Report: Cavs only interested in LeBron James in a buyout situation

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers appear to be on the outs, opening up the possibility that he plays for another team in 2026-27. He could also request a trade or a buyout, leading to an earlier departure.

That begs the question: Could a reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers be on tap?

James spent last weekend in Cleveland for the holiday and worked out at the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center. He is considered the greatest player in franchise history and obviously has a soft spot for the Cavaliers.

And as fate would have it, the Cavaliers are open to bringing James back into the fold. However, it comes with a single condition.

Ashish Mathur of Hoops Wire reports that Cleveland is only interested in reuniting with James in a buyout situation.

That makes sense given that James recently opted in to his 2025-26 player option at $52.6 million, which is far too much for the Cavaliers to absorb. They also don’t want to trade key pieces as they chase another NBA title.

James wants to add another ring before he retires, and after their recent trade of Anthony Davis and sale of the team, which wasn’t disclosed to James, the Lakers are entering a rebuilding mode with Luka Doncic as their centerpiece.

The writing is on the wall, and James’ time with the Lakers is rapidly coming to an end, but will that coincide with a return to Cleveland? Only time will tell.