Is LeBron James considering leaving the Los Angeles Lakers and returning to Cleveland for a third time?
LeBron James was observed watching Cleveland’s NBA playoff game against the Boston Celtics, sparking speculation of a future comeback to the Cavaliers.
NBA analyst Brian Windhorst said ESPN Radio that James’ participation at this game brought back memories of his first return to Cleveland, and that a reunion could be in the works once more.
‘I will say this, the first thing I thought of was this moment 10 years ago where LeBron showed up to a game in Cleveland while he was a player for the Miami Heat to honor Zydrunas Ilgauskas’ Jersey retirement, his longtime teammate.
‘And he got in a private plane, flew from Chicago over to Cleveland on an off night. Pat Riley was not happy. And a few months later he signed with the Cavs…
LeBron James may have been ‘up to something’ by showing up to a Cleveland Cavaliers game
James was in town for Mother’s Day and appeared courtside for Cleveland’s playoff matchup
Rumors have circulated nearly all season long of LeBron James’ unhappiness with the Lakers
A different team is interested in jumping the Lakers to draft Bronny pic.twitter.com/Gv0eLjyo80
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) May 14, 2024
‘He’s extremely strategic and I wish I could tell you I knew exactly what he is doing. I don’t pretend to know, but he’s gotta be up to something.’
Earlier in the day on ESPN’s ‘Get Up’, Windhorst said that LeBron was in Cleveland for Mother’s Day
There could be a way to keep LeBron in Los Angeles Lakers colors: if they drafted his son, Bronny, and hired the head coach he wants.
According to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, James wants the team to draft Bronny and hire JJ Redick as their next head coach.
But there could be a road block in the way, according to Smith: ‘Bronny James might not make it to the Lakers’ second-round pick. Because if a team like the Dallas Mavericks could position themselves to get him in the second round, they’ll take him. Because LeBron said he wants to go where his son goes.
‘And if you’re the Dallas Mavericks, and you got Kyrie, and you got Luka, and LeBron James is willing to come to Big D, that might be the first time something’s more popular than the Cowboys.’
Rumors of LeBron’s unhappiness with the Lakers have been circulating for months as the team struggled throughout the season.
The Lakers finished with a 47-35 record and won their play-in game over the New Orleans Pelicans. But in the first round, they fell to the Denver Nuggets in five games.