As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for the playoffs, many fans are left wondering if this will be the final postseason run for superstar LeBron James. Especially after superstar Luka Doncic was just diagnosed with a grade 2 hamstring injury.
That could keep him out at least a month and possibly until at least the second round of the NBA playoffs. That makes a first-round exit far more likely and could mark the last time LeBron takes the court for the Lakers.
LeBron may retire after his record 23rd season in the NBA. However, it seems more likely now that he signs elsewhere in free agency. According to the Athletics' Sam Amick, the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers are the two most likely landing spots for LeBron.
ESPN's Dave McMenamin also recently weighed in, stating that he believes LeBron rejoining the Cavaliers is a possibility. He specifically mentions that LeBron returning to Cleveland for a second time would be the perfect ending to an incredible career, but how he returns is just as important.
LeBron rejoining the Cleveland Cavaliers is more likely
McMenamin mentions the idea of doing a sign-and-trade with LeBron in which the Lakers receive all-star Jarrett Allen in return. The Lakers could use an upgrade at center.
In fact, they would presumably jump at the chance to acquire him for LeBron, whom they aren't expected to bring back. Meanwhile, the Cavs could use that as an opportunity to play Evan Mobley at center full time.
That would narrow the Cavs' window to compete with LeBron and James Harden replacing the younger Allen and Darius Garland. However, the East is wide open enough to make a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals possible next season.
Should the Cleveland Cavaliers bring LeBron James back?
The answer to that question depends on a lot. If LeBron were willing to take a veteran minimum contract worth $3.8 million and they could keep Allen, then the answer is "absolutely."
If he wants more than the taxpayer mid-level exception, then it starts to become a bigger question. The Cavs are currently fourth in the East, but that has a lot to do with injuries.
They have enough talent to go toe to toe with the Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics in the playoffs this postseason. Whether they can beat out those teams this year is unclear, but they have at least a reasonable shot at making the East Finals this year.
If they swapped out Allen for LeBron, would they be better next season? Maybe, but not as much as if he had returned a few seasons ago. Still, it's hard to see the Cavs saying no to LeBron, even if he only slightly improves their team.
All told, if he is willing to return to Cleveland this summer, it's difficult to imagine the Cavs turning him down given that he's the best player in franchise history. However, how good they would be with LeBron depends on if he's willing to take the minimum or whether the Cavs have to trade for him.