Would The Cavaliers Welcome A LeBron James Return 3.0?

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA
NBA Analysis Network

Amid the ongoing struggles the Los Angeles Lakers experience, there has been growing speculation about LeBron James’ future with the organization. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers have pulled off a surprisingly successful season and sit fourth in the Eastern Conference at the NBA All-Star break.

There does not appear to be a viable way out of this failed situation for the Lakers. They were already limited on trade assets and the Russell Westbrook trade depleted their appealing options leftover after using most of their draft capital to acquire Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans.

Perhaps LeBron James decides to leave yet another NBA organization after the long-term assets have dried up for short-term success that just isn’t quite happening anymore. Winning the 2020 NBA Finals made it a success for all parties involved, but again, ring No. 5 isn’t coming in Los Angeles. Where could he go?

A return to the Cleveland Cavaliers has been floated as an option. The team has done a strong job of gradually adding talent into the fold between Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and now Caris LeVert. Their focus is on what they’ve built together. In fact, the Cavs’ key players want a legacy “without Bron.”

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“It’s a rebirth of Cleveland,” Darius Garland told Chris Ferdor of Cleveland.com. “Our guys want to make our own legacy. Putting Cleveland on the map without Bron, would mean a lot to all of us. It’s a new look, a new feel. We’re building into some other stuff we will be able to talk about later. We will keep growing and see what happens.”

The reputation the Cavaliers have earned because of James has been they are a dysfunctional franchise that only ever accomplished anything of substance due to “Kings James.” While having his contributions undoubtedly was pivotal, what Cleveland is achieving now under president of basketball operations Koby Altman has been quite impressive, and also, all without James.

“We take a lot of pride in it,” All-Star center Jarrett Allen said. “Obviously it’s a different situation for Cleveland — finally not having LeBron and being one of the better teams. Showing and proving that the Cavaliers are back. We’re finally back. We’re finally ready to play basketball.”

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One of the key elements to the Cavaliers’ success has been the transformation of their defense since drafting Evan Mobley and pairing him with Jarrett Allen in the fontcourt. Cleveland went from a 113.5 defensive rating (25th) last season to rocketing up the rankings with a 105.8 defensive rating (4th) this season.

“A new brand coming up from the Cavs,” Mobley added. “We’re just out here trying to play our best basketball. We have all the pieces and team chemistry that we need to go as far as we want.”

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What sparked the idea of a potential return for LeBron James to the Cavaliers was a comment he made at NBA All-Star Weekend at his media availability staying the “door’s not closed” on returning to Cleveland. At this point, it seems as though James would surely jump at the chance to make it happen and put an end to the dysfunction of the Los Angeles Lakers. However, would this new Cavs team welcome him back? Stay tuned…

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