ESPN NBA insider, Shams Charania, may have unintentionally set the stage for talk of a potential LeBron James homecoming in Cleveland. Charania appeared on the “Pat McAfee show” Tuesday and addressed James’ contract situation and the player option he has to decide on over the next month or so. During that conversation, Shams also mentioned James wanting to be in a “competitive environment” which leaves the door open for speculation.
"I'm told LeBron James is likely to opt in.. He's got a massive player option and that's the plan.. He still has about a month to figure that out"
“Whether he plays one more season or a few more seasons, he wants to be in a competitive environment…”
The Cavs can give LeBron the best chance at one more ring
Although Charania says LeBron is likely to opt in to his player option ($52.6 million) with LA, that could mean a long-term extension is up in the air. This is where that potential homecoming comes into play, which would likely allow James to retire as a Cavalier.
When it comes to competitive teams, Cleveland was the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference this season, with a record of 64-18, second in the league behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite being eliminated in the second round by Indiana, Cleveland has pieces in place and would present James with a good shot at making another long playoff run before he finally hangs up his sneakers.
The Cavs are not devoid of young ascending talent and you’d have to think they’d at least be interested if James pursues a return home. Plus, the East isn’t nearly as stacked with legit contenders as in the West. It would be almost like James never left since this was the case before, he ventured west to Los Angeles in the summer of 2018. While it is still a long shot, depending on what happens over the next month, this potential reunion can’t be overlooked.