LeBron James is officially staying put in Los Angeles, at least on paper. The 40-year-old superstar recently picked up his $52.6 million player option with the Lakers, locking him in for the 2025–26 season. But don’t let that fool you into thinking things are settled. Just one comment from his agent, Rich Paul, sent ripple effects across the league: “We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count.” And suddenly, the NBA’s spiciest offseason storyline was back on the table. Because now, all eyes are on Cleveland—and the whispers of a possible homecoming just got louder.

LeBron hasn’t said a word about the Lakers all summer—no thoughts on the draft, no reaction to free agency, just total silence. But the moment the Cavaliers announced an extension for his lifelong friend Brandon Weems, the veteran was quick to respond. He jumped on X to celebrate: “YESSIR!!! Congratulations to my brother B.Weems!!” And that one shout-out lit a match. Fans noticed. Why would LeBron react so loudly to Cleveland news and stay so quiet on L.A.? It’s subtle, sure—but when it comes to James, even silence (or one post) speaks volumes.

On the Road Trippin podcast, hosted by Allie Clifton, LBJ’s close friend, Richard Jefferson didn’t hold back. The topic? LeBron’s future—whether he stays in L.A., joins Luka Doncic, or heads back home to Cleveland. And Richard had thoughts. Honest ones. “Honestly, I don’t think it works,” he said, talking about a LeBron-Luka pairing in L.A. “There’s levels to this. Is there a scenario where they can build a team, around Luka in the short term, right? And then there is LeBron at 50-something million. Let’s say his numbers dropped and he gives 23, 7 and 7. Like there’s not a lot of players out there who can do that…players like him still don’t grow on trees. If this is his last year, let him play out his last year. With all due respect, Luka and the Lakers aren’t necessarily going anywhere.”

But then came the warning shot. “If the Lakers want to give LeBron his $50M and tell him to go away,” Jefferson said, “I think Cleveland would be the best place—especially if you’re talking about championship.” That wasn’t just a hot take—it was a message. To Pelinka. To the Lakers fans. To Luka Doncic. Jefferson laid out the track record: “Miami hasn’t won a championship since LeBron left. The Bulls haven’t been to a Finals since LeBron left. Cleveland has never been to a conference finals without LeBron.” And just to drive the point home, he added, “This s— isn’t as easy as these guys make it look… it can be more difficult to rebuild.” In short, be careful what you wish for.

Even with LeBron turning 40, Jefferson doesn’t see a reason to doubt him. “Same with Tom Brady—played till he was 45,” he said. “We look at the age, but look at the production and the numbers. He is still playing the game, he’s still productive. He went to the playoffs. His team won against the better team—and that was kinda the end of the story.”

So yeah, maybe the man’s closer to retirement than his rookie season, but if you’re still winning? Why rush him out the door?

Will the Cavs be the best option for LeBron James?

If you ask Channing Frye, there’s really only one place that truly makes sense for LeBron James if he decides to leave the Lakers—and that’s Cleveland. On the Road Trippin podcast, Channing didn’t hesitate to pitch the idea of a LeBron-Cavs reunion. “If the Cavs can insert Bron,” he said, “you have Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, you have Bron. You 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.”

And just like that, he painted the picture: a veteran floor general, surrounded by young, hungry stars in the East. SI reported that there are two trade paths on the table: one sends Evan Mobley to LA, the other involves Darius Garland plus one of the team’s other big contracts. Either way, both scenarios give the Cavs a real shot at landing LeBron and still contending.

What sets LeBron apart, according to Channing, is what drives him. He made it clear: “Certain guys play for minutes, certain guys play to be All-Star, certain guys play to be in the Hall of Fame—LeBron James plays basketball to win championships and to be the greatest player ever.” And with that kind of mindset, Frye believes Cleveland’s young core could benefit in a huge way. “His attitude towards the season would be great for them, especially Donovan Mitchell, especially for Darius Garland.” LeBron’s presence would elevate the locker room, and suddenly, this Cavs team wouldn’t just be talented—they’d be dangerous.

Then came Channing’s mic-drop moment: “There are only like seven guys who have won like 90% of championships. If you have one of them, you don’t let him go very easily… and he [Bron] is one of them.” And just to add a poetic touch, he reminded everyone that 2026 will mark the 10-year anniversary of Cleveland’s historic 2016 title. “You know how crazy it would be?” Frye said.

Of course, he admitted LeBron might still finish his career in Los Angeles—but if the King does leave, Frye made one thing very clear: “It doesn’t make sense any other place for who he is, where he is at, and where these other teams are.” A return to Cleveland wouldn’t just be poetic, it would be strategic. It would give LeBron the chance to finish where it all started—and maybe finish on top.