It was a bit far-fetched, sure.
But when the Los Angeles Lakers’ season ended, there seemed to be a path that LeBron James could take to end up back in Cleveland.
Cavaliers fans allowed themselves just a glimmer of hope that such a historic reunion could happen.
By this point in late June, it had seemed unlikely for a while. On Sunday, it became a crushed dream.
James opted in to his $52.6 million player option with the Lakers. He’ll spend the 2025-26 season with Los Angeles.
The Cavaliers will move forward with their strong roster.
They return all five starters from the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
They picked up Lonzo Ball in a trade on Saturday and then signed sharpshooter Sam Merrill to a four-year deal.
MORE: Cavs’ Lonzo Ball trade is brilliant for 3 reasons
The East looks wide open, too, thanks to torn Achilless for Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard.
The Knicks, on paper, will be the Cavs’ toughest competition, joined in that battle by Orlando and Detroit.
Cleveland disappointingly exited the postseason in the second round at the hands of the Pacers.
The Cavs can’t afford such disappointment in 2025-26.
And maybe, just maybe, they can meet LeBron in the NBA Finals in what would be one of the greatest narratives in league history.
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