Could LeBron James head back to Cleveland for the third time? Amid major struggles for the Lakers, it’s a question that has grown increasingly relevant.
The 18x All-Star, 4x Champion, and 4x MVP is the best player the franchise has ever had, and he brought them their only Championship in 2016. But, according to Marc Stein, there is a growing belief that the Cavaliers wouldn’t be so quick to add him to the roster.
“I believe even more strongly now based on subsequent conversations, the Cavs do not want to do a third LeBron dance,” Stein wrote. “This franchise, this organization, this ownership, this front office, they’ve had to hear for a zillion years, you’ve never done anything without LeBron.”
It’s important to note that LeBron himself has not ruled out a potential return to the team. Over All-Star weekend, he spoke very candidly about a possible future with the franchise.
Now the only question is whether another picture could go up there again some day. Could James actually return to Cleveland and play for the Cavaliers a third time?
“The door’s not closed on that,” James told The Athletic Saturday following the East’s team practice on the campus of Cleveland State. “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, of course, is a free agent after next season. He is tethered to the Lakers for one more year.
At 37-years-old, LeBron is still an elite player. This season is the best of his run with the Lakers so far (at least, statistically). He’s averaging 29 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.3 assists on 51.9% shooting.
For the Cavs, however, bringing in James would compromise what they’ve been able to build since his departure. With Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, Kevin Love, and Evan Mobley, Cleveland has a talented squad that can compete for years to come.
Right now, the front office may not be willing to risk what they have to take on an older version of LeBron, and it’s hard to fault them for having that position.
