Experts Say Cavaliers Will Welcome LeBron James Back: Cleveland is His True Home

According to Dave McMenamin, if LeBron James returns to the Cleveland Cavaliers this offseason, it would be his third stint with the team—and the Cavs are ready to roll out the red carpet. With the Lakers now in the Doncic era, LeBron’s role in Los Angeles has diminished, making a farewell perhaps inevitable.

LeBron’s memories with the Cavaliers are unforgettable. Ahead of today’s Lakers-Cavs game, Cleveland played a tribute video, moving LeBron to tears. No matter where he travels, Cleveland and Akron will always be his home.

Cleveland was LeBron’s “first love.” His first playoff appearance, first Finals, and the long-awaited championship all came with the Cavaliers in 2016. Just as Jordan was synonymous with Chicago, Duncan with San Antonio, Jokic with Denver, LeBron is the greatest player in Cavaliers history. He still leads the franchise in total games (849), minutes played (33,130), points (23,119), assists (6,228), steals (1,376), and triple-doubles (64).

LeBron’s departure from the Lakers is also due to the team’s focus shifting to catering to Doncic. According to Fadeaway World, Doncic requested five big men when he arrived in LA; only Mann was signed, and the rest either fell through or failed physicals—none of it involved LeBron.

Rumors of LeBron returning to Cleveland have circulated since last season. Back then, the Cavaliers were first in the East, with only the small forward spot lacking a star—a perfect fit for LeBron. Postseason losses last year, along with this season’s fifth-place finish in the East, have made the Cavs more aware of the importance of LeBron’s return.

A return would mark LeBron’s third stint with the Cavaliers (2003-2010 and 2014-2018 were the first two). During his previous tenures, he earned MVP, Finals MVP, Rookie of the Year, and scoring titles. This third return could be his final chapter in Cleveland, leading naturally to his jersey retirement and statue.

LeBron, it’s time to come home to Cleveland!