LeBron James Considering Return to Cleveland Cavaliers

Insider rumors suggest the NBA superstar could leave the Lakers to rejoin his former team

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Insider reports indicate that NBA superstar LeBron James is considering leaving the Los Angeles Lakers to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team he led to an NBA championship in 2016. Industry insiders believe James' time with the Lakers is coming to an end, and he is drawn by his strong personal and community ties to Cleveland, as well as the Cavaliers' promising roster and championship prospects.

Why it matters

This potential move would have major implications for both the Lakers and Cavaliers franchises. The Lakers would face a rebuilding phase without their superstar, while the Cavaliers could instantly become title contenders with James back in the fold. The decision would also impact the competitive landscape of the NBA's Eastern and Western Conferences for years to come.

The details

NBA insider Brett Siegel reported that momentum is building toward James rejoining the Cavaliers, with many around the league believing his time with the Lakers is over. Siegel cited James' deep personal and community connections to Cleveland as a critical factor, as well as the Cavaliers' potential to assemble a championship-caliber roster with stars like James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley. However, the Cavaliers can currently only offer James a veteran minimum contract due to salary cap restrictions.

  • LeBron James is currently in his 23rd NBA season and 8th with the Lakers.
  • The Cavaliers are 34-21 and ranked 4th in the Eastern Conference, riding a 5-game winning streak.
  • The Lakers are 33-21 and ranked 5th in the Western Conference, preparing to face the Los Angeles Clippers.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA superstar who is currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. He previously played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, leading them to an NBA championship in 2016.

Brett Siegel

An NBA insider who reported on the growing momentum behind LeBron James potentially returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Brian Windhorst

An ESPN reporter who stated that under current salary cap restrictions, the Cavaliers can only offer LeBron James a veteran minimum contract.

James Harden

An NBA star who could potentially join the Cavaliers and form a championship-caliber roster alongside LeBron James.

Donovan Mitchell

An NBA star who could potentially join the Cavaliers and form a championship-caliber roster alongside LeBron James.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone around the league, even at the trade deadline felt that his time with the Lakers is over and that it seems like he's going to be going back to Cleveland.”

— Brett Siegel, NBA Insider (Clutch Scoops)

“We know how much that city means to him. It's where he's from, it's where he still has family, and he does a lot for that community still even though he's halfway across the nation.”

— Brett Siegel, NBA Insider (Clutch Scoops)

“I would be shocked if he doesn't go back to Cleveland. I just see him taking a discount to do so. Whether it's a minimum deal, whether they clear cap space to offer him something else. I just don't see anyway, A, he returns to the Lakers and B, why he would want to finish his career with some new team.”

— Brett Siegel, NBA Insider (Clutch Scoops)

What’s next

As the NBA offseason approaches, all eyes will be on LeBron James' next move and whether he decides to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers or remain with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The takeaway

LeBron James' potential return to the Cleveland Cavaliers would be a stunning homecoming for the NBA superstar, driven by his deep personal ties to the city and the Cavaliers' promising roster. This move could instantly transform the Cavaliers into a championship contender and significantly impact the competitive landscape of the NBA.