LeBron James has been floated as a potential trade target for the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer. The veteran superstar recently opted into his $52.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, rumors continue to persist regarding LeBron’s happiness in Lakerland, especially now the roster is being tooled around Luka Doncic. During a recent conversation with Sam Amico of HoopsWire, an anonymous NBA scout explained why we shouldn’t expect LeBron to return to his hometown for a third stint with the Cavaliers franchise.
“I keep hearing their interest is minimal, if they have any at all,” The scout told Amico. “So I’m not even sure where that report originated. Who’s the source on it? Rich Paul’s cleaning lady?… I don’t think 40-year-old LeBron is the target. He’s still very good most nights, at least offensively, but it doesn’t work for about a thousand reasons. And you can start with the fact he’s under contract for like 53 million bucks.”
The scout then continued to explain why LeBron wouldn’t make sense for the Cavaliers this summer.
“He’s not going anywhere and if he does go somewhere, it won’t be Cleveland. The Cavaliers don’t need him. They’re building something really great there. I don’t think he puts them over the top at this stage of his career anyway.”
Trading for LeBron would be a tall order for Koby Altman. Matching his monstrous salary would mean gutting the franchise’s depth and potential future. Given his advanced age and limited time left in the NBA, it would be a short-sighted move. As such, we shouldn’t expect to see LeBron joining Cleveland in the trade market.
Cleveland Has Reportedly Shown Interest in LeBron
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne, “a handful of teams” checked in on LeBron after Rich Paul admitted his client wants to continue challenging for championships. Paul’s statement to ESPN came after the veteran superstar opted into the final year of his current deal.
“One Eastern Conference executive was convinced James wanted out of LA,” Windhorst and Shelburne reported. “A handful of teams — including the Golden State Warriors, who tried to trade for James in 2023-24 — considered again whether to make an offer, sources said. One Western Conference executive chalked it up to an elaborate pout because the Lakers hadn’t offered James a new contract extension.”
NBA Insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson then named-dropped the Cavaliers as one of the few teams that had shown interest.
Nevertheless, the only way that bringing LeBron back to his hometown team would make sense is if it occurred via free agency or on the buyout market.
Brian Windhorst Shoots Down a LeBron Return
During a recent appearance on ESPN Cleveland, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst shot down the notion of LeBron returning to the Cavaliers.
“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.”
Despite his age, LeBron had a strong season for the Lakers in their 24-25 campaign. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per outing, while shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from deep. Unfortunately for Cavaliers fans, they likely won’t see him suiting up for the franchise for a third time, at least not this season. Who knows what the future will hold, though.
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