Everyone can see that LeBron James’ basketball career is approaching its conclusion.
He is the oldest player in the NBA at 41 and has played a league record 23 seasons. With injuries like his sciatica keeping him out of games and LeBron on the final year of his Lakers deal, what he will do next year is very much up in the air.
While what LeBron will do is a mystery, the options are clear. James can either retire, return to the Lakers on a new deal, or play for another team.
Dave McMenamin of ESPN writes
that if LeBron wanted to end his NBA career where it started, in Cleveland, the Cavs would reportedly welcome him back.
Multiple team and league sources told ESPN the Cavaliers would gladly welcome James back this summer if he wanted to return to Cleveland for his 24th NBA season and third stint with the team.
LeBron played with the Cavs for 11 years, and ending things where they began for the kid from Akron would be a perfect ending for one of the greatest players of all time.
No one is expecting the Cavs to be title contenders next season, so LeBron could enjoy his farewel tour and wrap things up with little to no pressure to compete.
While LeBron’s eight seasons with the Lakers are his longest stint with one team, he has more years as a Cavalier. Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka said he would “love” to have LeBron retire as a Laker, but since James didn’t sign or ask for an extension this summer, he has every option available to him on how his career will end.
James has had a steady decline in his production, but he is still playing at a high level. LeBron is averaging 22.4 points, 6 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game.
The truth is, no one knows what LeBron will do next.
The NBA has added a commemorative patch to LeBron’s jersey this season, which seems to suggest the league is making sure it celebrates James now, just in case this is his final season.
Until James states otherwise, anything is possible. The Lakers would like him to end things here, the Cavs are open to him taking his talents back to Celeveland and the basketball world is awaiting his final decision.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
