The Los Angeles Lakers are in the middle of an impressive stretch, winning nine of their last 10 games behind dominant play from guard Luka Doncic. Forward LeBron James is also playing well, although he is filling out more of a backseat role these days, something First Take’s Stephen A. Smith has applauded him for.
“The unselfishness, the leadership, you just can’t question it, you know. You know, if it was something to question, I wouldn’t hesitate to question it,” Smith said of James, who is in his 23rd season in the NBA.
However, it looks as if James will take his talents to a different city for his year 24 season as a professional, per The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
LeBron James is reportedly NOT expected to return to the Lakers, per @sam_amick
The Cavaliers and Warriors are seen as his top landing spots
(h/t @TheNBABase) pic.twitter.com/PPJsWCwqCp
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) March 23, 2026
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“People keeping saying warriors like there’s a chance. I promise on everything he is not going to the Warriors,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Doubt this is true lmao, warriors old asf, cleveland w harden and mitch ain’t better than luka and austin be fr,” someone else added.
“Doubt he will make any sort of decision until after he figures out how deep this Lakers team can make it in the off season,” another fan added.
There would undoubtedly be something magical about James finishing his career in Cleveland, where he started it.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.