When asked if he would recruit James, Mitchell shut down the reporter. “We just ended the game. That’s not for me. I’m not tryna get a headline. No matter what I say, it’s going to be a thing. Sorry, I’m not gonna give you anything,” he said.

Mitchell also reflected on the loss to the Knicks, admitting the team failed to give themselves a real chance. He noted that the Cavs simply didn’t handle their business effectively during the earlier rounds, “We didn’t give ourselves a chance because we didn’t handle business.”

Mitchell makes feelings about Cavaliers future clear

Mitchell has made his intentions clear regarding his future with the Cavaliers, prioritizing a long-term extension over a potential exit. Despite the recent postseason heartbreak, the star guard remains deeply committed to the franchise and the city of Cleveland.

The guard’s devotion to the team was evident during his end-of-season press conference when he addressed the swirling rumors about his upcoming contract. “I love it here. I don’t know how else to say it, but I love it here. We have unfinished business. This city deserves a ring and we’re just gonna keep going,” Mitchell declared.

Mitchell’s commitment is backed by elite production, as he averaged 27.9 points and 5.7 assists per game throughout the 2026 season while maintaining high efficiency. Since joining the Cavaliers, he has rewritten the franchise record books with multiple 40-point performances and consistent All-NBA caliber play in the backcourt.

In an exclusive interview that Carlos Delfino gave to Bolavip Argentina, the former small forward spoke deeply about pretty much everything. Of course, he was asked about NBA’s newest sensation, Victor Wembanyama. Given that Delfino played with Kobe, LeBron and was a teammate of Giannis, he was able to compare them.

“Youth gives you that recklessness, but it also gives you physical dominance at a level that, compared to Kobe, LeBron, or Giannis when they were young, they didn’t have that early dominance that they later achieved,” Delfino said. “Wemby is agile, tall, he changes shots, he changes the dynamics and geometry on the court. He’s very impressive.”

Wembanyama is something never seen before in the NBA

The NBA has seen taller players than Wembanyama. The Spurs center comes at 7’5″ tall, which falls shorter to Yao Ming, Tacko Fall, and Shawn Bradley (all 7’6″), Gheorge Muresan, and Manute Bol (7’7″). However, there is a key difference.

Those towering presences were good defenders and able to attack under the rim. Wembanyama can do that and more. He can dribble, he can shoot it from distance, and his agility is unreal for a guy his size. Also, he’s been durable so far in his career. Ming, Bradley, Muresan, and Bol were too injury prone during his NBA days.

The Spurs have a history of elite big men

If there’s a team that can factually say that they’ve been successful time and time again by surrounding top-tier big men with a good, competent core, it’s the Spurs. From solid veterans like Pau Gasol, Dennis Rodman, Artis Gilmore, and LaMarcus Aldridge, to absolute legends like David Robinson and Tim Duncan, the Spurs know how to ride with big men as the first option.

Robinson and Duncan are some of the best big men of all time. Now, they got Wembanyama, and if he delivers a championship, he will etch his name alongside Duncan and Robinson. For now, he is already dominating and made the Spurs a contender.

“This is a disgraceful late-game show of effort by the Cavaliers,” Smith posted, emphasizing that the franchise desperately needs a new leader. He didn’t hold back on his proposed solution, shockingly declaring, “I’m saying it…….they need LeBron James to return home to save the day“ if they ever want to bring another title to Cleveland.

Smith argued that while he is a Knicks fan, the truth about Cleveland’s lack of “fire” is undeniable and requires a monumental shift in team culture. He believes that the current group lacks the championship DNA that only a player of LeBron‘s caliber can provide.

Will LeBron return to Cleveland while Bayless slams Harden?

The prospect of a third James stint in Cleveland brings back memories of his peak years, specifically the historic 2016 comeback and multiple NBA Finals appearances. While James is currently under contract in Los Angeles, the rumors of a “homecoming” often resurface when the Cavaliers’ young core fails to execute.

Skip Bayless added fuel to the fire by criticizing the leadership of James Harden, noting that in a critical home game, the guard displayed “loser intangibles” with five costly turnovers. Bayless pointed out that Harden went 1-of-7 from beyond the arc, claiming the star played with “no follow-me fire, no apparent urgency or energy” when the season was on the line.

The odds of a LeBron return remain speculative, but the lack of veteran poise has clearly left a void that the media believes only “The King” can fill. With the Cavaliers now facing an uphill battle and analysts like Bayless and Smith questioning their heart, the front office may be forced to consider drastic roster changes.

