Getty
Donovan Mitchell is averaging 29.5 points per game, which is fifth best in the league.
Important minds in the NBA are starting to believe that LeBron James will return to the Cleveland Cavaliers to end his career with the franchise that drafted him. The Los Angeles Lakers will see James enter free agency this summer, and it is looking more likely that both sides will part ways. Lakers management is clearly starting to prioritize building the franchise around new superstar Luka Doncic.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon revealed that he’s hearing a lot of chatter about James heading back to Cleveland:
“I don’t know if LeBron knows what he’s going to do. I certainly don’t know what he’s going to do. I know what the rampant speculation is around the league and that is this summer there’s going to be a reunion and potentially a retirement tour for the ages back home again with the Cleveland Cavaliers next year.”
LeBron is not likely to get his ideal salary from the Lakers since the team needs to add more defenders around Luka for the betterment of the team. Cleveland stands out as a great option for James to play for his hometown fans once more and play for a contending team with a deep roster.
LeBron Wants A Big Retirement Tour
There have been some concerns that James would retire after this season without informing the NBA fanbase. However, this report claims that LeBron does have a desired retirement tour in mind. Most players of his tier and even below it typically let the league in on their retirement season to give their fans a final chance to see them live.
MacMahon using the phrase “retirement tour for the ages” means that it would be a big deal for James to get celebrated around the league. Every organization will likely have a special presentation and gift for LeBron, like most recent retirement tours for iconic athletes.
Kobe Bryant and Jordan during his Washington Wizards tenure are the two biggest instances of an NBA retirement tour increasing interest in a regular season. LeBron’s retirement tour would be even bigger since the media coverage is stronger today and he’s been a top star in the league for over two decades now as the longest-tenured superstar ever.
Why Cleveland Makes Sense For LeBron
Last month’s Lakers game visiting the Cavaliers saw the organization and fan base both celebrating James with a hero’s welcome. The small percentage of that being his final game in Cleveland made everyone remind the legend how much he means to that franchise.
LeBron was drafted there as a teenager with sky-high expectations and easily surpassed them to become the greatest player in franchise history. No pressure will be placed on James since he’d get all love from his strongest fan base and get to play in front of his hometown friends once more.
The Cavaliers also have a great chance to contend for the next few seasons. Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and James Harden give LeBron three co-stars to provide more freedom to sit out games at his older age or facilitate more. James would get his dream retirement tour and have a chance at one more ring before ending his illustrious career.
Joey Haverford Joey Haverford is a seasoned sports content writer with over 12 years of experience. He has covered the NBA, WNBA, MLB, NFL, and professional wrestling in the sports industry. More about Joey Haverford
More Heavy on Cavaliers
Loading more stories