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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 26: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 113-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
NBA icon LeBron James is anticipated to continue his playing career when he enters free agency this summer. The Los Angeles Lakers hope to contend this season with James on the roster, but nothing is confirmed after this season as they look to build around new face of the franchise Luka Doncic. Rumors have circulated about LeBron’s future potentially putting him on a new team to end his career away from the Lakers.
However, Lakers Daily reports that the Lakers are one of two teams that James will seriously consider as a free agent:
As one source told Lakers Daily, “A farewell tour with the Warriors would make no sense at all. It’s Lakers, Cavaliers or retirement.”
The Cleveland Cavaliers are the other team that could get LeBron to sign a deal and end his career there. James is still considered the greatest player in Cavaliers franchise history and arguably the most beloved athlete in Cleveland sports history.
The 2016 NBA Championship made LeBron an iconic figure forever after leading the Cavaliers to their first and only NBA Title. A return home to end his career with the franchise most synonymous with LeBron would make logical sense after rumors started picking up earlier this season.
How The Lakers Can Keep LeBron
The Lakers are expected to play hardball with James and not just hand out another massive contract to him. Despite having a lot of cap space coming off the books, reports suggest that getting new talent that fits better with Doncic will be the top priority.
Austin Reaves is anticipated to receive a huge contract offer to become the second highest-paid superstar on the team. James reportedly will have to take a smaller contract for the Lakers to add better talent and improve the depth for a stronger NBA Championship chance.
This plan caused many to question if LeBron would want to return to a place that may not want him as badly. However, James could easily opt to stay in the place where he’s most comfortable and retire playing alongside his son Bronny James on a contender. The Lakers would have to convince LeBron that the roster is elite to keep him under a smaller contract.
How Cleveland Can Steal LeBron Away
Cleveland also makes a lot of sense as the other team named by the source close to James. The most recent Lakers game visiting the Cavaliers saw the Cleveland fans and franchise giving him a hero’s welcome, in case it was his final game in the chance he retires this summer.
James would also need to take a pay cut here and may need to settle for near a minimum contract to make this deal work. The Cavaliers have to sign James Harden to an extension after trading for him at the deadline this season
LeBron could go for a storybook ending here to challenge for another title and end his career where it started. The core of Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen would give James an incredible starting lineup and a chance to win the NBA Championship before retirement.
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
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