LeBron James’ pending free agency will be one of the stories of the summer in the NBA — especially as the possibility looms that he could make a sensational return to Cleveland.
James, who began his career with the Cavaliers and led the franchise to its first championship during his second stint, might be preparing to move back to Ohio once his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers expires this summer. The speculation over the 41-year-old’s intentions won’t die down amid the latest update from one of his former Cavs teammates.
Speaking Friday on the Road Trippin’ Show, ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins cited “sources” who told him that Donovan Mitchell and new acquisition James Harden are already leading the effort to bring James back to the Cavaliers after the season.
“Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are starting the push to go and recruit LeBron James this offseason,” Perkins said. “My sources tell me as soon as James Harden got on the phone and got around the team…we’re about to go all-out, and we want LeBron James.”
Kendrick Perkins says his sources told him that Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are starting the push to recruit LeBron James back to Cleveland 👀
“I’m just telling you my sources tell me. Soon as James Harden got on the phone or got around the team we about to make this run,… pic.twitter.com/0l34QhQ5II
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) February 6, 2026
James left the Cavaliers on much better terms in 2018 than he did in 2010, when he joined the Miami Heat and became an NBA villain.
Now in the twilight of his legendary career, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer may relish a chance to win his fifth title back home in Cleveland — though teams like the New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors are expected to give James a call when he hits free agency. The lure of the Knicks in particular may be difficult to pass up
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