The Los Angeles Lakers managed to win an NBA championship with the superstar duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge. Now, the team has sorely struggled to stay healthy all the while, the Russell Westbrook experience has been a negative one.
Right now, the Lakers find themselves holding a 27-31 record and rank 9th in the Western Conference standings. Davis is set to be sidelined for much of the remainder of the regular season, too. For the second consecutive season, Los Angeles appears primed to participate in the play-in tournament.
The expectations were much higher for LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers team entering this season. The formulation of a new “Big 3” with the Russell Westbrook trade was supposed to take the team to new heights. Instead, a depleted supporting cast has proved to be too much to overcome.
The outlook for James to win another championship with the Lakers appears to be bleak at best. They are devoid of meaningful draft capital and even Anthony Davis hasn’t been the player he once was. Could James, who is signed only through the 2022-23 season, look to play elsewhere in the near future?
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One team that has continued to command attention as a potential LeBron James landing spot is the Cleveland Cavaliers. With talents like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Caris LeVert, and Jarrett Allen along with all of their future draft picks, there’s a lot to like about this Cavs team.
When asked by The Athletic’s James Lloyd about the possibility of potentially returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers, James stated “The door’s not closed on that.”
“The door’s not closed on that,” James told The Athletic Saturday following the East’s team practice on the campus of Cleveland State. “I’m not saying I’m coming back and playing, I don’t know. I don’t know what my future holds. I don’t even know when I’m free.”
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James went on to explain how he’s been impressed by the execution of team-building the Cavaliers have experienced in recent years. Whether it’s been using the NBA Draft or trades, James has taken notice.
“I think Koby and those guys have done an unbelievable job drafting and making trades,” James said. “I think big fella (Allen), that acquisition was amazing for them to make that trade. Obviously Darius Garland is a big-time player. And I think the role that Kevin (Love) is playing right now has kind of uplifted those young guys, seeing a veteran that could sacrifice, a champion that’s won a championship, all the things that he’s done, to come off the bench and play this role. I am not surprised by anything that they’re doing right now.”
The possibility of James joining the Cleveland Cavaliers after his current contract is up after next season would be an intriguing one. He would have plenty of supporting cast help in an attempt to bring one more title to “The Land” before he retires. Unless, of course…
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The last year of LeBron James’ career will be played where his son, Bronny, ends up playing, as he told reporters at NBA All-Star Weekend. There was much speculation about that possibility being his intention for years but he has now confirmed that as being the case in public comments.
“My last year will be played with my son,” James said. “Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point.”
