Lakers' LeBron James could return to the Cleveland Cavaliers

The King of Los Angeles has not ruled out a return to his old kingdom, but could he really return to Cleveland?

Will LeBron James leave the Los Angeles Lakers?

One of the all time greats of the NBA, LeBron James is approaching the end of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. To be specific James' contract will expire at the end of next season and when it does he will become a free agent. The question of course is will he remain in LA or will he seek fields anew. While there has been no definitive answer, one thing that is clear is that without significant changes to a roster that has struggled this season, James will undoubtedly move on. Needless to say, the King will have no shortage of options.

Could the Cavs be LeBron James' next team?

When it comes to where James could play next should he leave, one of the names that's come to the top of the pile is actually his original team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. With a roster that includes the likes of Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley the Cavs are on the up and that's just the kind of thing that could suit James nicely. Adding further weight to the idea is the fact that with his coming free agency, the Cavs are also set to enjoy a massive bump in salary cap space. When asked about the speculation, James only served to add fuel to the fire. "The door's not closed on that," James said on Saturday. "I'm not saying I'm coming back and playing, I don't know. I don't know what my future holds. I don't even know when I'm free."

Should James does choose to go down the road of free agency, most would argue that the Cavs are the only real option. Having enjoyed years with the franchise he is more than familiar and that's before considering the idea that with current circumstances, Cleveland can actually afford him. Add to that the fact that the Cavs have a team that is most definitely moving towards being title contenders and the puzzle begins to look complete. Yet there is actually another option which is somewhat unexpected.

LeBron James and Son Bronny to be teammates?

With the aforementioned circumstances both financially and sporting wise, it would be easy to imagine that come 2023 the four time MVP will be on his way to Cleveland, however, if we take the words of the man himself it's actually much more likely that he departs LA in 2024 which is exactly when his son, Bronny, will be eligible for the NBA draft. Indeed James stated out rightly that his intention is to play alongside his son in his final season. "My last year will be played with my son," James said. "Wherever Bronny is at, that's where I'll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It's not about the money at that point."

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It should be noted that James has changed teams on three different occasions as a free agent. Though his announcement regarding his son will surely raise eyebrows, it is unlikely to stave off the attempts of probably every team in the league, especially considering the idea that they will be presented with the opportunity to sign one of the greatest players in the league's history at a bargain price. Regardless, nothing is set in stone for the moment. The only thing one can do now is wait to see how it all plays out, however, whatever happens with James' future, we now know it will more than likely hinge on his own son.