JR Smith speculates that LeBron James is returning to Cleveland

After a flurry of roster moves ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, former Cleveland Cavaliers guard JR Smith there is guessed that Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James could return to Cleveland to close his career.

Cleveland has recently changed its roster acquisition of James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers and adding Dennis Schroeder and Keon Ellis in a deal with the Sacramento Kings. The activity prompted Smith, a key member of the Cavaliers’ 2016 NBA championship team, to weigh in on James’ future during the latest episode of FanDuel’s Run It Back.

“I mean, this is speculation. I don’t know. This is all speculation, but we’re still having a group conversation and all that. We’re still talking, but honestly, this is my opinion, but I think he’s going back to Cleveland next year,” Smith said. “He’s riding out. He’s riding off into the sunset. I don’t think this is his last year. I don’t think he needs to keep playing, but I still think he’s got a lot left in the tank where he’s very impactful. Especially to a team like Cleveland with the pieces they already have.”

Smith emphasized that his comments were purely speculative, but noted that he remains close to James and believes a return to Cleveland could serve both competitive and sentimental purposes. Smith and James were teammates during Cleveland’s historic 2016 championship, when the Cavaliers overcame a 3–1 deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors and win the franchise’s first NBA title.

JR Smith suggests LeBron James could leave the Lakers to join the Cavaliers

James, now 41, continues to play at a high level in his 23rd NBA season. He is averaging 22.0 points, 6.6 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 50.9% from the field and 32.2% from three-point range in 32 games, logging 33 minutes per game. Despite lingering questions about his long-term future, James has shown little sign of significant decline.

Cleveland, meanwhile, is up after its recent transactions. The Cavaliers improved to 31-21 after a 121-91 win over the Clippers on Wednesday night, moving into fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings. They will continue their five-game road trip Saturday night against the Sacramento Kings (12-40) at 10:00 PM ET.

James remains under contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, who are sixth in the Western Conference at 30-19. Los Angeles prepares to open an eight-game homestand Thursday night against the Philadelphia 76ers (29-21) at 10:00 PM ET.

While there were no indications that a move was imminent, Smith’s comments added to league-wide intrigue over how and where James might decide to end a career that already included four championships, four MVP awards and one of the most memorable titles in NBA history with Cleveland.