Scout links LeBron James to Cavs return in free agency

We’ve heard this one before, and now it’s coming up again.

According to Tim Bontemps and Dave McMenamin of ESPN, at least one league voice sees a return to the Cavaliers as the most logical next step for LeBron James.

“I always thought it made the most sense for him to go back home,” a Western Conference scout told ESPN.

That idea hasn’t gone anywhere.

James is set to hit unrestricted free agency for the first time since 2018. The last time that happened, he left the Cavs for the Lakers.

Now? The door could swing back the other way.

There’s a fit. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are already in place. Add James alongside those two and Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, and you’re talking about a lineup that makes immediate sense.

On and off the court.

James is still producing at a high level, averaging 20.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists at age 41. He remains one of the league’s most impactful offensive players.

And then there’s the history. Cleveland drafted him. Cleveland watched him leave. Cleveland welcomed him back. Cleveland saw him deliver the 2016 title.

There’s nothing left to prove there — unless he wants to finish it where it started.

If James plays another season, the expectation is it’ll be with the Lakers or Cavs. At least one scout seems to think he knows which way it should go