Among the many talented veterans on the Oklahoma City Thunder roster, there was one who made a lasting impression on James: Alex Caruso, his former Lakers teammate. In the aftermath of watching Caruso close in on his third NBA Finals appearance, the 41-year-old legend found himself thinking fondly of the reunion and their brief time together in Los Angeles.

“I miss [Alex Caruso] every single day, every single day,” said James on the ‘Mind the Game’ podcast with Steve Nash. “To be able to compete against him, in a playoff series, it’s everything.”

LeBron recognizes Caruso’s great utility

LeBron misses him, and with good reason, as he is a difference-maker for OKC, which is already a team loaded with elite talent, but Caruso shines because of the additional areas he covers, serving as a defensive master who takes care of the heavyweights.

“Two things are for certain: if you wanna compete, AC’s gonna be right there. He’s gonna get underneath you, he’s gonna grab you, hold you, he’s gonna compete, and he’s gonna do it at a professional level. AC’s not gonna beat himself; you have to play that chess game with AC, understanding where he is on the floor. He’s damn good with his hands; you can’t play with the ball around him because he will take it from you. So, you have to be very strategic with your movements,” James added.

“Offensively, you have to be very strategic with your body positioning with him. But it was great to compete against him. I already knew he was guarding me every time he came off the bench, no matter if Dort was on the floor or not. I knew AC would check me because we have so much history.”

Caruso’s numbers

In total, over his first four seasons, Caruso averaged 5.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game on 42.3% shooting and 29.3% shooting from three. He was considered a favorite among fans, but his stay would last only until 2021, when he joined the Chicago Bulls.

For his part, Caruso is making his case as one of the greatest role-players ever, and it’s a sentiment that LeBron himself might agree with. While he’s always been a consistent and reliable contributor off the bench, he’s been a hero for the Thunder this year, with Game 1 being his greatest performance with 31 points, two rebounds, one assist, two steals, and two blocks on 57.9% shooting and 57.1% shooting from three.

Amid the uncertainty over his future with the Lakers, Austin Reaves was spotted at the airport, where a fan asked him questions about him and LeBron James. TMZ Sports acquired the footage and released it on social media, where Austin Reaves’ body language and words suggest he is fully inclined toward extending with the Lakers and wants them to sign the 41-year-old LeBron James as well.

“Yes,” Reaves said when the fan asked him if the Lakers want LeBron James back next year. “That’s the GOAT.” The fan then reminded him how sad it was to see the Lakers’ playoff run without Luka Doncic and asked him if he wants to have another shot with the Lakers’ Big Three next season. “Run it back,” Reaves responded. He was subsequently asked if he feels the Lakers should make roster changes in the offseason, replying, “I don’t get into all that. I’ve got to sign first.”

Austin Reaves and a decision to make

While LeBron James is already an unrestricted free agent, Austin Reaves has yet to pick up his $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season. The absolute deadline for him to decide on that player option is June 29. If the Lakers and Reaves do not come to terms on a potential extension before that time, and he does not exercise his player option, then even Reaves would become an unrestricted free agent.

All signs are that Reaves will exercise the player option if the negotiations do not yield fruit in time, as he has repeatedly suggested that he wants to retire in the purple and gold uniform.

Moreover, he would potentially be leaving $62 million on the table if he joins any other team than the Lakers. The Lakers could offer him a five-year, $240 million extension, while any other team can offer a four-year, $178 million contract at the most.

But whether LeBron James will “run it back” with him and the Lakers remains uncertain. The 41-year-old is mulling retirement, but sources suggest LeBron James will play at least one more year in the NBA.

“He has the ability to do things that we haven’t seen in our league ever,” James remarked during a Mind The Game interview. LeBron noted that Wembanyama‘s maturity is evident in his approach to the professional game, adding, “You could tell by the way he talks, you could tell by his demeanor, like you know he knows the game.“

James also pointed out the historical luck of the Spurs franchise in landing transformative big men throughout the decades. “San Antonio continues to get lucky as f— with these generational, talented, IQ, smart guys,” he said, specifically referencing the lineage that includes Hall of Famers David Robinson and Tim Duncan.

Is Wemby the future for the Spurs?

LeBron is particularly impressed by the “horse blinders” mentality Wembanyama shares with past Spurs legends, noting that for Victor, “the mission is the mission, and that is all that matters.” This dead-serious focus has already translated into historic production, with the young center averaging over 25 points and 11.5 rebounds in the 2025-26 season.

Wembanyama has almost single-handedly revitalized the San Antonio defense, leading the NBA in blocks and forcing opponents to completely abandon the paint. His ability to hit step-back threes at his height makes him a matchup nightmare that even a veteran like James admits is “pretty remarkable to see” in person.

