Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James Spotted at Cleveland Cavaliers Practice Facility Friday

James has played for the Cavaliers twice. He led the franchise to its only championship in 2016 against the 73-9 Golden State Warriors. 

James, 40, picked up his player option for next season with Los Angeles, but several people around the NBA believe the future Hall of Famer could request a trade from the Lakers if Rob Pelinka doesn’t improve the roster this offseason.  As a result, fans have kept a close eye on any sign that he could look to leave.

After seeing the picture go viral, James responded directly to remind fans he’s often spent his summers in Cleveland over the years.

After James picked up his 2025-26 player option with the Lakers, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group issued a statement to Shams Charania of ESPN. 

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul said. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future,” Paul added. “We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive, and want what’s best for him.”

James is the oldest active player in the NBA, but you wouldn’t know that by watching him play. The King averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks for the Lakers last season in 70 starts, shooting 51.3% from the field, 37.6% from beyond the arc, and 78.2% from the foul line.

Los Angeles lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in five games despite having James and Luka Donċić. James averaged 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.8 blocks in the five-game series.

Arguably the greatest player in NBA history, James is a four-time MVP, a four-time champion, and a four-time Finals MVP. He has played for the Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Lakers.

The Cavaliers were the first seed in the East last season. However, they lost to the Indiana Pacers in five games in the second round of the playoffs.

Cleveland would have to part ways with Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen to trade for James, who will make $52.6 million next season.  

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