LeBron James, in the midst of his 23rd NBA season, is still balling, averaging 21.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.9 assists on over 50% shooting. Even now, he remains one of the most impactful players in the league in all possible ways. Yes, he’s still the king when it comes to the NBA rumor mill, too.
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Everybody wants to know what LBJ’s plans are for next year. Will he retire? Will he re-sign with the Lakers or go back to his original team, the Cavaliers? And nobody seems to have any insight into the matter.
Given that he’s still playing at such a high level, and in light of recent reports that his relationship with Jeanie Buss may not be as great as previously believed, it’s looking less likely that he’ll retire or re-up with the Lakers this summer. Barring a long-shot signing with some other random team, it seems that a return to the Cavs may be the best bet.
On The Dan Patrick Show, Reggie Miller spoke about both the challenges and opportunities of LeBron signing up for a third tour of duty in Cleveland. To start with, Miller was not so sure about how the finances would work out.
“Is he going to be taking a hometown discount, because now they just added James Harden and his salary, you got Donovan Mitchell on the max salary, Mobley is gonna be up, Jarrett Allen,” Miller wondered.
“Your best chance to win a championship, especially to go back home to Cleveland and be in the East,” he continued. “Out West, you’ve got four or five teams, led by the champs in OKC, that you know are gonna be there.”
Miller said that the East presents an easier path to LeBron’s fifth ring. However, he also noted that it will be tougher next year once guys like Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton are fully back from their injuries.
LeBron has been known throughout his career as someone who likes to garner the headlines and likes to be at the top of NBA fans’ minds. Miller believes that James has a lot to do with the Cavs rumors being so persistent.
“The only way this is gonna go away is if LeBron James makes it go away,” added Miller. “I think it’s staying out there because the hype machine of LeBron is keeping it out there, as well. I don’t think [of] him personally, but his camp.”
If LeBron continues playing next year, he has to take a deep pay cut if he wants to join a contender. Also, he has to accept the fact that he won’t be the first or even the second option. Already on the Lakers, he’s behind Luka Doncic and arguably Austin Reaves. If he joins the Cavs, his usage would trail Mitchell and Harden, for sure.
LeBron has seemed OK with a slightly lesser role, as he has deferred to Anthony Davis and now to Luka on the Lakers. But, with the ball quite literally in his court this summer, we’ll see what he really values as he gets ready to play out the end of his career.
