For years, Tyronn Lue and LeBron James have been linked through one of the greatest triumphs in Cleveland Cavaliers history: the 2016 NBA championship. But this summer, their names were linked again, not by a Finals run, but by a viral photo of James working out at a gym carrying the Los Angeles Clippers’ logo. When asked about it on Club Shay Shay, Lue’s reaction was as careful as it was telling.
“I don’t even know if I can speak on that… he’s working out at our old practice facility… I can’t say nothing about that. ”
The story started in July when James posted a workout photo on social media. Behind him, clearly visible, were Clippers logos. Instantly, rumors caught fire. Was LeBron teasing interest in the Clippers? Could the four-time MVP be considering joining forces with Lue again, this time in Los Angeles?
As it turned out, the explanation was simpler. The Honey Training Center, where James was spotted, was once the Clippers’ facility. But after moving to their new Intuit Dome complex, the Clippers sold the property to Klutch Sports, the agency run by Rich Paul, which represents both James and Lue.
The branding hadn’t been updated, so while James was technically working out in a building owned by his agency, the lingering Clippers logos made it look like something more.
That didn’t stop the speculation. For a brief stretch of the offseason, whispers of James potentially leaving the Lakers gained traction. His agent had added fuel to the fire in June when he told ESPN’s Shams Charania that LeBron wanted to be sure the Lakers were still all-in on chasing championships.
With Luka Doncic signing a massive extension to become the face of the Lakers’ future, questions surfaced about whether James might consider other options in the twilight of his career.
For Lue, though, this was not a conversation worth diving into publicly. He and LeBron have remained close since their Cleveland days, but as the head coach of the Clippers, a rival team in the same city, he wasn’t about to fan the flames of one of the offseason’s juiciest storylines.
And yet, the idea lingers. What if James did decide to join the Clippers? At 40 years old, he’s still producing elite numbers, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists last season while earning All-NBA Second Team honors.
The Clippers, who recently added Chris Paul to pair with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, are built to contend right now. A reunion with Lue could provide James with both comfort and a legitimate chance at one more ring.
Still, the logistics complicate things. James is under contract for $52.6 million this season with a no-trade clause, meaning any deal would require his direct approval. The Lakers, who just extended Doncic, have no reason to move James unless he asks out.
So for now, all fans have is a picture, a few Clippers logos in the background, and Tyronn Lue’s refusal to add fuel to the fire. His statement might not reveal much, but it speaks volumes about how sensitive the situation is.
Because when LeBron James is involved, even a simple workout can shake the NBA rumor mill.
