LeBron James has announced that he will play another season in the NBA but will not be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2026-27. That said, the chase for the 41-year-old forward has begun.
Multiple teams have emerged as front-runners for James, including the Cleveland Cavaliers. Offseason adventures by James have also been a contributing factor. This includes a reunion with the 2016 Cleveland team that won an NBA championship and the free-agent forward posting on social media while taking a road trip through his hometown of Akron, Ohio.
Many hints are pointing towards LeBron James’ return to Cleveland, and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believes that a trade that sends Max Strus away from the franchise could be a leading factor in LeBron’s return to the team.
“If you see the Cavs move Max Strus, you will know that there’s some sort of action there,” Windhorst said on ESPN Cleveland.
How Max Strus Could Play Into LeBron James’ Return to the Cavs
GettyIf the Cleveland Cavaliers trade guard Max Strus, who is owed $16.66 million in 2026-27, it could be a key hint that the franchise is pursuing LeBron James in free agency. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers are working with a lot of money spread among multiple players. Donovan Mitchell just signed a new extension, but it doesn’t kick in until 2027-28. Evan Mobley (owed $50.1 million in 2026-27), Jarrett Allen (owed $28 million in 2026-27), and a potential James Harden extension will account for the vast majority of the Cavs’ cap hit next season.
Someone currently on the roster is leaning towards being traded if LeBron James is a true target for Cleveland. That player may be Max Strus.
Strus, 30, is heading into the final year under contract with the Cavaliers in 2026-27. He’s owed $16.66 million next season. He is a scoring guard who carries an expiring contract, two factors that make him compelling to other teams in the league.
Despite an injury-riddled 2025-26 season, Strus also brings postseason experience.
LeBron James is Looking to Play ‘Meaningful, Competitive Basketball’ With New Team
GettyAccording to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, LeBron James is looking to continue to play “meaningful, competitive basketball.”(Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
There is a specific trait that LeBron James is looking for in his next team.
The 41-year-old is looking to play “meaningful, competitive basketball,” a source familiar with James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
Cleveland fits this standard, advancing to the Eastern Conference Championship in 2026 before getting swept by the championship-winning New York Knicks.
Despite his age, LeBron James can still contribute to a competitive team. In 2025-26, James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game on 51.5/31.7/73.7 shooting splits.
The Lakers fell victim to the injury bug late in the regular season, forcing James to become the lead man in Los Angeles come postseason time. He did just that. Without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for the majority of the first round against the Houston Rockets, James led the Lakers to a series win.
Just like he does come playoff time, James came up big. In the five-game series, he averaged 23.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.3 steals.
Wherever LeBron James ends up, he will still be able to make an impact.
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