Will LeBron return home?

LeBron James is nearing the end of his storybook NBA career and at 40, may want to seriously consider closing the book where it all began – at home in Cleveland. Let’s face it, the King isn’t a King without a kingdom and throughout his basketball journey, LeBron has been about winning championships. It’s the reason why LeBron left Cleveland to move to Miami where he won two rings then returned to the Cavs for a third title and transferred to Los Angeles for a fourth crown. Let’s not forget bagging the inaugural in-season NBA Cup in 2023 with the Lakers.

There’s really not much more LeBron could wish for. He’s collected three Olympic gold medals and made a dream come true by playing alongside his son Bronny on the same court, wearing the same LA colors and writing history as the first father-and-son pair to appear in an NBA game. Bronny has scored only four points in nine games this season but LeBron couldn’t care less. The son was never destined to be his father’s heir apparent. LeBron’s wish was just to be on the same team as his son and that wish has been fulfilled.

LeBron is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and it’s doubtful if anyone will surpass his mark. He’s to basketball what Manny Pacquiao is to boxing. There will never be anyone to eclipse Pacquiao’s record of winning world titles in eight different weight divisions. If LeBron plays another season and he will, the record for most NBA seasons played will be his at 23. He already holds the record for most minutes played in the NBA. If ever individual accolades excited LeBron at some point in his career, they don’t anymore because he’s done it all.

This season, Cleveland has emerged to be a serious championship contender … without LeBron. Only once have the Cavs won an NBA title and it came in 2016 with LeBron in charge, leading the team from a 1-3 deficit to beat Golden State in Game Seven of the Finals. LeBron brought Cleveland back to the Finals in the next two seasons but the Cavs couldn’t repulse the Warriors again. That left LeBron packing for more glorious pastures and took him to LA.

LeBron has been a fixture with the Lakers for seven straight campaigns and it doesn’t look like LA will be anywhere near championship contention after a reign in 2019-20. With the Cavs rolling and the Lakers sliding, LeBron might just rethink how he hopes his career will come to a climax. What an amazing closure if he won a championship at home and with the Cavs sizzling, imagine the chances of leaving the game in a blaze of crowning glory.

LeBron is committed to stay with the Lakers until the end of next season to consummate his two-year $101.35 million contract. He could then sign with the Cavs for his farewell swing in 2026-27 but will Cleveland still be as competitive as it is now? Will LeBron wait that long or will he dump the Lakers to return home like the Prodigal King sooner than later?