The Los Angeles Lakers are struggling, and that has given room for speculation as rumors have started to fly around. In year 19, LeBron James is still one of the top players in the NBA, but the production from the players around him is not up to par.
LeBron has said that he loves every player on the current roster despite their early struggles, and is leading by example on the court. Although he endures some poor shooting nights, LeBron still gets it done on both ends of the court. When he is not driving through the lane he is dropping a bullet pass for an assist, or protecting the rim with outstanding chase-down blocks.
Given the current situation of the Lakers, and the success being enjoyed by his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, rumors are starting to circulate that LeBron might be interested in returning to Cleveland to finish his career.
A league executive also stated that it is the worst kept secret, adding that LeBron is not willing to sacrifice his body for the Lakers anymore. According to Ringer founder Bill Simmons:
We are like 5 days away from the first unsubstantiated “LeBron loves what he’s seeing from the young Cavaliers and might want to finish his career there” story and I honestly can’t wait.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) December 18, 2021
“We are like 5 days away from the first unsubstantiated “LeBron loves what he’s seeing from the young Cavaliers and might want to finish his career there” story and I honestly can’t wait.”
It is a thought many would entertain, as most players want to finish with their hometown club or with the franchise they started their career with. But Lakers fans are not pleased with the comment and have come for Bill.
Still bitter. I can hear the tears when you speak of Bron or the Lakers.
— Tone P (@rap2ue) December 19, 2021
LeBron probably eventually wants a "Farewell Tour " If so he would want that to occur in L.A. NOT Cleveland
(if a tree falls in the woods in the middle of nowhere…does it make a sound?)
— Game-Like movements…Return to performance (@e1presidente_) December 18, 2021
https://twitter.com/WorldWideHamzah/status/1472081242707435521
Once you move to LA and settle in it is almost impossible to move anywhere else. Especially Cleveland….
— J Boogie (@jswissa8) December 18, 2021
https://twitter.com/Deucely/status/1472088006664278025
Didn’t you say this exact same thing like 2 weeks ago?
— Steve Sabbatini (@ssabb05) December 18, 2021
I don t think LBJ will depart and leave the Lakers in shambles. He constructed that team and he s the Captain and have to fix the ship, which might include trading his buddy AD to continue his title run. His upside should gather multiple starters and 2 #1 draft picks.
— @dageorgiaboi (@dageorgiaboi) December 19, 2021
At no point has anyone said LeBron actually wants to come back – this is literally a take out of Bill Simmons’ fever dreams
— Mwansa Stephen Kafwembe (@realafella) December 18, 2021
https://twitter.com/_tep13/status/1472286748000534541
Weird take when so many Lakers are hurt/out due to Covid. That team you saw tonight hardly representative of what the Lakers actually are
— Chris (@Calbert1994) December 18, 2021
LeBron’s contract with the Lakers will expire after the 2022-23 season, and he will be an unrestricted free agent. It will be up to LeBron to choose where he will play as he will undoubtedly still be in high demand because of his longevity and IQ. Nonetheless, his decision will also be inspired by his son’s introduction to the NBA, as he has expressed his desire to play with Bronny.
