Stunning LeBron James deal 'done' as trusted journalist reveals NBA legend's next destination

NBA icon LeBron James is off the free agency market, according to respected sportswriter Bill Simmons.

James became a free agent after the 2025-26, electing not to re-sign with the LA Lakers after eight years in California.

The 41-year-old's agent clarified that a desire to go out with another NBA championship ring pushed James to leave the Lakers.

"LeBron knows the Lakers are building for the future, and he also wants to compete for championships," Rich Paul told The Athletic.

"We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count"

Unsurprisingly, one of the greatest players the NBA has ever known has been in demand in the off-season.

Golden State Warriors have long been linked with a free agency move for the legendary forward, while the Philadelphia 76ers also emerged as a potential destination.

Boston Celtics are among the several other possible options mooted since the end of the season.

But according to Simmons, James returning for a third spell with the Cleveland Cavaliers is a 'done' deal.

The "Cleveland thing is done," the writer said on the Bill Simmons Podcast.

Despite Simmons' well established credibility, Cavaliers reporter Jackson Flickinger is somewhat cautious about the claim.

"Simmons says this in a somewhat flippant way, an hour into a two-hour podcast," writes Flickinger.

"If he were going to break news this big, it’d make a lot more sense to lead off his show with this or put it up on the website he owns.

"That could easily lead you to believe this is just speculation based on all the other reporting and noise around a return to Cleveland.

"On the other hand, Simmons is extremely plugged in. He’s been in NBA circles for decades and knows what he’s talking about.

"Also, he has a direct connection with Rich Paul."

King James returns to Cleveland?

James and the Cavaliers go hand in glove.

The Ohio-born titan was drafted as the first overall pick by his home-state franchise in 2003 and established himself as one of the greats in his first spell as a Cavalier.

Now a four-time NBA MVP and NBA Finals MVP, James won his first two NBA championships with Miami Heat after leaving Cleveland for the first time in 2010.

James' crowning moment as a Cav came in his second stint. He was named as the NBA Finals MVP after top-scoring for Cleveland in their epic Game 7 win over Golden State in 2016.

He went on to collect a fourth championship with the Lakers, who he joined in 2018 after opting out of his Cavaliers contract and led to a Finals victory in six against the Heat in 2020.

Also a triple Olympic gold medal winner, James is regarded as one of the best basketball players of all time along with the likes of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal.