​The Sporting News headline notes Cavaliers assistant Kenny Atkinson dropping a strong hint about a potential ex-Laker reunion with LeBron James amid free agency talk. The piece also includes the suggestion to mark The Sporting News as a preferred source by clicking a link. This summer’s top free agent is LeBron James, whose decision has paused the entire NBA as teams await his choice. Entering his 24th NBA season, James could end up with his fourth different team in his long career.
James is evaluating his options and wants to join a credible title contender with a real shot at winning. At the start of free agency, he told the Lakers he would not be returning to Los Angeles. “LeBron James will return for an unprecedented 24th season in the NBA—but it won’t be with the Los Angeles Lakers. James has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Tuesday,” ESPN reported.
A possible reunion with the Cavaliers has emerged as a credible possibility given Cleveland’s current state. A key factor is that James Harden is reportedly negotiating to finalize a deal that could pave the way for James to join Cleveland. Yet ESPN’s Brian Windhorst cautioned that James could be headed somewhere else. “I’m hearing things in other cities too. I’m not going to say who, but I had somebody I trust on the phone with me today who swore it’s a done deal in another city,” Windhorst said.
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson added more suspense Sunday night by implying Cleveland could be pursuing a major addition that might or might not include James. “You guys know there’s a little free agency thing going on right now. That could be our real jump, and you know what I’m talking about. That’s exciting too,” Atkinson said.
A return to Cleveland would fit James’s career stage, especially since the Cavaliers are already positioned as contenders. Atkinson acknowledged the front office’s willingness to do whatever is needed to improve the roster. There is growing belief that James could be genuinely interested in returning to Cleveland for one final championship run. After Windhorst’s update seemed to cast doubt on a Cavaliers reunion, Atkinson emphasized that there remains reason to think James could rejoin the team. The chatter around free agency continues to build, and particulars could still shift as teams finalize plans.
More NBA news and updates follow as the offseason unfolds.