LeBron James could’ve retired years ago and still would’ve gone down as one of the two greatest players in NBA history. However, even though he’s 40, he doesn’t seem interested in retiring yet.
This offseason, he opted into his Los Angeles Lakers contract, which means he’ll at least be playing for the 2025-26 season, but there’s no guarantee he’ll end the season on the same team. James’ camp has hinted that he might be interested in moving on from the Lakers, but he hasn’t directly requested a trade.
Los Angeles doesn’t seem eager to move on from James, and he has a no-trade clause in his contract, so if he wants a fresh start, he’ll have to be the one to ask for it. There are plenty of teams that could use a player like him, especially one of his former teams.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith believes that James should push for a reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers, as it would offer him the best opportunity to win a championship.
“Why don’t you just come back to Cleveland to end your career,” Smith said on “First Take.” “This cannot be disputed: he has a better chance of winning the championship in Cleveland than he would in LA. The road through the Western Conference is arduous to say the least.”
Should James Retire After Season?
James is playing at an All-NBA level despite his age, but retirement is coming sooner rather than later. He may just be chasing one more championship run before he decides to leave basketball behind.
Smith thinks that if James goes to Cleveland and wins a championship, he should retire after the season.
“If LeBron James came back to Cleveland, you’re the favourites to come out of the East,” Smith said. “You only need four wins to win a championship. You bring the chip back to Cleveland, and you say goodbye. Five-time champion, tying Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, and the crew.”
James hasn’t hinted at a retirement decision yet, but it’s hard to imagine he’d abruptly retire after the season without any kind of farewell tour. It’s more likely we’d know James is retiring before his final season in the NBA.
Could Cavaliers Pursue James Next Year?
The Cavaliers don’t have the financial means to add James’ $52 million contract, so they would have to give up some pieces to the Lakers in a trade. Considering how wide open the Eastern Conference is going to be this season, it would make sense for the Cavaliers to go hard after James next offseason if they aren’t able to get over the hump in the Eastern Conference.
Cleveland has a younger squad filled with players who don’t have championship experience. James could be the missing piece for the roster. He’s never been shy about his love for Cleveland, and it would be a great story for him to finish out his career with his hometown team.
If the Lakers don’t want to re-sign him next offseason, the Cavaliers might be the best place for James to spend his final year or two.
