 2038 season. I’ll be 87 then, but Curry will only be 50.
What if Curry drafts Bronny and purposely gives him extra money so Lebron can’t also join. That would make Curry a straight villain!
Curry + Bronny vs. Lebron + Kyrie
Who doesn’t watch that finals??
Something along the lines of Collin Sexton, Isaac Okoro, Kevin Love for LeBron James should work great for both teams
Translation from a Heat fan…. “I’m already checked out on this sinking ship and would leave right now if I could”
He could’ve left at the deadline if he really wanted to. So you’re clearly misinterpreting his statement
You clearly don’t understand lebron lol.. he will never say it out loud, he will just leave bread crumb hints (like he did here)… while quietly planning exactly how it will happen. Trust me… he’s already checked out mentally. Especially after space jam was a flop.
Personally I like Bron going to Clev next yr. Makes the East better and tougher. Puts Cavs in contention right away. It would be fun and entertaining. But at his age LA can’t expect much.
Love going to LA is also great for Love. He can close out career at home, sort of (UCLA). Plus they get their young PG in Sexton. Plus two future picks. Helps get back all they gave away for AD.
This will help LA rebuild quickly on the fly. Westbrook has one yr left on contract. We all know their window is closed after this yr. So what’s wrong with Bron ending career in Clev. And LA retooling.
His son is not a 1st rd pick. So Cavs could easily draft him. At least Cavs get 2-3 yrs of challenging for a ring. And Bron can help all the young players grow the right way. The bigs would love it. Okoro and Garland would get even better. It helps both teams IMO ……
Bron >>for>> two #1 picks, Love, Sexton
1) The lakers aren’t trading lebron (but they will trade anyone else) 2) Lebron would destroy what the cavs are currently building demanding they bring in players he wants, then blaming everyone else if it didn’t work. The Lakers would have Lonzo Ball, Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, and others as a core without his interference…. think that team doesn’t compete in 2022?
Not sure why this raises any issues. By all accounts, no trade demand and no overtures from potential next stops.
I doubt LAL ever thought that LBJ came to LA to retire a Laker. He’s had a career agenda that’s been thought through and he’s been open about it, if not all the nuances. I think LAL anticipated that his last extension set the most likely end date for the LBJ-LAL alliance.
I’m even more certain that LAL (like CLE and MIA before them) anticipated, and had clear understandings with LBJ, that having him on the roster was a win now proposition, requiring that most personnel moves would need to be consistent with LBJ’s career arch. Regardless of who puts those types of win now trades together, they are going to result in a depletion of future assets. LBJ didn’t strip any team of its future assets; they agree to strip them as an enticement to get him.
Tampering ….. They don’t want you back . If you come back . You will have to play behind Cedi in the rotation
Cleveland would be nuts to want him back. He and his kid can play in China where his true boss resides. The CCP.
Sick burn…