NBA analyst and podcast host Bill Simmons has stirred the basketball world once again. This time with a blockbuster trade proposal that would reunite LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers in what could be the final chapter of his legendary career.
On a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Simmons floated a hypothetical three-team deal involving the Lakers, Cavaliers, and Jazz. The proposed trade would send:
- LeBron James and Bronny James to the Cavaliers
- Darius Garland and Rui Hachimura to the Jazz
- Walker Kessler, Lonzo Ball, Jordan Clarkson, and John Collins to the Lakers
Now that LeBron James has opted in for $52.6 million with the Lakers, @BillSimmons wonders if this’ll make it harder for L.A. to further build their roster.
Of course, he was ready with a fake trade.😂 pic.twitter.com/s6CJaAKUDI
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 30, 2025
Simmons acknowledged that Utah would likely need to include draft picks to balance the value, especially with Garland being the centerpiece of their return.
LeBron recently opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season, but speculation continues to swirl about his future in Los Angeles. With the Lakers now building around Luka Dončić, Simmons questioned whether LeBron fits into their long-term plans.
“The Lakers have Luka now… they’re in Luka mode for the next ten years,” Simmons said. “So it’s really awkward, and I’m surprised it’s not a bigger story”.
For Cleveland, bringing LeBron home, alongside his son Bronny, would be a full-circle moment. The Cavaliers are coming off a 64-win season but fell short in the playoffs, and a LeBron reunion could inject both experience and narrative magic into a young, talented roster.
Simmons admitted he doesn’t believe Cleveland should trade Garland, but he’s curious whether these types of deals are being discussed behind the scenes.
Even at 41, LeBron averaged 24.5 points, 8.0 assists, and 7.9 rebounds last season—still All-NBA caliber numbers. A final run with the Cavaliers, surrounded by a deep roster and his son, could be the perfect send-off for one of the greatest careers in sports history.
