Thanks to the NBA All-Star Game last Sunday, the Los Angeles Lakers will be off until Friday, Feb. 20, when the franchise will host the Clippers. The event marked LeBron James’ 22nd appearance, as speculation grows about the athlete’s professional destination after this season.
Many fans and journalists think LeBron James might take his retirement tour to the Cavaliers after he becomes a free agent in the summer. That’s unsurprising, however, considering widespread expectations that James won’t stay with the Lakers after this season.
Netizens Fan LeBron James to Cleveland Rumors
The Cleveland Cavaliers made a string of recent trade decisions that have trimmed their payroll, further fueling speculations that they’re anticipating a reunion between James and the Cavaliers. Speaking about the possibility on an ESPN event, Tim MacMahon called the potential deal “a retirement tour for the ages” for James.
James spent his first seven NBA seasons with Cleveland before returning in 2014 for a second stint with the Miami Heat. In 2016, the athlete successfully led the Cavs to their first-ever championship after they overturned a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
Aged 41, James is remarkably still playing at an elite level, averaging 22 points on 50.3% field-foal shooting, 7.1 assists, and 5.8 rebounds a game. Recently, the basketball legend became the oldest player in league history to record a triple-double. Speaking recently after an NBA game, James had reportedly tied his further longevity to his mental alertness, rather than all-round abilities to play at the highest level.
The LeBron James to Cleveland Cavaliers rumours are HEATING UP 👀🔥
The Athletic recently said if James plays next season, "it's gonna be here” on Cleveland radio.
Kendrick Perkins also said this week, “I believe he should retire in a Cavs uniform.”
Multiple sources have… pic.twitter.com/Sv0sSyV0Zz
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) February 18, 2026
But MacMahon isn’t the only pundit who thinks James might end his career with his boyhood team. Recently, the Athletic said if James plays in the 2026/27, “it’s gonna be here” on Cleveland radio. Kendrick Perkins also said earlier in the week that he “believe” the legend should retire in a Cavs jersey. Multiple other sources claim Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are seemingly set to recruit LeBron in the summer.
For many athletes – and fans – in the Cavs’ locker room, having a legend of Lebron’s pedigree could mean a lot. While James is yet to comment on the rumors, his silence is enough encouragement for many NBA fans who love to see him make an epic return to his first basketball home.
