LeBron James Mulls Lakers Exit for Cleveland

Baxter Holmes’ reporting peels back family dysfunction around the Lakers’ sale and says Jeanie Buss resented LeBron James and Klutch Sports’ influence, even "privately mused" about not extending him or trading him in 2022. Buss denied the claims, but the story reopened wounds, Rich Paul stirred the pot by suggesting the Lakers trade Austin Reaves, and with new ownership the balance of power in L.A. has clearly shifted. Merlin sees the arc of a familiar tale. James "is not going to find another situation where he wields the level of influence he did with the Lakers." He could swap power for adoration by finishing where his legend grew. A minimum deal and a Cleveland farewell tour would give him a cinematic ending and satisfy a city that still loves its prodigal son.