Much to the delight of NBA fans around the country, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are heading their separate ways this offseason.
James, 41, announced Tuesday that he's not returning to the Lakers for the 2025-26 season. His longtime agent, Rich Paul, claims the league's all-time leading scorer wants to play for a contender in Year 24. The Lakers, meanwhile, are at peace with James leaving them for another franchise.
"LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers -- including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold," Lakers governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement. "We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family."
While on a free agency special of "NBA Today," ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin pointed out that James is in Ohio right now to figure out what's next for his career.
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McMenamin, who has been covering James extensively since 2014, suggested the Cleveland Cavaliers are a legitimate threat to sign the NBA's all-time leading scorer.
"I mean, of all the places in the world where he could come to the conclusion that he’s going to be leaving the Lakers, and telling the Lakers he was going to be leaving it, it just so happens to be Akron, Ohio, Cleveland, Ohio," McMenamin said. "I’m not going to say that’s all of the clues right there, but we have to read the tea leaves here. I know that several members of LeBron's inner circle are going to meet him in Ohio this week. ... It could be the best situation right down the road from where you grew up, 45 minutes from Akron with the Cavs for a third stint."
Is a reunion with the Cavs possible?
According to ESPN insider Brian Windhorst, the Cavaliers aren't a "realistic" option for James at this time.
“I don’t think the Cavs are a realistic option,” Windhorst said. “I’ve not heard the Cavs are out but I’ve certainly not heard that they’re in. So, I’m not considering that as an option at the moment.”
Of course, the Cavaliers could bolster their roster in the coming weeks to make themselves a more attractive landing spot.
