NBA Champ Makes Bold Prediction on LeBron James’ Future

LeBron James is currently in his 23rd season. At 41, he continues to play at a high-level and has not shown signs of slowing down. He will appear in his 22nd consecutive All-Star Game as well.

James has put together a Hall of Fame career and he has talked about retirement but has not indicated when that will be. His former teammate JR Smith thinks James will go back to Cleveland next year. "This is all speculation and this is my opinion, I think he goes back to Cleveland next year," Smith said. "I still think he has a lot left in the tank to where he's very impactful, especially to a team like Cleveland with the pieces they already have."

Did LeBron James Play His Final Game in Cleveland?

On Jan. 28, the Los Angeles Lakers traveled to Ohio to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers took care of the Lakers 129-99 but the big story was James' return to Cleveland and it potentially being the last time he plays in Cleveland.

It was an emotional return for James as the Cavaliers played a video tribute to James during the game that left the three-time NBA champion emotional. James has cemented himself as one of the greatest in the history of the NBA and arguably the greatest player that has worn a Cavalier jersey.

After the game against Cleveland, James reflected on the moment and how his career is nearing an end. "Just trying to take everything in and not take the moments for granted because it could be," James said. "Obviously, I haven't made a decision on the future, but very well could be."

"I don't know what the future holds for me, obviously, so I'm just trying to live in the moment, and, like I said, I don't know if it's my last game here or not at this moment," he added.

It would be a story book ending to James' career if he finished it in Cleveland.

LeBron James Keeps in Contact With JR Smith

James and Smith have built a close relationship throughout their time in the league. Both were teammates when the Cavaliers won the title in 2016 and when the Lakers won in 2020. Smith mentioned that they are in a group chat together and they still talk. So who knows the conversations that are ha d in the group chat.

During their time in Cleveland, James believed that Smith deserved to be an All-Star. "He's never been invited," James said during 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "I think I might need to start making that petition. Us being the No. 1 team in the East, him shooting the ball the way he's been shooting it, we need to try to get as many guys to All-Star as possible. Guys know in the league he's an unbelievable 3-point shooter, and he deserves an invite."

Smith played a significant role in Cleveland's title run and he would like to see his former teammate back in Cleveland one last time.