LeBron James opened a virtual Pandora’s Box when he told Jason Lloyd about the athletic that he does not rule out returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The interview caused a sensation in the face of the Stars game in Cleveland, as the headline-grabbing move will alter the title aspirations of at least two NBA teams.
The LA Lakers superstar has since clarified that he sees himself wearing purple and gold for the foreseeable future. Her contract with the Tinseltown team runs through the 2022-23 season.
That said, James’s openness to moving from Hollywood to the Cavaliers has both analysts and basketball fans excited and concerned.
Sports Illustrated lead writer Chris Mannix insists the Cleveland Cavaliers should be involved should the window open for a LeBron James trade:
“I love watching them try to bag Collin Sexton, draft capital, Lauri Markkanen, whatever to try to get LeBron out of Los Angeles. But if it’s next season or after that, they better go after LeBron James aggressively. To me, it’s bad basketball practice if they don’t go after LeBron James aggressively.”
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ amazing performances this season will give them plenty of room to make mistakes. That won’t be the case next season, as the Eastern Conference remains packed.
The Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers are likely to remain elite and remain tough challenges for the Cavaliers.
Chris Mannix had this to say if the Cavs even considered snubbing the “Chosen One” if he’s available:
“They are crazy, unequivocally crazy.”
Will the Cleveland Cavaliers really bet on LeBron James in the offseason?
![LeBron James no tiene opción de jugador en su contrato con LA Lakers la próxima temporada [Photo: Bleacher Report]](data:image/svg+xml,<svg%20xmlns=%22https://www.w3.org/2000/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%201920%201279%22></svg>“/><figcaption>LeBron James does not have a player option on his contract with the LA Lakers next season [Photo: Bleacher Report]</figcaption></figure><p>Crazier things have happened in <a data-ail=)
basketball. Who would have thought that two of the most disaffected and high-profile players would eventually trade places before the trade deadline? The LA Lakers, however, would have to be a little crazy to leave their franchise player behind, considering his MVP status.However, if a trade is possible, team owner Dan Gilbert and general manager Koby Altman would be, as Mannix would say, “engaging in malpractice” if they didn’t go after James.
With the way he continues to play, there won’t be a big drop from the 18x All-Star next season. One could argue that “King James” would still be the best player on most NBA rosters, including the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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There are still roughly 20 more games left for each team in the league this season. How the struggling LA Lakers end their campaign and how the Cleveland Cavaliers end their amazing streak could change the dynamic of the offseason.
Edited by Rachel Syiemlieh
