It may not be retirement that’s looming for LeBron James, but future with the Los Angeles Lakers is no longer guaranteed. After eight seasons and an NBA title with the Lakers, the 41-year-old is entering the final year of his contract. James plans to weigh his options this summer, and one possibility stands out. A return home, back to where it all began, could be calling.

In a surprise turn of events, the Cleveland Cavaliers are open to signing LeBron James in the summer.

“Multiple team and league sources told ESPN the Cavaliers would gladly welcome James back this summer if he wanted to return to Cleveland for his 24th NBA season and third stint with the team,” according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

It’s where everything began for LeBron James. Hailing from Akron, Ohio, the four-time league MVP has spent most of his career with the Cavaliers. Across two stints, he spent 11 years taking the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals on several occasions. His 2016 conquest is still the only championship the Cavaliers have to show.

Years since King James left, the franchise has also assembled a group capable of competing. Donovan Mitchell has become the franchise’s mainstay, currently enjoying his most prolific scoring campaign. Furthermore, they also house reigning DPOY Evan Mobley and other promising stars. Besides all these equations, it is LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, whose words resonate with the Cavaliers’ situation.

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LeBron James wants to compete for championships. With him, the Cavaliers could have a veteran mastermind to help them get over their playoff demons. They haven’t got out of the second round since James left, despite finishing with a franchise-best 64 wins last season.

LeBron James is still putting up his standard numbers this season. But the postseason prioritizes mental fortitude, something the NBA’s all-time leading scorer has gained mastery over. It would be a move that meets both sides’ desires, while also giving James the celebratory sendoff he deserves.

As much as Los Angeles screams for stars, they might have plans to shift the crown.

The Lakers are keen on building around Luka Doncic

For the past eight seasons, LeBron James was the center of the universe for the Lakers. That changed last season when they landed Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. The 26-year-old is primed to be the cornerstone. James already calls the Lakers his team. That also means Mark Walter and the franchise will do what’s best for Doncic.

The Lakers currently sit at 28-17, barely making it into the top six. There are several areas for the team to address and improve upon. Freeing up $52 million next season provides Rob Pelinka the ability to lure a star that truly complements Doncic. But the build might not be as rampant.

LA Times’ Broderick Turner claims, “After the trade that brought Doncic to L.A. completely reset the organization’s timetable, it makes more sense for this trade deadline — and the ensuing offseason — to be about recalibrating the finer points of the roster and salary sheet to set up for the true Doncic era.”

The Lakers have Austin Reaves, who could fill the role of the secondary star. If the Doncic-Reaves backcourt finds success, the front office might choose to surround them with high-end role players to build a fluent team. If the Lakers stay patient, they could eventually pick any player they like to plug with the tandem.

What seems highly certain is that they are ready to move past the LeBron James era. The team is still aiming for a championship this season. That could see James reconsider his future in LA. But it’s hard to see him continue with the Lakers now that they have a new talisman to build around.

Where do you think LeBron James will go next? Let us know your views in the comments below.