The future of LeBron James remains as uncertain as ever as Los Angeles Lakers’ governor Jeanie Buss sounds doubtful the King will be returning next season, according to Alex Sherman of CNBC. Either because of retirement or choosing to play for another team (potentially his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers?).
“Never say never, but you know, he certainly hasn’t given us an indication,” Buss said. “He’s earned the right to decide how his career will go, and you know, he continues to impress.”
James, to this point, has kept his cards close to his vest. He’s refused to give any hint as to where he’ll be playing next season, or if he’ll be playing at all. This is a can that he keeps kicking down the road. Naturally, that means the next few months are going to be a never-ending cycle of speculation.
So, buckle up.
It only makes sense that in all of this chaos, the Cleveland Cavaliers are repeatedly found at the center of it.
Can anyone come up with a better ending to LeBron’s historic career than returning home for one final championship run? Another title in Cleveland would be more valuable than winning anywhere else. It’s the type of thing that sounds too perfect.
But the stars are alligned. The Cavs have dug themselves out of another rebuilding process and could, hypothetically, add James back into the mix on a minimum contract. Whether or not James would agree to that is another story. The point is, it’s possible.
Still, LA is not out of the picture. Sure, they’ve made Luka Doncic the new cornerstone of their franchise and have largely put James on the back burner (at least, aesthetically). But the Lakers are still reportedly open to having James back next season. I’d imagine all 30 NBA teams would welcome James, but you get the point.
“If James wants to play a 24th season, he would be welcomed back in LA. Pelinka declared before the start of this season that he would love it if James retired a Laker, and that sentiment was meant to reflect a 2026 retirement or a 2027 retirement, if James intends to extend his career.”via ESPN