When the LA Lakers wrapped the regular season, they were one of the favorites for the title. And within 2 weeks, they proved everyone wrong. The King and his co., otherwise known for crushing the opponent, failed to reach even game 6 of the first round as the Wolves’ attack smashed the Lakers’ 4-1 in the series, with the final game wrapped up with 103-96 to their loss, leaving fans stunned. Anthony Edwards closed the game like a superstar, while LeBron James walked off quietly, unsure of what’s next. Though James didn’t commit to retirement, his future with LA suddenly feels shaky. With whispers growing louder, everyone’s asking the same thing: has LeBron played his final game in purple and gold? Or is there still one more chapter left in Los Angeles?
LeBron, after the loss, didn’t shut down talks about leaving LA, which sparked wild speculation. Could he end where it all began: Cleveland? According to The Athletic, folks close to him haven’t ruled that out. James already had two emotional stints with the Cavaliers, bringing the franchise its first-ever championship in 2016. That iconic moment of them coming back from 3–1 against the Warriors is still fresh in fans’ minds. But is there enough left in Cleveland to tempt him again?
Recently, in Nightcap, Robert Horry joined Shannon Sharpe to weigh in on this exact topic. After reading the excerpt from the Athletic, Sharpe quickly shared his own opinion, stating, “No, I don’t see it. He loves everything about LA.” And Horry agreed, “His daughter was in dance class here. She got everything going on that way.” Thus, according to him, LeBron’s move seems unlikely. He added, “He might go there and sign and say he retired as a Cleveland-“. Sharpe cut in completing Lakers legends’ thoughts, stating, “Yeah, that one-day contract.” The contract they’re talking about is a ceremonial deal players sometimes sign with a former team so they can officially retire as a member of that franchise.
Apr 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) passes against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
So what’s keeping LeBron in LA? According to both Sharpe and Horry, it’s everything. “You don’t want to leave the Lakers, man,” Horry said with a grin. Sharpe also pointed out how most Lakers legends don’t leave: Magic, Kareem, Kobe, and Wilt all finished in LA. Although he added, “Shaq is really the only one I can remember that came here and left.” But Horry pointed out that Shaq was “forced out.” Sharpe agreed that it was because of a money dispute, leading Horry to add his own story: “When I was in the Lakers, I didn’t want to leave either, but I was forced out.” In their eyes, no one walks away from the Lakers unless they’re pushed.
Could the Cavs sign LeBron James this summer?
The Lakers’ early playoff exit has only fueled the offseason drama surrounding LeBron James. At 40, with a player option looming, every move matters. While retirement isn’t off the table, there’s growing curiosity: could he leave LA and return to Cleveland once again? The idea of James finishing his career in his hometown is back in play, and this time, the Cavaliers might be in a much better position to say yes.
Unlike the past, Cleveland doesn’t need saving, they’re already a solid contender. With Darius Garland leading the offense, Donovan Mitchell putting up big numbers, and Evan Mobley blossoming into a two-way star, the Cavs have depth and youth. What they’re missing is a proven veteran with a championship pedigree. James wouldn’t have to carry the load anymore. Instead, he could guide the next generation and enjoy the journey home. The fit feels cleaner than ever.
Of course, the biggest challenge would be cap space. LeBron doesn’t come cheap, and the Cavs would need to maneuver the financial side carefully. But let’s be honest, Cleveland’s front office would likely move pieces around if it meant bringing their king back for a final run. A one-year deal or a creative contract structure could make it possible. If James wants a storybook ending, this is how it starts.
There’s also the emotional angle. LeBron’s previous return brought Cleveland its first championship. A farewell tour in the same city? That would be poetic. And let’s not forget—this isn’t a rebuild. It’s a competitive team that could benefit from a final spark. Whether he still sees it as home or just a past chapter remains to be seen, but if the Cavs are interested, the door may not be fully shut.
One thing’s for sure: if it happens, Cleveland instantly becomes a team to fear.
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