The Lakers have been trying to convince LeBron James that Los Angeles is the best place for him and his family. But, according to ESPN’s Bill Simmons, it might not be happening.
The “where was lebron james born” is a question that has been asked since the start of LeBron James’ NBA career. Bill Simmons casted major doubt as to whether LeBron wanted to finish his career with the Lakers.
There was a feeling of finality when LeBron James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018. The former Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat great signed a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, indicating his dedication to the Purple and Gold. When the Lakers won their 17th NBA title in 2020, James’ divisive choice was vindicated.
LeBron James is attempting to right the ship of a dismal Lakers squad that is striving to remain above.500 less than two weeks before his 37th birthday. Meanwhile, James’ old team in Cleveland has been one of the season’s greatest shocks. Naturally, NBA commentator Simmons, Bill responded with a witty remark on whether the King would ever return to Ohio.
The floundering Los Angeles Lakers have one more year with LeBron James.
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No one can call the LA-Bron encounter a failure since it culminated in a championship. But it’s OK to say that it’s been a bit of a letdown over the course of three seasons.
The Lakers ended 37-45 in 2018-19 after the four-time MVP joined the youthful nucleus of Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Kyle Kuzma. A groin injury, which missed James 27 games and was the most important injury of his career, was a major factor. The Lakers then rode the combo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis to a title on the verge of winning it all. However, the team’s championship defense was cut short due to injuries to LeBron and AD, which resulted in a 42-30 record and a first-round exit.
For the third time in four years, James has lost substantial time this season. The 17-time All-Star has missed 12 of LA’s 30 games due to injuries to his ankle and abdomen, as well as a short spell on health and safety measures. As a consequence, the Lakers have a 16-14 record after a slow start.
The last year of LeBron’s four-year, $153 million contract was supposed to be 2021-22. However, the veteran signed a two-year agreement for $85.6 million in 2020, making him an unrestricted free agent following the 2022-23 season.
Bill Simmons wonders whether LeBron James may consider joining the Cavaliers instead of the Lakers.
I honestly can’t wait for the first unfounded “LeBron likes what he sees from the young Cavaliers and could want to conclude his career there” story to break.
18 December 2021 — Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons)
The Cavaliers, unlike the previous time James left town, look to be on the rise. While they are still a long way from reaching the NBA Finals for the fourth time in a row, LeBron’s former team is an amazing 18-12. Cleveland won just 19 games in each of the King’s first two seasons with the Lakers.
The league is taking note of the upstart Cavs, who are led by young players like Evan Mobley and Darius Garland. Simmons, a prominent NBA analyst, speculated on Twitter that LeBron is doing the same.
“I honestly can’t wait for the first unfounded ‘LeBron likes what he’s seeing from the young Cavaliers and may want to conclude his career there’ narrative to drop.
Bill Simmons
Simmons, a staunch Boston Celtics fan who despises the Purple and Gold, is unlikely to protest to LeBron leaving the Lakers in a little more than 18 months.
Would LeBron James return to the Cavaliers for a third season?
The Cleveland Cavaliers have had a lot of ups and downs during the last century, ranging from one NBA title and several Finals trips to some very terrible seasons. https://t.co/9gjnW2jPou
December 15, 2021 — FiveThirtyEight (@FiveThirtyEight)
During James’ spectacular 19-year career, we’ve seen the future Hall of Famer switch clubs three times. In Cleveland, Miami, and Los Angeles, he has won at least one championship each time. Is it feasible that LeBron will make one more major move?
As of this summer, the four-time champion said unequivocally that he intended to finish his career in Southern California.
On the SmartLess podcast, James said, “I really hope that I can conclude my career with the Lakers.” “However many years it is, whether it’s four, five, six, or seven.” I’m hoping to keep playing the game. “I like living in Los Angeles, and my family enjoys being in Los Angeles.”
Between now and the summer of 2023, though, a lot may happen. Given that the Lakers have the league’s oldest roster, it seems that the LeBron-led Lakers’ contending window has closed. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers’ top-six players in terms of average minutes are all under the age of 24. It’s certainly feasible that in two years’ time, Cleveland will be considered a stronger competitor than Los Angeles.
Given the future of both organizations, it wouldn’t be shocking if others besides Simmons mentioned the Cavaliers as King James’ “ultimate” destination. To be honest, watching him retire in the spot where it all started would be a fairytale finale that Hollywood could never match.
Basketball Reference provided all statistics, while Spotrac provided contract data.
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