Cavaliers Fans Bracing for LeBron James Return After Lakers News

Cavaliers Fans Bracing for LeBron James Return After Lakers News originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has exercised his $52.6 million player option for next season. While things had been trending in this direction, there was a more unexpected twist to the news on Sunday.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, James is closely monitoring how the Lakers build out their roster this offseason, and if championship contention is a realistic expectation.

"LeBron wants to compete for a championship," Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN. "He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career."

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23).Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Amid this growing uncertainty, a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers is something both fans and analysts were quick to place on the table. To be clear, there is no reporting on this being a likelihood, but that hasn't stopped the speculation from mounting.

Ke vin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports ignited this discussion with a lengthy post on X, detailing the complications of a James to Cleveland reunion, but also acknowledging the non-zero chance of it taking place.

Amid this, ESPN Cleveland asked fans, "Would you take LeBron James back on the Cavs?"

"Yea you have to east is wide open," replied one.

"Yup and if you say no you're lying," said another.

"Absolutely," one added.

"Any minute. No question," added another.

"OBVIOUSLY," exclaimed one.

"Anyone saying no bc of age or salary does not watch basketball lol," said another.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.

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