If Wembanyama can continue this trajectory, he is expected to push the Spurs back into championship contention much faster than typical rebuilding timelines suggest. With the front office focused on surrounding him with elite playmakers, the “Wemby era” looks set to dominate the Western Conference for the next decade and beyond.

Speaking on his Mind the Game podcast, LeBron argued that the Lakers weren’t necessarily outplayed strategically, but rather suffered from a severe talent disparity. “We were not outworked. We were not, you know, they didn’t out-physical us. They didn’t outsmart us. I feel like we were just out-talented, you know, by OKC. They just possess so much more talent,” LeBron told co-host Steve Nash during the episode.

While his comments initially read as a critique of the roster’s depth, they were directly tied to Doncic’s costly absence. The injury left the team entirely top-heavy, leaving Marcus Smart, Austin Reaves, and LeBron himself to carry a shorthanded rotation against a dominant top-seeded Thunder squad.

Los Angeles simply lacked the counter-punches to match OKC’s deep rotation, which featured major contributions from breakout guard Ajay Mitchell alongside back-to-back MVP winner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Now, LeBron and the Lakers front office are forced to look ahead to a critical offseason defined by impending roster shuffles and free-agency departures.

LeBron weighs in on his looming free agency

Following their definitive series loss to OKC, speculation regarding James’ future has reached a fever pitch. Rumors are swirling across the league, fueled by fresh midweek reports indicating that LeBron plans to play one final season—though exactly which jersey he will be wearing remains a major question mark.

LeBron addressed the ongoing speculation on his podcast, emphasizing that he is in no rush to make a decision. “I’m just trying to relax on that situation. I haven’t really thought about it so far, and I understand that I’m a free agent and I can control my own destiny… but I haven’t really gotten to that point. I haven’t even taken my family vacation yet, and that’s kind of at the forefront of my mind right now,“ LeBron remarked.

Thunder facing injury uncertainty ahead of Game 3

As for the team that eliminated the Lakers, the Thunder find themselves in a dogfight in the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. OKC bounced back with a crucial Game 2 victory on Wednesday night, successfully leveling the series as it shifts venues.

However, the victory came at a steep cost. Budding star Jalen Williams exited early in the first quarter with left hamstring tightness and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. It remains to be seen if the vital forward will be cleared in time for a pivotal Game 3 matchup.

“All the indications I have gotten over the course of the year is that he is going to play one more season,” ESPN‘s Shams Charania noted during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show when pressed about LeBron’s timeline.

Even his longtime agent and business partner, Rich Paul, was recently forced to address the mounting rumors, attempting to quiet the outside noise. Yet, as fans and analysts eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for the 41-year-old superstar, LeBron himself has kept his cards close to his chest.

Following the Lakers’ season-ending playoff exit against the Oklahoma City Thunder, LeBron admitted he has yet to make a definitive choice regarding retirement, emphasizing that his ultimate decision will depend heavily on conversations with his family.

Top landing spots emerging for free agent LeBron James

With LeBron officially set to hit the open market in free agency, rumors are swirling regarding which teams will make an aggressive push to secure the NBA icon for what is widely expected to be his final run. Here is a breakdown of the top franchises linked to the superstar:

• Cleveland Cavaliers: According to Basketball Network, a return to Ohio for a final season—effectively mirroring Dwyane Wade’s legendary farewell tour with the Miami Heat—is increasingly viewed as the ultimate poetic ending to his historic career.
• New York Knicks: The Stein Line‘s Marc Stein revealed that LeBron could seriously consider a move to the Big Apple. Teaming up with Jalen Brunson would grant James a legitimate opportunity to chase a fifth championship ring on the hardwood of the world’s most famous arena, providing a massive narrative capstone to his legacy.
• Golden State Warriors: National pundits like Stephen A. Smith have routinely floated the Bay Area as a viable destination. If the Lakers’ front office fails to present a roster capable of immediately competing for a title, James could ultimately force his way to San Francisco to join forces with longtime rival Stephen Curry for one final, blockbuster championship run.

With the Lakers reportedly pivoting their long-term focus toward building a championship contender around Luka Doncic, anticipation is at an all-time high regarding James’ next move. Whether he opts for a nostalgic homecoming or a fresh championship pursuit, basketball fans around the globe are anxiously waiting to see where the King will stage his “Last Dance.”

The Miami Heat legend shared these insights during a recent appearance on the Wy Network. “I’m just here to appreciate what I’m witnessing… because we’ve never seen this before. It has to s— a little bit to get to this point in your career and still be really good,” Wade remarked.

