As LeBron James continues to rewrite history in his record-breaking 23rd NBA season, the question of what comes next is quietly rising throughout the league.
If the Lakers legend decides he's not done playing after this year, a familiar team is ready to welcome him home.
The Cleveland Cavaliers would be “excited to welcome” James back this summer if he chooses to return to the team that drafted him for a third time, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
McMenamin reported: “Multiple team and league sources told ESPN that if James wants to return to Cleveland for his 24th NBA season and third with the franchise, the Cavaliers would be happy to welcome him back this summer.”
The 41-year-old signed a contract with the Lakers last June after picking up a player option worth $52.6 million.
He hasn't committed to playing beyond the end of the season, but his performances suggest he still has plenty of time left.
Although James missed the first 14 games of the year with sciatica, he played in 28 games, averaging 22.4 points, 6.7 assists and 6 rebounds in just over 33 minutes per night.
While the Lakers sit fifth in the Western Conference, James' long-term future in Los Angeles is filled with uncertainty. The team did not offer him a contract extension, and reports suggest he was not informed in advance of the Buss family's sale of the team to Mark Walter, a move that reportedly did include new cornerstone Luka Doncic.
Still, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka publicly reiterated his desire for James to finish his career in purple and gold.
“I would be happy if LeBron's story was retiring as a Laker,” Pelinka said earlier this season.
However, if James chooses to leave, Cleveland remains a logical choice. James already brought the team its first championship in 2016 and remains the most important player in franchise history.
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