LeBron James endorses Cavs’ James Harden move: ‘They’re going for it’

Lakers star LeBron James is watching the Cavaliers. And he clearly likes what he sees.

Speaking on the latest episode of his Mind the Game podcast, James weighed in on the Cavs’ acquisition of James Harden at the trade deadline, a deal that sent Darius Garland and a second-round pick to the Clippers.

James agreed with co-host Steve Nash that Harden could be a difference-maker for Cleveland.

“They’re going for it,” James said. “They felt like they needed another playmaker, someone that’s been there before. They added James — a perennial All-Star who’s still putting up All-Star numbers. It gives Donovan another ballhandler who can make shots late in the game.”

That “Donovan,” of course, is Donovan Mitchell, and the pairing is clearly the bet. The Cavs are pushing chips in. Harden, still chasing his first championship, is doing the same.

James did not stop there.

He also praised the Cavs for their additional deadline work, specifically the additions of Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, both acquired via a multi-team deal involving Sacramento and Chicago.

“Schroder is a former teammate of mine. You know he’s going to compete every single night,” James said. “And Keon Ellis, that guy competes. Makes shots. Those guys are going to be really, really good for that team.”

James’ comments stand out, not only because of his history in Cleveland, but because of the ongoing speculation about whether the future Hall of Famer could return for a final season.

That remains speculation. But James has been clear about one thing: Wherever he finishes his career, he wants to contend.