LeBron James’ Suitors Fear Cavaliers Might Be Ahead to Get His Signature, Reveals Brian Windhorst

Rival teams reportedly believe LeBron James is increasingly likely to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

LeBron James’ Suitors Fear Cavaliers Might Be Ahead to Get His Signature, Reveals Brian Windhorst

LeBron James and Brian Windhorst (Image via FirstSportz)

Day by day, the number of clubs showing interest in LeBron James has been going up. James may be well past his prime after completing his 23rd season in the league, but he has shown the NBA world that he is still a force to be reckoned with at his current age.

James had a slow start to the 2025-26 campaign as he tried to integrate himself into a team led by Luka Doncic. However, after Doncic was ruled out for the entire playoffs, James rewound the clock as he led the Los Angeles Lakers to the Western Conference Semifinals. His performances impressed many during the playoffs.

NBA insider Brian Windhorst believes that the four-time champion will be returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the offseason this year.

Everybody I talk to is like, ‘We’re afraid it’s Cleveland. Nobody seems like they have optimism, to be honest.

Brian Windhorst on Pardon My Take

When it was revealed that LeBron James and the Lakers would be parting ways after eight years, it sent shockwaves across the NBA. A number of teams have contacted James’ camp and have shown interest in signing him.

No journalist has closely followed James since joining the league like Brian Windhorst. The sportswriter began covering James during his high school playing career and began covering the Cavs when they drafted him in 2003.

While there has been interest from 10 to 12 clubs, Windhorst believes that all the signs point to Cleveland. He revealed that the Cavs are increasingly being viewed around the league as the favorite to land him. It remains to be seen where James will end up in his 24th season.

RELATED
Giannis Antetokounmpo Nearly Falls for LeBron James Cleveland Joke: “Touch My Heart, Bro”

LeBron James back to the Cavs again?

If James does decide to join the Cavs this year, it will be his second return to the franchise. After spending seven seasons in his first stint, James decided to join the Miami Heat in 2010. He returned to the Cavs in 2014 after winning two titles in Miami.

LeBron James in season 23
LeBron James (Image via NBA Base/X)

His second stint in Cleveland cemented his status as an all-time great. He took them to four consecutive NBA Finals and delivered them their first and lone championship in 2016. The 2016 championship was a special one as the Cavs pulled off a historic 3-1 comeback against the Golden State Warriors.

Since his departure to the Lakers in 2018, the Cavs have struggled to make any meaningful postseason run. Their best finish was this year as they reached the Eastern Conference Finals. While it was their best finish without James, they were exposed in the ECF as they got clean swept by the eventual champions, the New York Knicks.

A second return to Cleveland would be a perfect ending for James as he can end his career where it all began. While some are skeptical about him returning to the Cavs once again, it would mark another dramatic chapter in James’ illustrious career.

Jeff Teague on LeBron James documenting is final season

There have been reports that LeBron James would be turning his 24th season into a movie. His agent, Rich Paul, revealed that the upcoming season may not be his final season in the league. However, James plans to film a documentary after his Lakers exit.

Former NBA champion Jeff Teague believes James will be returning to Cleveland after rumors about the documentary made the rounds.

He going to be in Cleveland. They doing documentary. It don’t even make sense to be anywhere else…. Listen Bron making his decision. Come on bro he did it already. He is not documenting the Wizards. It’s going to be perfect with him in Cleveland. You couldn’t write this sh*t no better, bro. And then still be at the highest level on whatever he do.

Jeff Teague on Club 520 podcast

The possibility of James having a third stint in Cleveland is gaining momentum. Several clubs looking to contend for a championship next year will continue to try their best to sign him.

Also Read: