Stephen A. Smith Makes Case For Lakers Star To Return To Cleveland

Stephen A. Smith has never been one to hold back his opinions, and he has a strong one about LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Appearing on “First Take,’ via ClutchPoints, Smith said that James should contemplate coming back to the Cavaliers, particularly because he has a better chance of winning a championship in Cleveland.

“I saw the Cleveland Cavaliers this past season and I’m a huge, huge, huge, Donovan Mitchell fan. That brother is something special, but the absence of help during the postseason was very glaring. They got bounced up outta there – [Tyrese] Haliburton and the crew sent them home. And then I thought about Los Angeles, but we know it has become crystal clear that, the weather, and Hollywood is the only reason LeBron is there because he damn sure ain’t winning no championship there. […] But getting specifically to LeBron, it has gotten to a point where I think it warrants – why don’t you just come back to Cleveland and end your career? He’d have a better chance of winning a championship in Cleveland than he would in LA,” Smith said.

"Why don't you just come back to Cleveland and end your career? He'd have a better chance of winning a championship in Cleveland than he would in LA [with the Lakers]."

Stephen A. Smith believes LeBron James should return to the Cavs 🗣️

(via @FirstTake)pic.twitter.com/23NHjPUp3f

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 8, 2025

Yes, Donovan Mitchell may need help, and, yes, James might have better odds of winning a final title in Cleveland, but that doesn’t mean this will happen.

First of all, James has another year on his deal with the Lakers.

Therefore, if the Cavaliers were to try to get him right now, they would have to put a lot on the trade block, including multiple players and assets.

That could deplete the very promising team they have now.

Secondly, they would probably only get James for a year or two, even if they waited until next summer when he becomes a free agent.

How much would the Cavaliers fight to get James if he wasn’t staying for a long time?

This is something that many people are talking about, but it may just be a pipe dream.