NBA famous vitriol Stephen A. Smith has claimed LeBron “King” James should return to the “Friendly” Cleveland Cavaliers.

James activated a $52.6 million player option this summer, opting to accompany the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2025-26 season. However, since it is an exercise of player options, not a renewal of contract, several trade rumors have been circulated in the uncertain future.

But James did not leave L.A. So far. In the Lakers, who have become a Luka Doncic-centric team, he will play the role of facilitator. However, it is not known whether James, who wants to win, will be satisfied with the Lakers’ current power. This is because it is not a team that has a high chance of winning.

NBA famous vitriol Stephen A. Smith has claimed LeBron "King" James should return to the "Friendly" Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo = X 사진 확대 NBA famous vitriol Stephen A. Smith has claimed LeBron “King” James should return to the “Friendly” Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo = X

For now, James and the Lakers are expected to continue throughout the 2025-26 season. Trade is not easy either. James holds the trade veto, so there is no reason to leave if he doesn’t want to.

Then, what will happen when the 2025-26 season ends. James’s interest in his next destination is also great. He could retire or expect a last dance somewhere else. Recently, there was also a prospect that he could try to win the Golden State Warriors with Stephen Curry.

At this point, Smith insisted that James should return to Cleveland. He was confident that he could win the championship he wanted there.

Smith insisted that James return to Cleveland. He was confident that he could win the championship he wanted there. Photo = X 사진 확대 Smith insisted that James return to Cleveland. He was confident that he could win the championship he wanted there. Photo = X

Smith mentioned on his program “The Stephen A. Smith Show” that James should return to Cleveland. He said, “If I were James, of course not. Then I would seriously consider returning to Cleveland. “I think if I’m with (Donovan) Mitchell and (Evan) Mobley, I’m more likely to win than I am to stay with the Lakers,” he said.

He said, “I’m not going to win the Lakers. You can’t beat a team like the Oklahoma City Thunder or the healthy Dallas Mavericks. Of course, if it’s Cleveland, you can get a chance to set Kobe’s five-time winning tie with players like Mitchell and Mobley,” he added.

Fans reacted differently to this.

Smith mentioned on his program "The Stephen A. Smith Show" that James should return to Cleveland. He said, "If I were James, of course not. Then I would seriously consider returning to Cleveland. "I think if I'm with (Donovan) Mitchell and (Evan) Mobley, I'm more likely to win than I am to stay with the Lakers," he said. Photo = X 사진 확대 Smith mentioned on his program “The Stephen A. Smith Show” that James should return to Cleveland. He said, “If I were James, of course not. Then I would seriously consider returning to Cleveland. “I think if I’m with (Donovan) Mitchell and (Evan) Mobley, I’m more likely to win than I am to stay with the Lakers,” he said. Photo = X

Fans who agreed on James’ return to Cleveland said, “I love the Lakers, but as a fan of James, that’s the best way to go,” and “We want to see James back in Cleveland.”

On the contrary, fans who disagreed said, “There is no way James will leave the LA market,” and “Why do we think we should give James a ring?”

If James goes back to Cleveland and stays together for the last time, and if he tries to win and succeeds, there is no more romance than that. For James, Cleveland was the beginning of a great career and a home in its heyday. It’s touching to be together until the end.

Realistically, Cleveland is one of the strongest in the Eastern Conference. If James joins here, he can look at the top. Of course, if you solve a complicated situation in the roster arrangement.

If James goes back to Cleveland and stays together for the last time, and if he tries to win and succeeds, there is no more romance than that. For James, Cleveland was the beginning of a great career and a home in its heyday. It's touching to be together until the end. 사진=AFPBBNews=News1 사진 확대 If James goes back to Cleveland and stays together for the last time, and if he tries to win and succeeds, there is no more romance than that. For James, Cleveland was the beginning of a great career and a home in its heyday. It’s touching to be together until the end. 사진=AFPBBNews=News1

[MIN JUN KU, MK Sports Reporter]