In a few weeks, the NBA could get clarity on the future of LeBron James. Will he stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, or pack up and join a team like the Cleveland Cavaliers before calling it a career?
Former Laker and Cavalier Lonzo Ball claimed that he could see James going back to Cleveland for a third stint, but he’s more on the doubtful side of it.
All things considered, Ball believes that the situation would be too difficult for the legendary LeBron James.
Lonzo Ball Delivers Honest LeBron James Thoughts For Lakers
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MAY 01: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers throws chalk prior to Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on May 01, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
“He’s got a family, and he’s in LA. He’s been here for the last X amount of years,”Ball said on Ball In The Family. “It’s hard to just pack up and then go back to Cleveland.”
James has done it before. When he first left Cleveland for the Miami Heat in 2010, LeBron spent four seasons playing for the Heat.
When James became a free agent in 2014, he went back to Ohio to try to finish what he started.
During his second stint with the Cavaliers, LeBron brought a championship to Cleveland for the first time in his career. After that four-season stint, he left for LA.
Now, LeBron James has eight seasons under his belt with the Lakers. His contract expires, and he’ll be an unrestricted free agent in July.
“For the legacy, I think it would be cool for him to go back to his hometown and where it started, but it’s more than that,” Ball added.
LeBron James Right Now
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 16: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during warmups before a game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
At age 41, LeBron proved that he’s still a valuable talent on the court. In 60 games, James produced 20.9 points per game, while shooting 51.5% from the field and hitting on 31.7% of his threes.
Along with his scoring, LeBron came down with 6.1 rebounds per game and dished out 7.2 assists per game. He was an All-Star for the 22nd-straight time
Both the Lakers and the Cavaliers have some steam behind their names in the upcoming LeBron James free agency market. The star forward has held his cards close, not making any suggestions about what could come next.
When it comes to Lonzo Ball, he seems to lean towards LeBron staying with Luka Doncic and the Lakers for one more round.