Donovan Mitchell Isn't Hiding Interest in LeBron James

Cavaliers star discusses possibility of teaming up with NBA legend

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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During NBA All-Star Weekend, Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell was asked directly about the possibility of LeBron James returning to the Cavaliers. While Mitchell acknowledged it would be "special" to play with James, he stated his main focus is on winning a championship with the team he currently has, which recently acquired players like James Harden and Dennis Schroder.

Why it matters

The potential return of LeBron James to the Cavaliers has been a topic of speculation, as his contract is set to expire this summer. Mitchell's comments provide insight into how the Cavaliers' star player views the possibility of teaming up with the NBA legend.

The details

In an interview on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Mitchell was asked about the idea of playing with LeBron James. While he said it would be "special" to be James' teammate, Mitchell emphasized that his focus is on winning a championship with the current Cavaliers roster, which has been bolstered by recent trades for players like James Harden and Dennis Schroder. Mitchell stated that the decision on James' future is out of his control and that he is "big on believing what I can control."

  • Mitchell's comments came during NBA All-Star Weekend in February 2026.

The players

Donovan Mitchell

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

LeBron James

An NBA legend who has been the subject of speculation about a potential return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he previously played.

James Harden

A player recently traded to the Cavaliers, who Mitchell mentioned as part of the team's current roster.

Dennis Schroder

Another player recently traded to the Cavaliers, who Mitchell mentioned as part of the team's current roster.

Lou Williams

A former NBA player who expressed skepticism about the Cavaliers' chances of contending for a championship if they were to recruit LeBron James.

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What they’re saying

“As a Bron fan, to be able to be a teammate, that would obviously be special, but that's not something in my control. I control what we got here. There's always going to be reports, that's natural, it's gonna be a thing.”

— Donovan Mitchell (SiriusXM NBA Radio)

“At the end of the day, to your point, my main focus right now is trying to get this championship. And whatever it happens, it happens. Like, that's not up to me, that's not up to anybody else in the locker room. So I'm big on believing what I can control.”

— Donovan Mitchell (SiriusXM NBA Radio)

“History tells me that the OG-led team usually don't compete for championships. It looks good, it feels good. I'm thinking of the old Lakers with Karl Malone and Gary Payton, all of 'em guys, and they still (couldn't win a championship).”

— Lou Williams, Former NBA player (Run It Back)

The takeaway

Donovan Mitchell's comments suggest he is open to the possibility of playing with LeBron James, but his primary focus is on winning a championship with the Cavaliers' current roster. The potential return of James to Cleveland continues to be a topic of speculation, but Mitchell's stance indicates he is committed to the team he has now and is not actively recruiting the NBA legend.