6 Teams that could steal LeBron James from the Lakers next summer

By Nick Halden | Aug 14, 2022

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the fourth quarter at Staples Center on October 29, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

4 of 7

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland has to be included on this list based on the fact they will have the ability to sign a max player next offseason as well as their exciting young core of players.

Add in the fact they are LeBron’s hometown team he elevated to relevance and they have to be taken into consideration. The problem with this potential fit is the fact that the Cavaliers have a great young core but no obvious second star they can rely on in the playoffs.

At this point in his career, James needs to join a team with a player he knows can get a bucket when it matters most. As great as the Cavs young stars appear to be they are not yet proven in the playoffs.

James going back to Cleveland would be a great homecoming story but one we have already seen before. If the Lakers lose LeBron the Cavs cannot be ruled out for the simple fact James has a lot of ties to his hometown team.

Evan Mobley and Darius Garland appear to be players who are going to push Cleveland into playoff relevance this season. If they do and appear to only be a piece or two away there could be one more LeBron James title run in Cleveland.