Kendrick Perkins makes major claim about possible LeBron-Cavs reunion

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Kendrick Perkins makes major claim about possible LeBron James-Cavaliers reunion

By Yagya Bhargava | Last updated Feb 7, 2026 9:33 AM ET

LeBron James is getting close to unrestricted free agency after the 2025-26 season, and the speculation is already heating up. If he decides to keep going, the big question is where the league's all-time scoring leader lands next.

A return to the Cleveland Cavaliers keeps popping up as a real possibility. ESPN's Kendrick Perkins added fuel to that fire during an appearance on "The Road Trippin' Show" podcast.

Perkins said Donovan Mitchell and James Harden have both been in James' ear about linking up in Cleveland.

"My sources told me that Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are starting the push to go and recruit LeBron James this offseason. I'm just telling you, my sources tell me, as soon as James Harden got on the phone, or got around the team, the initial was 'Alright, we about to make this run, we about to go all out, we want LeBron James,'" Perkins said.

Kendrick Perkins says sources told him Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are already recruiting LeBron back to the Cavs pic.twitter.com/L4KdfTbZ1x
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) February 6, 2026

James Harden's Cleveland Cavaliers trade just reopened the LeBron James conversation

The Cavaliers made a big move by bringing in Harden and shipping Darius Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers. Pairing Harden with Mitchell has a lot of people calling Cleveland one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference right now.

Even if the Cavaliers reach the NBA Finals or grab a title in 2026, the LeBron James talk probably won't die down.

James hasn't tipped his hand about playing past next season, but his numbers this year tell their own story. He's averaging 21.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists.

With Luka Doncic running the show with the Los Angeles Lakers and Austin Reaves carving out a bigger role, many believe the odds of James sticking with the Lakers are dropping. A final chapter in Cleveland doesn't sound far-fetched.

Yagya Bhargava

Yagya Bhargava began his professional journey as a chef, but his passion for sports eventually led him into sports journalism. He started writing in 2022 and has since published more than 5,000 articles covering the NFL and NBA. Along the way, he’s worked with outlets like The Cold Wire, Sportskeeda, The SportsRush, and The Big Lead

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