LeBron James‘ future with the Los Angeles Lakers has been a significant topic of discussion this summer. The arrival of Luka Doncic has shifted the power balance within the halls of the Purple and Gold. As such, the Cleveland Cavaliers are viewed as a logical landing spot for the aging superstar.
After all, James is a hometown hero in Cleveland. Returning for a third spell with the franchise, and chasing one final championship would be a fairytale ending. However, Brian Windhorst doesn’t see a LeBron return as likely for the Cavaliers. He shared his thoughts during a recent appearance on ESPN Cleveland.
“And if the Lakers are trading LeBron James, they’re going to want really good stuff for it,” Windhorst said. “With a straight face, I can’t say that it’s impossible, but you have to understand, they can’t feasibly trade for him.”
LeBron, 40, is still an elite talent. In 70 outings for the Lakers last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists. He shot 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from 3-point range. The Cavaliers wouldn’t be able to acquire him on a discount, especially as they would need to match his $52.6 million salary for next season.
Larry Nance Jr. is Back With the Cavaliers
Another hometown hero has already rejoined the Cavaliers this summer. Larry Nance Jr. signed a one-year $3.4 million deal to help Kenny Atkinson’s team chase a championship. During his introductory news conference, Nance explained his reasoning for re-joining Cleveland.
“(They) Need another big that preferably can spread the floor and move a little bit on the perimeter,” Nance said. “It just kind of fed right into exactly what I know I do and exactly how I know I can help…This is a team that’s really got a chance to win it all. And that’s the goal. That’s why I came back, and that’s what we’re going to do this year.”
Despite bringing one homegrown star back to town, it would be far more difficult to do so with LeBron. As such, the Cavaliers would be best served by focusing on the current roster and moving forward with the team at hand.
Lonzo Ball Shared Thoughts on Joining Cavaliers
While LeBron leaving the Lakers for Cleveland is unlikely, Koby Altman has added a former teammate of his. Lonzo Ball was acquired via a trade with the Chicago Bulls earlier this summer.
During his own introductory news conference, Ball opened up on the opportunity to play for the Cavaliers.
“I feel like it’s just a blessing, bro,” Ball said. “To be honest, I mean, everybody keeps asking me how I feel about the trade. I’m like, s***, I’m happy to still be playing anywhere, let alone a team that has a real chance to win a ring… My whole life, I feel like I’ve been playing the right brand of basketball, and that’s to win games, so I feel like I’m going to a great situation, and I just want to play my role and do what I can to help.”
Of course, the success of Ball’s tenure will be down to whether or not he can stay healthy. The veteran ball-handler has struggled with injuries in recent years. Still, if he is in the rotation, he will be a significant upgrade to Cleveland’s second unit. In turn, he could prove to be a key piece in a potential championship push.
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