Wade further elaborated on the contrast between his own retirement and the situation James currently faces as he navigates his 23rd professional season. “It’s hard to make that decision when you’re still really f—- good…. how do you walk away from being a GOAT when you’re still a GOAT?” Wade asked, emphasizing that LeBron‘s skill level remains a barrier to exit.

James’ recent seasons and elite production

Statistically, LeBron has defied the typical aging curve, maintaining a staggering scoring average over the last five years that rivals most players in their physical prime. Since the 2021-22 season, he has consistently averaged over 25 points per game, including a 2025-26 campaign where he continued to carry a massive offensive load for Los Angeles.

Although the “King” hasn’t captured an NBA championship since the 2019-20 bubble season, his trophy case has not stopped growing during this late-career stretch. He was notably named the inaugural NBA Cup MVP in 2023 and earned the Olympics MVP honors in 2024, proving he can still be the best player on the floor in high-stakes tournaments.

Many league insiders believe that James is strategically positioning himself for one final championship run before finally calling it a career on his own terms. Whether he eventually retires with a fifth ring or not, his current output suggests that, as Wade noted, walking away from greatness is much harder when you are still performing like a legend.

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James’ future in Los Angeles hinges on three critical factors. First, his relationship with head coach JJ Redick remains a massive plus; James reportedly feels the Redick hire is “one thing the Lakers got right.”

However, internal friction remains after James reportedly felt “taken for granted” by GM Rob Pelinka. Specifically, McMenamin point to a moment where Pelinka awarded Redick a game ball after a victory that saw James break the NBA’s all-time wins record, a gesture James reportedly viewed as a slight.

Finally, the Lakers‘ reported approach to negotiations will be vital; James is closely monitoring how much interest the front office shows in a long-term commitment and whether they expect him to take a pay cut.

James has already issued a statement regarding his future, though questions linger after the Lakers were swept 4-0 without Luka Doncic by the Thunder. The failure to lead Los Angeles back to the Finals has only intensified the scrutiny on the roster’s current construction.

Pelinka’s stance on the James era

The ball is firmly in Pelinka’s court. If the GM can navigate these delicate interpersonal dynamics, James could return for at least one more run. With retirement rumors circulating more heavily than ever, Pelinka must find a way to align the organization’s goals with the superstar’s expectations.

In his season-ending press conference, Pelinka struck a conciliatory tone, praising James for his unprecedented longevity. “We probably haven’t seen a player that has honored the game to the extent that he’s honored the game,” Pelinka remarked. “He’s given so much to his teammates and to this organization. The thing we want to do more than anything else is honor him back.“

A potential “retirement roadmap” may be on the table. Pelinka acknowledged that James deserves a send-off befitting one of the greatest players in history, signaling that the Lakers are prepared to show the level of appreciation James feels has been lacking.

What’s next for the LakeShow?

As both parties head into the summer to regroup, the focus will soon shift to an aggressive offseason. The Lakers are expected to explore every avenue to bolster the roster, with rumors already swirling that the club could target Luka Doncic as a potential centerpiece to usher in a new era of Lakers basketball.

Adding to the complexity, Maxi Kleber is set to become an unrestricted free agent after a season where he provided veteran spacing and defensive depth. Meanwhile, Luke Kennard also hits the open market as an unrestricted free agent; he earned $13.2 million last year while serving as a primary perimeter threat for a team that struggled with consistent outside shooting.

Austin Reaves is another critical piece of the puzzle as he weighs a $14.9 million player option following a productive campaign as a secondary playmaker with LeBron James, who had a message for Reaves after the elimination. His decision will significantly impact the team’s backcourt rotation and financial flexibility, especially as they look to retool a roster that failed to secure a single victory in their final postseason series this spring.

Lakers’ free agency situation

The most significant storyline revolves around LeBron James, who could hit unrestricted free agency after playing under a massive $59.5 million deal. James continues to be the focal point of the franchise’s championship aspirations, and his potential departure or a new contract negotiation will dictate exactly how much cap space the front office can utilize to improve the supporting cast. LeBron revealed postgame he will take his time to decide about his future.

Beyond the superstars, the Lakers must manage the futures of veteran guard Marcus Smart and athletic big man Jaxson Hayes to round out their rotation. Smart holds a $5.4 million player option that could provide defensive grit, while Hayes is set to become an unrestricted free agent after earning $3.4 million, leaving the team’s frontcourt depth in a state of flux.

With eight potential players hitting the market, including the league’s all-time leading scorer, the organization faces a key summer to avoid another early exit. Management will need to balance lucrative veteran contracts with younger talent to ensure the Lakers remain competitive.