LeBron James attends Cavs-Celtics Game 4 in Cleveland
With the Lakers out of the postseason, LeBron James took the chance to go visit his hometown and take in the Cavs-Celtics playoff game and certainly no one will read into this.
What would a LeBron James offseason be without a little leveraging?
LeBron’s contract situation has been much-discussed with the potential for him to opt out from his deal and become a free agent. All signs are that he and the Lakers will continue their partnership for the final years of his career.
However, it wouldn’t take much to read into LeBron’s actions on Monday. With the Cavs in the second round and the Lakers having been eliminated, LeBron took the opportunity to go to Cleveland to watch Game 4 of their series against the Celtics.
LeBron James is sitting courtside with his wife, Savannah, and agent Rich Paul. They just played a highlight package in this timeout and introduced him to the crowd to a gigantic standing ovation.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 13, 2024
LeBron James enters Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and sits courtside next to Rich Paul. pic.twitter.com/PTun4f7QmZ
— Hayden Grove (@H_Grove) May 13, 2024
This would have been a far funnier story/situation if Donovan Mitchell was playing, considering the rumors of the Lakers being interested in trading for the guard this summer. However, Mitchell is out with a calf strain, so in some ways, he’s already prepared to be a Laker next season.
There was a time when LeBron got really complimentary of the Cavs and their front office. But that was a different iteration of the Lakers and a lot has changed since then. Even at the time, there wasn’t much that came from the situation other than LeBron being really nice to Cleveland.
The Lakers and LeBron might be set for a bit of a standoff in the next couple of months. As noted, LeBron could opt out of his deal, even if nothing has indicated he plans to leave the franchise. But with a draft that will reportedly feature Bronny James and the potential for the Lakers to upgrade the roster on draft night via trade, there will be an expectation even before free agency starts that the Lakers need to upgrade the roster.
LeBron is always aware of all of this. He’s aware of what his words and actions will mean. Showing up in Cleveland, even if done largely with innocence, was also done to keep the Lakers on their toes.
But also, maybe he’s there to talk to Mitchell about asking for a trade to the Lakers this summer. I’m fine with believing that, too.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.