League buzz is intensifying: LeBron James could leave the Los Angeles Lakers this summer to play his final NBA season with his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers before retiring. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland’s franchise cornerstone, addressed the speculation head-on during a SiriusXM NBA Radio interview on Saturday (Feb. 14, 2026), ahead of Sunday’s All-Star Game.

“As a Bron fan, to be able to be a teammate would obviously be special, but that’s not something that’s [in] my control,” Mitchell said. “I control what we got here. There’s always going to be reports. It’s natural… But at the end of the day, my main focus right now is trying to get this championship. Whatever happens, it happens. That’s not up to me.”

He added: “That’s not up to anybody else in the locker room. I’m big on believing in what I can control… my focus is that we just traded for James Harden, Dennis Schroder, Keon Ellis. Let’s try to find a way to get a ring and go from there.”

 

ESPN’s Tim MacMahon fueled the fire last week: The NBA is preparing for a LeBron “retirement tour for the ages” next season, reuniting him with Mitchell, Evan Mobley, James Harden, Jarrett Allen, and rising star Jaylon Tyson in Cleveland. “This summer there’s going to be a reunion and potentially a retirement tour for the ages back home again with the Cleveland Cavaliers next year,” MacMahon said.

 

A LeBron-Cavs reunion could create an instant powerhouse: Mitchell’s scoring, Mobley’s defense, Harden’s playmaking, Allen’s rim protection, and LeBron’s leadership/experience. But Cleveland’s highest payroll in 2025-26 and projected second-apron status next year complicate things. Options include letting Harden walk, trading Allen for cap relief, or LeBron signing a veteran minimum to preserve the core (Dirk Nowitzki-style).

Meanwhile, the Lakers appear ready to move on. With up to $100M in cap space this summer, LA is building around Luka Dončić (acquired via trade) and Austin Reaves. Brian Windhorst (ESPN): The Lakers will ask LeBron for a significant pay cut to return. “Would he be comfortable doing that… Or would he consider… going somewhere else?”

 

LeBron (41) remains elite, but at this stage, he may prioritize legacy over money. Returning to Cleveland—where he won his first ring in 2016—offers emotional closure and a shot at one last title run.

As of Feb. 15, 2026: No official word from LeBron (he’s under contract through 2026-27 with a player option), but the speculation is rampant. Mitchell stays focused on Cleveland’s current push. Summer 2026 could deliver the NBA’s most poetic ending yet—a King returning home for one final ride.

What do you think? LeBron to Cavs for the farewell tour—dream scenario or wishful thinking? The drama is just beginning.