LeBron James’ future in the league is a mystery. Many believe that the 41-year-old is likely to play a historic 24th season. If he does return next year, then the Los Angeles Lakers would welcome him to LA. However, the chances of the Akron Hammer moving back to the Cleveland Cavaliers are also buzzing around the league. But there is a twist in the story, and LA might be at the profit’s end.

According to ESPN insider Brian Windhorst, James would become a part of the Cavs organization only at a discount. “The only way the Cavs could add him would be to get him to play at either the minimum, or maybe they could do some things to shave some salary to open up the taxpayer mid-level exception, where it’s like six or seven million dollars. From the Cavs’ perspective, it’s simple,” Windy informed.

This means that LeBron James would likely have to settle for a $49.2 million deal with Cleveland. That is, $3.5 million veteran minimum scrapped from his current $52.7 million salary. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers already face a crushing financial reality heading into 2026.

The Cavaliers will pay Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley nearly $46.4M each, James Harden $39.4M, and Jarrett Allen another $20M. As a result, the Cavaliers are staring at a projected $221.5M tax payroll, soaring about $33.6M above the line, with a staggering $119.6M tax bill ahead. Yet even then, a window remains open.

“Basically, they say to LeBron, ‘If you would like to play with us, we’d love to have you. This is what we have to offer. That’s all we can offer. We can offer you that, and being in Cleveland.’ And if he’s able and is willing to accept that money, I think it’s 99 percent,” Windhorst concluded.

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Moreover, previous reports say that LeBron James will most likely understand the paycut at Cleveland. The financial landscape will shift at the Cavaliers, and Bron will have to settle with it. Besides, going back to Cleveland is more than just about the NBA.

LeBron James’ connection with Cleveland

As a native of Akron, Ohio, LeBron James rose with a city hungry for belief. Therefore, his presence carried civic weight. Cleveland had waited since 1964 for a major professional title, and hope often felt far away. Moreover, his four NBA championships and 27.1 career points per game defined greatness. He stood as a symbol of pride and identity.

However, the defining moment came in 2016. After a brief stop in Miami, LeBron returned and led the Cavaliers past Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors in Game 7. Consequently, 1.3 million people filled the streets, nearly 10% of Northeast Ohio. The title ended a 52-year drought and united the region.

Moreover, the impact reached beyond basketball. From 2014-2018, downtown Cleveland saw $3.5 billion in growth. Hotels, restaurants, and East 4th Street thrived. In 2018, LeBron opened the I Promise School for 1,500 at-risk students. Meanwhile, Witness campaigns, murals, a Rocket Arena statue, and activism elevated Cleveland globally, echoing Tom Brady in Tampa Bay.

Therefore, a Cleveland Cavaliers homecoming for LeBron James is something no one can rule out right now. However, given the financial situation, the Los Angeles Lakers could benefit. Because if Bron chooses to play next season, LA could offer him a spot, take him out of free agency, and hand him a ~$59 million deal. But if the Cavs become his next landing spot, then James has to settle for $49 million.