Stephen A. Smith Says LeBron James Should Return to Former Team

LeBron James is preparing for what could be the final act of his Hall of Fame career. Now entering his 23rd NBA season, James opted into his $52.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers, and will become the first player in league history to reach that milestone.

At 40 years old, he played 70 games last season while averaging 34.9 minutes per contest. His production remained strong, with 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, though speculation continues to grow about how much longer he can sustain this level. James previously played with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, before joining the Lakers in 2018, delivering championships for all three franchises.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23)© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

As the new season approaches, attention has shifted to what comes next for the four-time MVP. His contract includes a no-trade clause, and he opted in without substantive extension talks, leaving his long-term future uncertain. Retirement, another run with the Lakers, or a move to another contender team have all been floated.

One voice fueling the conversation is ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who believes James would be better off chasing another ring back in his hometown franchise rather than finishing in Los Angeles.

On a recent episode of the Stephen A. Smith Show, the commentator laid out his case for James to rejoin the Cavaliers.

“If I were LeBron, and clearly I am not, I’d strongly consider going back to Cleveland,” Smith said. “I think that LeBron James has a better shot at winning a championship if he were back in Cleveland with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley and those boys, than if he stayed in LA.”

Smith added: “I can’t see him win no championship in LA, not over Oklahoma City or healthy Dallas. But if he were in Cleveland with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley and those boys, I think that would give LeBron a better shot at tying Kobe for five rings.”

Fans weighed in quickly, with some echoing the sentiment.

“I agree. Love the Lakers but that’s what’s best for LeBron because I’m a LeBron fan also,” one fan wrote.

“Yes we want Bron back here in Cleveland!!!” another fan added.

“I been screaming get lebron out of LA since before AD got there 😂 😂,” another fan posted.

Others dismissed the idea:

“LBJ would never leave the LA market,” a fan said.

“Why are we trying to “get LeBron a ring?” another fan wondered.

A return to Cleveland would symbolize a full-circle moment. James’ first stint made him a global superstar, and his second delivered the 2016 championship—the franchise’s only title till date. Another chapter would pair his experience with the Cavaliers’ young core, and will elevate an already solid Cavaliers team further into contender status.

2025-26 NBA Season: Championship or Bust for LeBron James and the Lakers?

In the meantime, James is committed to the purple and gold for at least this season and will hope to lead the storied franchise to a record-tying 18th NBA title next summer. The Lakers revamped its roster during the summer, adding center Deandre Ayton, guard Jake LaRavia, and former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart to join Luka Doncic and James.

The season opens against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21 with expectations sky high in Los Angeles. Early projections place the Lakers as one of the top contenders, and anything short of a championship will be deemed a disappointment, with James and Doncic named in ESPN’s Top 10 NBA players rankings for the 2025-26 season.

Whether James finishes his career in Los Angeles or entertains a final return to Cleveland, the decisions made at the end of his contract will define how one of basketball’s greatest players writes his closing chapter.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Stephen A. Smith Says LeBron James Should Return to Former Team

Tags: