PORTLAND, OREGON – FEBRUARY 09: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 09, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Shams Charania, NBA insider for The Athletic, does not see a scenario where LeBron James leaves the Los Angeles Lakers for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In the lead-up to the NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said in an interview that he would leave the door open to a return to the Cavaliers. At the game, James received a hero’s welcome when he was announced at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. Not to mention, there was a report by The Athletic’s Bill Oram about the tense situation between the Lakers and James.
But will a return to Cleveland happen in the near future?
Shams Charania, NBA insider for The Athletic, appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” and said that he does not see any scenario where James leaves Los Angeles for Cleveland. He continued, saying that even with the Lakers’ struggles, he expects LeBron to remain in Los Angeles for the foreseeable future. You can listen to Charania’s full answer below:
Shams Charania does not see LeBron James leaving Lakers for Cavaliers
Sorry, Cavaliers fans.
Of course, the Lakers made heavy moves this past offseason to contend for the NBA Championship after getting eliminated in the first round by the Phoenix Suns last season. One example is trading for Russell Westbrook, and that move has not paid dividends for Los Angeles. The Lakers currently sit in ninth-place in the Western Conference as of Thursday morning, Feb. 24, with a 27-31 record. Despite their struggles, the Lakers did not make a single move at the trade deadline.
Through 41 games this season, James is averaging 29.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists, while shooting 52.2-percent from the field and 35.3-percent from the three-point line.
James is under contract with the Lakers for next season before hitting free agency. From there, it will be interesting to see what James does.