Over the next two or three years, the possibilities are endless for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The four-time NBA champion is hoping to win at least one more title, which would tie him up with Lakers legends Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant. Of course, if he can get to six rings like Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, that would be even better. In the meantime, he’ll be joined by at least one of his sons, with the Lakers taking Bronny James with the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. If he decides to stick around past his contract, he might even play alongside his youngest son, Bryce James.
Should LeBron James Retire With Cavs Or Lakers?
With a no-trade clause in his contract, there isn’t a high probability of him leaving the Lakers.
For those who have fantasized about him teaming up with Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry, that’ll be disappointing. However, with James leaving the door open for a potential partnership, it’s still a remote option. That being said, James would probably only leave the Lakers to join a championship-contender.
So, the Warriors are one team that James could look to join. The Phoenix Suns may be another, particularly if Kevin Durant signs an extension. Prior to re-signing with the Lakers this offseason, James teased his interest in signing with the New York Knicks and was rumored to be considering a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Dallas Mavericks can’t be counted out either due to James’s fondness and appreciation for Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, and Jason Kidd.
What about the Cleveland Cavaliers though? The Cavs don’t have quite as much star power as the Warriors, Suns, Knicks, Sixers, or Mavs. However, after the beatdown they gave a hot Lakers team this week, they’re clearly a strong group. In fact, Cleveland is looking to clinch a playoff berth for the third straight season.
Furthermore, unlike the aforementioned teams, James has a deep connection to the franchise. Not only did the Cavs make him the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, they angled themselves to acquire him before he even declared. They were rewarded for their faith in James when he transformed them into a perennial championship-contender before he was old enough to rent a car. In 2016, he delivered them their first championship in franchise history.
Is There A Better Ending?
If James was to return to the Cavs, via trade or free agency, he would be surrounded by quite the supporting cast.
Donovan Mitchell, a whirlwind with the ball in his hands, would probably retain his role as the team’s primary scorer. Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen could also lead the team in scoring in any given game. However, Mitchell and Garland’s playmaking would also make the game easier for James. With Mobley and Allen providing the backline defense, a Cleveland team that adds James sounds pretty tough to beat on paper.
Perhaps even more importantly, James going out with the Cavs would be an appropriate way to end his career.
It’s his home state team. It’s who he played for as he grew into a young man. To many, it’s where he shined the most. To that point, plenty of stars have retired with the Lakers. Though he might stand above them all, he’s just one of many. Yet, James would undoubtedly be the only NBA icon to retire with Cleveland.
While the 39-year-old still has a few years to figure it all out, a final season with the Cavs shouldn’t be ruled out.
