Could LeBron James end his legendary career where it all began — with the Cleveland Cavaliers?
The idea of a full-circle homecoming is gaining traction once again as betting site Bovada lists the Cavaliers with the second-best odds (+350) to land the Los Angeles Lakers superstar ahead of the February 2026 NBA trade deadline.
The Dallas Mavericks remain the odds-on favorites (-120), while the Golden State Warriors (+450) and New York Knicks (+550) trail behind. Rounding out the list are James’ former team, the Miami Heat, and the Phoenix Suns, both at +900.
The speculation comes amid growing uncertainty about James’ future in Los Angeles, especially after the Lakers pivoted this summer to make Luka Dončić the new face of the franchise.
Injured LeBron Monitoring Lakers’ Early-Season Struggles
James, who turns 41 in December, is currently dealing with sciatica and will miss three to four weeks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
While he recovers, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin said on NBA Today that James is closely watching how the Lakers perform in his absence.
“LeBron’s gonna be watching while he’s out,” McMenamin said. “If they’re struggling, that could lead to the next step — maybe he’s gonna have to go elsewhere to find that winning combination.”
With the Lakers struggling to establish chemistry in the post-LeBron transition, speculation has intensified about whether the four-time MVP might once again seek a fresh start elsewhere — perhaps ending his career where it all began.
NBA Insiders: Cavaliers Seen as the Sentimental Fit
Yaron Weitzman of Bleacher Report polled several NBA executives and scouts about James’ next move. The consensus? Cleveland makes the most narrative sense if James wants a farewell tour.
“If he wants to do a farewell tour like Kobe did, it’s the only other team that makes sense,” one league executive told Weitzman. “LeBron cares about narratives. He doesn’t want to be like Michael Jordan on the Wizards.”
Weitzman, who spent three years researching and writing a book on James and the Lakers, said most insiders believe the 21-year veteran will eventually orchestrate a storybook farewell tour, similar to Kobe Bryant’s final season.
But not everyone is convinced James will have full control this time around.
“The problem is that he’s put himself in a situation where it’s impossible for him to get everything he wants,” another executive said. “He has no leverage here, and he’s not used to that.”
Salary Cap Roadblocks Could Complicate a Return
Despite the emotional appeal, a return to Cleveland would not be simple. The Cavaliers are facing second-apron salary cap restrictions, making a direct trade nearly impossible.
That leaves only two realistic scenarios: a buyout from the Lakers or James signing for significantly less money in free agency.
“Cleveland would obviously welcome that,” one league executive told Weitzman.
But not everyone agrees a buyout would suit James’ image.
“When you take a buyout, that’s a signal that people around the league don’t want you,” a player agent said. “And I don’t think LeBron wants that.”
Trade Scenarios: Kevin O’Connor’s Bold Proposal
Earlier this offseason, Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor outlined what a LeBron-to-Cleveland trade could realistically look like — and it’s costly.
“LeBron James to the Cavaliers would require getting under the second apron, which would mean losing Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland, and a third guy: probably Max Strus,” O’Connor wrote on X in June. “It’s a lot to give up for a player who may not put you over the top and may have only one year left. But if the chance is there, the Cavs should go all-in on LeBron.”
O’Connor added that trading Allen and Garland could also have long-term benefits.
“Allen has folded in the playoffs and Garland is a tiny guard,” O’Connor wrote. “Could trading them be a low-key salary dump for Cleveland? Then, whenever LeBron retires, the front office would have cap flexibility to build next to Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley.”
A Storybook Ending or a Final Detour?
Cleveland has already explored breaking up its Donovan Mitchell–Darius Garland backcourt in previous trade discussions, including a failed pursuit of Kevin Durant, per O’Connor.
That willingness to reshape the roster — combined with LeBron’s historic ties to the city — keeps the door open for what could be the ultimate NBA homecoming.
Whether it’s a farewell tour or a final championship chase, the Cavaliers remain one of the few teams that could offer James both — and perhaps the perfect setting to ride into the sunset where it all began.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Cavaliers Rise in LeBron James Trade Odds appeared first on Heavy Sports.