Stephen A. Smith Urges LeBron James to Return to Cleveland: “It’s His Best Shot at Another Ring” 🏆
In a bold and headline-grabbing take, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has ignited the basketball world by calling on LeBron James to return to where it all began — the Cleveland Cavaliers — claiming it would give “The King” his best shot at securing a fifth NBA championship before hanging up his sneakers.
“Getting specifically to LeBron… why don’t you just come back to Cleveland and end your career?” Smith declared on First Take. “This cannot be disputed — he’d have a better chance of winning the championship in Cleveland than he would in L.A. You come back to Cleveland. You bring the chip back to Cleveland, and you say goodbye as a five-time champion. If LeBron was back in Cleveland, Cleveland is the favorite.”
Smith’s argument hinges on the Cavaliers’ rising status as one of the NBA’s most promising young teams. With Donovan Mitchell’s scoring brilliance, Darius Garland’s floor general skills, Evan Mobley’s defensive versatility, and Jarrett Allen’s paint dominance, Cleveland has the core pieces to contend — and adding LeBron’s experience and championship pedigree could instantly push them over the top.
For LeBron, the move would be steeped in poetic symmetry. Drafted No. 1 overall by Cleveland in 2003, James carried the franchise to its first-ever championship in 2016, ending the city’s 52-year title drought. A return to “The Land” to chase one more ring would not only be a full-circle moment, but also a chance to cement his legacy in storybook fashion.
While his current Lakers squad remains competitive, Smith suggested that the Western Conference grind — combined with the Lakers’ aging roster and inconsistent depth — makes the road to another title steeper than what Cleveland could offer.
The possibility of a LeBron-Cavs reunion has sparked immediate speculation among fans and analysts. Social media lit up with mock-up jersey swaps and dream lineup scenarios, imagining “The King” alongside the Cavaliers’ young stars in a high-powered Eastern Conference attack.
If Smith’s vision comes true, LeBron’s career could end right where it began — in front of a roaring Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse crowd, one last time lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy over his head, this time as a five-time champion.
Because in the eyes of Stephen A. Smith, Cleveland might just be where LeBron James’ final — and greatest —
chapter awaits.
