The Cleveland Cavaliers are finally starting to find their rhythm after a surprisingly slow start to the season.
The Cavaliers, who won 62 regular season games last year, have won 10 of their last 11 contests and have a far higher ceiling than they did in December and January. Still, it’s unclear how the James Harden and Donovan Mitchell-led franchise will compete in the postseason.
The franchise has come up short when it mattered most recently, casting doubt on its ability to get over the hump this time around. If another disappointing playoff performance is in the Cavaliers’ future, there’s an offseason move they could make to give them confidence entering the 2026-27 campaign.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Cavaliers could steal the Los Angeles Lakers’ 6-foot-9 four-time NBA Finals MVP and 22-time All-Star.
“He (LeBron James) would only come at a discount,” Windhorst said Wednesday. “The only way the Cavs could add him would be to get him to play at either the minimum, or do some things to shave some salary to open the mid-level exception,” Windhorst said. “If he’s able and willing, and is willing to accept that money, I think it’s 99%.”
James returning to Cleveland to finish his career makes too much sense not to happen. The former No. 1 overall pick’s tenure with the Lakers has run its course, and James could enjoy a storybook ending to a historic NBA career by reuniting with the Cavaliers.
The 2016 NBA champions would likely welcome James back with open arms, as the 41-year-old helped them capture their first-ever title and put them on the map.
Although James is a shell of his former self, his elite championship pedigree, high-IQ playmaking, and eagerness to end things with another ring. James is averaging 22.0 points, 7.1 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game with the Lakers this season.
If James doesn’t retire after this season, there’s a good chance he’ll join Cleveland in free agency.
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