Lakers Timberwolves NBA Playoffs round 1 game 5.. – Source: Getty

Just a few days ago, LeBron James’ return to the LA Lakers appeared to be a safe bet as news broke of the King reportedly exercising his player option for the 2025-26 season. But now, a report by a veteran broadcaster has turned that certainty into doubt.

On Wednesday, Arizona-based radio host John Gambadoro claimed that the Lakers are looking to part ways with the four-time NBA champion — and, just as astoundingly, the feeling was said to be mutual.

“I was told this after the playoffs by someone close to Lebron- Said ‘Lebron wants out of LA and they want him gone,’ ‘Watch Game 1 how disinterested Lebron was’ Now MOST people on here know that my sources are not the 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon,” Gambadoro tweeted.

John Gambadoro
@Gambo987

I was told this after the playoffs by someone close to Lebron- Said “Lebron wants out of LA and they want him gone” “Watch Game 1 how disinterested Lebron was” Now MOST people on here know that my sources are not the 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon.

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Gambadoro’s tweet came as part of a thread in which he reacted to NBA insider Brian Windhorst floating the same possibility on national TV — that James could possibly end up suiting for another team this season.

“My conversations over the last 3 days have crystallized that the Lakers are essentially viewing LeBron as an expiring contract…And what happens to expiring contracts in the NBA? They’re viewed as trade pieces,” Windhorst said Tuesday in an appearance on “First Take.”

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Though Windhorst brought up the no-trade clause in James’ contract, it’s possible that LBJ will sign off on a deal that will bring him closer to title contention. The option of a contract buyout is also on the table for James and his current team.

If the sources of Gambadoro and Windhorst are spot-on with their information, a new chapter in James’ illustrious career will indeed unfold next season. Meanwhile, the Lakers would be able to proceed with their plans of building around their new franchise player Luka Doncic.

Viral tweet shows LeBron James wearing a “Welcome Home” hat in northeast Ohio

As the NBA community watches the James situation with great interest, the King himself amplified the buzz with a simple accessory choice.

On Wednesday, the official X account of ESPN Cleveland posted an image from James’ Instagram account. In the image, James — who was known to be golfing in northeast Ohio at the time — is seen wearing a hat that says “Welcome Home.”

This tweet, which has since gone viral, has fueled speculations of James heading to the Cavaliers for the third time in his career. The fact that the photo was taken in northeast Ohio — where Cleveland is situated — has made this talking point even more interesting.