Donovan Mitchell Addresses Potential LeBron James Reunion on Cavaliers

Mitchell says teaming up with James would be "special" but his focus is on winning a championship in Cleveland.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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There has been speculation that NBA superstar LeBron James could return to the Cleveland Cavaliers when his current contract with the Los Angeles Lakers expires. If James did return to Cleveland, it would mean teaming up with Cavs star guard Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell was asked about the possibility during All-Star weekend and acknowledged that playing with James would be "special", but stressed that his focus is on helping the Cavaliers make a deep playoff run this season.

Why it matters

The potential reunion of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers has been a major storyline in the NBA, as James' homecoming would be a fitting end to his storied career. Donovan Mitchell's comments provide insight into how he would view the opportunity to team up with one of the greatest players of all time.

The details

During a media session at NBA All-Star weekend, Donovan Mitchell was asked about the possibility of LeBron James joining the Cavaliers. While Mitchell acknowledged that playing with James would be "special", he emphasized that his current focus is on helping the Cavaliers win a championship this season. Mitchell said "As a Bron fan, being a teammate would be special. But that's not in my control. There's always going to be reports, that's natural, it's gonna be a thing. At the end of the day, my focus is trying to get this championship. Whatever happens, happens."

  • LeBron James' current contract with the Los Angeles Lakers expires after the 2022-23 NBA season.

The players

Donovan Mitchell

A star guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers who was asked about the possibility of teaming up with LeBron James.

LeBron James

A future Hall of Fame player who has been linked to a potential return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team that drafted him and where he began his NBA career.

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What they’re saying

“As a Bron fan, being a teammate would be special. But that's not in my control. There's always going to be reports, that's natural, it's gonna be a thing. At the end of the day, my focus is trying to get this championship. Whatever happens, happens.”

— Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers Guard (SiriusXM NBA Radio)

The takeaway

Donovan Mitchell's comments show that while he would welcome the opportunity to play alongside LeBron James, his primary focus is on helping the Cavaliers win a championship this season. The potential reunion of James and the Cavaliers remains a major storyline, but Mitchell is keeping his attention on the task at hand in Cleveland.