In Los Angeles, some things never change: stars shine bright, the spotlight never dims. And the Lakers’ front office continues to juggle stars and strategies like it’s a high-stakes poker game. But this summer, the stakes feel higher. LeBron James has opted into the final year of his $52.6 million contract. Luka Dončić is reportedly close to inking a long-term deal to become the Lakers’ franchise cornerstone. And yet, the future feels anything but secure. The front office has made it clear: no extension for LeBron. Not now. Maybe not ever.
Meanwhile, rumors swirl like a desert breeze in July, unrelenting and everywhere. And in the middle of the firestorm, two of LeBron’s former teammates, Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye, have something to say. And they’re not saying the same thing. On the Road Trippin’ podcast, the two ex-Cavs turned analysts laid their opinions bare.
And what followed was a basketball debate that echoed every fan’s group chat. Richard Jefferson made his stance known, that even if LeBron James’ performance slightly declines. Even if he averages 23 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, those are still elite numbers. While LeBron isn’t at his absolute peak anymore, players like him are incredibly rare.
Jefferson argues that, for the money LeBron is earning around $50 million, the Lakers are still getting valuable production. He believes the team should allow LeBron to finish out this final season rather than push for a trade or buyout. Even with Luka Doncic on the roster, the Lakers aren’t close to being championship contenders. In his view, they’re not just “one player away” from a title.
Jefferson, “With all due respect, Luka and the Lakers aren’t necessarily going anywhere. It’s not like they’re—it’s not like they’re one player away. So when I look at this, I’m like, why not play your last year there?And then Bron, you are a free agent if you so choose.” Jefferson’s point is clear: LeBron, even at 40, is producing at elite levels. And unless the Lakers are suddenly one magical piece away from a title, moving on early doesn’t make sense.
But Channing Frye doesn’t see it that way. He’s watching what’s happening in Cleveland, and he thinks the pieces might just fit perfectly there. “You have Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, you have Bron, but he would need a buyout, obviously. Then you have Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. That is a vastly different team with him as a facilitator for your two scoring guys.” Meanwhile, Frye makes the case that the Lakers are far from being championship contenders. He emphasizes that they’re not just one or even three pieces away from competing for a title, especially in the highly competitive Western Conference.
Channing Frye’s point is grounded in the current reality of the team’s roster and situation, as they simply aren’t built to win right now. In contrast, he sees the Cleveland Cavaliers as a team that could be ready to contend, especially with LeBron in a facilitating role. He believes LeBron could have a major impact in Cleveland by mentoring and elevating young stars like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, similar to how he once helped develop Kyrie Irving during his second stint with the Cavs. Frye sees LeBron’s leadership and experience as a potential game-changer for a young team on the rise.
Likewise, Jefferson warns the Lakers and their fans about the real consequences of parting ways with a generational player like LeBron James. He says that if the Lakers decide to pay LeBron his $50 million and let him walk, Cleveland would be the best fit for him, especially if it’s going to be his farewell season.
But Jefferson’s message goes deeper. He reminded everyone what happens when teams move on from greatness. Since LeBron left Miami, they haven’t won a championship. And Cleveland hasn’t made it past the second round, except when LeBron was there. In fact, the Cavs have never reached even the conference finals without him. So, instead of rushing to start fresh, Jefferson believes the smarter move is to keep building around LeBron while they still can.
Are the Cavs the ideal landing spot for James?
While Richard Jefferson defends a Lakers farewell tour, Frye leans into the potential of a Cavs reunion, if the terms are right. Frye envisions a scenario where LeBron James takes on a new role. Not as the primary scorer, rather as a seasoned facilitator who brings structure and leadership to a young, talented Cavaliers roster. In this lineup, LeBron would play alongside Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt, with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen anchoring the frontcourt. Frye emphasizes that this combination would transform the team into something special.
This version of LeBron isn’t chasing stats or spotlight. But using his experience to elevate those around him, as the floor general he would direct the offense, control the pace, make smart decisions in critical moments. And create opportunities for Garland and Mitchell to shine as scorers. It’s a mature, evolved role that maximizes the skill sets of the team’s young core, turning them from a good squad into a potentially elite one. James brings more than just basketball skills to a team. While most players aim to climb the mountain and compete at a high level, LeBron is on a mission of his own. Frye describes the difference in ambition by saying others might try to reach the top of a hill, but LeBron is trying to get to Mars. That’s the scale of his drive and commitment.
According to Frye, this will be incredibly valuable for a young Cavaliers team. Players like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland could grow immensely under LeBron’s leadership and intensity. LeBron’s focus on winning, work ethic, and approach to the game would have a massive impact in shaping the team’s identity and mentality, especially in high-pressure moments. With a lineup that includes elite size in Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, plus two scoring guards, Frye sees LeBron’s presence as the missing piece that could elevate the Cavaliers from promising to championship-ready.
Until then, all eyes are on L.A., and every move, tweet, and quote from LeBron James is under the microscope. As always, with the King, the story never ends, it just evolves.
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