Don’t sleep on LeBron returning to Cleveland

As the Cleveland Cavaliers made their way off the court following another Finals loss, many wondered if this was the last time LeBron James would be seen in Wine & Gold?

As we are all aware, Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James is a free agent this off-season and will be coveted once again by every NBA organization. From Philly, to Houston, to Los Angeles, the rumors have been a constant stream of discussion for the last year.

While many fans (rightfully so) thanked LeBron last night on social media, many seem to forget there is a chance LeBron remains in Cleveland beyond this season. Please save your farewells and tribute videos until James is in fact gone.

LeBron will no doubt be appreciated if he ends up elsewhere this summer.  That appreciation, however, will pale in comparison to the fanfare he received night in and night out from Cleveland’s faithful fans.

Let’s also not forget James has mentioned several times he wants to finish his career in Cleveland.

He’s got a family now to think about more so than the last time he was in this spot. With his oldest son nearing high school, he may want to watch him play in the gym named after himself. Talk about a proud father moment.

There is a level of comfort here that James simply won’t have elsewhere. Do we remember the 30,000 people that turned out for James’ welcome home rally back in 2014?

As for the other potential teams, James may go to, none make total sense as Miami did in 2010 or Cleveland in 2014. The Lakers are in the West, and there’s no guarantee they’d get past Houston or Golden State.

Philly has the young talent. However Embiid is an injury-prone big man, who has the talent, but the injury concerns are very real. Ben Simmons has been touted as the next LeBron but has made as many 3-point shots in the NBA as you and me. Zero.

Houston seems like the most far-fetched option out there at the moment. While a team of James Harden, Chris Paul and LeBron would be stellar, they would have to gut their depth to bring James on board.

As for the Golden State or Boston talks. Stop that now. There is no way James, given his history against both of those organizations, would consider joining either team.

That leaves Cleveland. The team James has spent 11 years of his NBA career with. Now the Cavaliers have some work to do as an organization. The team needs to be upgraded and the right moves need to be made to keep LeBron around.

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No player is untouchable at this rate, and expect the roster to look vastly different when next season rolls around.

The cupboard is not bare, there are in fact assets for Cleveland to use in a potential deal. Whether it is the 8th overall pick or Kevin Love, no option will be overlooked. If Cleveland can land a Damian Lillard or Paul George, that would be the boost Cleveland needed last off-season.

James made it clear that he is still in championship mode and hinted that he needs more talent around him.  If Cleveland can add the talent, why would he go elsewhere?

LeBron has made it known his legacy is important to him. Joining a third team in his career would hurt him in the eyes of many.

Sticking around in Cleveland would also quiet those who have been critical of James for leaving when the going gets tough. If James returns to the Cavaliers and somehow wins a title, that would be incredible for his legacy.

The Finals loss is tough in the moment, but it should not overshadow all the great James has done this season. He played in EVERY game, he set more records, made some new posters and silenced more doubters.

For a man about to enter year 16 of his NBA career, James looks far from finished. All Cleveland needs is a little re-boost and they will be the best option for LeBron.

While James has earned the right to go where he pleases, let’s not forget his best bet may very well be to stay put with the Cavaliers.

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That standing ovation James received at the end of Game 4 says it all. Those fans appreciate him, they fully understand his greatness. James’ presence would do wonders for any team that he goes to, it just means more in Northeast Ohio.