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LeBron James back to the Cleveland Cavaliers rumors are going to heat up and one picture is helping fuel it

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 10:25 AM ET

We’ve reached a familiar point in LeBron James’ career — one that has come up several times before — where it seems he may be weighing his options for the future.

After seven seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, James is entering the final year of his contract at age 40. With retirement looming, his days in the league could be numbered. Chasing one last championship makes perfect sense for the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. As of now, James has not requested a trade, though there are teams reportedly showing interest.

“He told me that he has not had any discussion with the Lakers about wanting a trade,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin said on Monday night. “He did say that four teams have contacted him in the last 24 hours wanting to talk trades, but Rich didn’t have any substantive conversations with those teams, either.”

"[Rich Paul] told me that he has not had any discussion with the Lakers about wanting a trade."@mcten shares that Rich Paul has not had any "substantiative" conversations with any teams about trading LeBron James. pic.twitter.com/XpnpPVFnQq
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 30, 2025

Expect the Cleveland Cavaliers to once again be floated as a potential landing spot for LeBron James

When James returned home to Northeast Ohio the first time, many doubted he would actually do it. A recent photo of James in a hat that reads “Welcome home” circulating on social media has sparked speculation, though its meaning remains unclear:

“I’m not as convinced as before as it’s an impossibility,” - @WindhorstESPN on the possibility of the Lakers trading LeBron https://t.co/Lh9C6ZNQud pic.twitter.com/ltvpJxNfOz
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 2, 2025

Cleveland is in a much stronger position than when James returned in 2014. The Cavs are coming off a 64–18 season, despite a second-round playoff exit. However, their biggest obstacle in making a move for James would be navigating the NBA’s second apron rules. To make space, they may need to shed salary — potentially involving players like Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, or De’Andre Hunter.

This is a team built to win now. If the Cavaliers can bring in a ring-chasing LeBron for one last run, it might be the missing piece to finally get them over the hump. Even at 40, James remains an elite talent. And with the Eastern Conference expected to be weaker next season — as both the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers lose key pieces — the window may be open.

Get ready for the conversation about LeBron’s next move to once again dominate the NBA landscape. It appears to be here.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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