In his 23rd NBA season, LeBron James is 41 years old and still at the pinnacle of his game. Retirement will soon be considered, but the Los Angeles Lakers star has not addressed it yet. There has been speculation of a possible 24th season amid the buzz about James’ impending retirement.
James is in the final year of his two-year, $101.3 million contract with the Lakers. Over the summer, he wasn’t offered a contract extension, which means he will be a free agent after the 2025-26 season. There’s also a chance that he’d retire after the current campaign. But many believe he will play one more year for a proper farewell tour.
With the upcoming free agency, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin revealed three teams that are “plausible destinations” for James.
McMenamin’s recent article on ESPN details the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors as LeBron James’ next team.
“As the trade deadline nears, the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors — three teams considered plausible destinations for James should he decide to play next season — have all been in the news for their pursuit of big-name players,” the ESPN reporter wrote.
The Cavaliers traded for James Harden on Tuesday. But that doesn’t mean they are not open to signing James in the summer, according to McMenamin.
The Cavaliers would welcome LeBron James back next season
On Wednesday, the Cavaliers hosted the Lakers. The organization welcomed LeBron James back and even had a video tribute. Ahead of the contest, McMenamin published an article that indicated Cleveland’s willingness to welcome James back if he doesn’t retire after the season.
“Multiple team and league sources told ESPN the Cavaliers would gladly welcome James back this summer if he wanted to return to Cleveland for his 24th NBA season and third stint with the team,” McMenamin reported.
James started his career with the Cavaliers in 2003 and had two stints with the franchise. In 2016, during his second time, the four-time MVP led them to an NBA championship.
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