US media updates the odds of LeBron James's next team, with a return to the Cavaliers taking the top spot! Second is staying with the Lakers or retiring.

Today, following the Cavaliers’ trade of Hunter to the Kings and their acquisition of Schröder and Ellis, the Lakers immediately lost their targets Hunter and Ellis. Lakers reporter Dan Woike commented: "The Lakers are unwilling to absorb salary beyond this season, making Hunter not an ideal choice. They also lack sufficient draft picks (or prefer not to commit to longer-term salary) to get Ellis."

Hunter’s salary next season is $24.91 million, with his contract expiring in 2027. Ellis has an expiring contract but is seeking a long-term extension. The Lakers’ desired players are gradually slipping away. It seems the Lakers’ trades either make a lot of noise but yield little, focusing on the buyout market, or secretly pursue a major swap, such as a potential Doncic-Anthony Davis trade.

With LeBron and the Lakers visiting the Cleveland Cavaliers’ home court a few days ago, speculation about LeBron returning to the Cavaliers has intensified.

Today, the market prediction platform Kalshi updated the probabilities for LeBron’s next team, with the chance of him returning to the Cavaliers soaring to first place at 46%, followed by staying with the Lakers or retiring. Details are as follows:

1. Cavaliers 46.0%

2. Retiring or staying with the Lakers 41.0%

3. Pelicans 11.0%

4. Warriors 10.0%

5. Knicks 7.0%

6. Trail Blazers 5.0%

Many sports media figures are optimistic about LeBron playing another year with the Cavaliers, returning to his roots. Former NBA player Perkins spoke on a show about LeBron’s retirement tour: “I sincerely hope he plays one more year, giving us fans a chance to properly celebrate his legendary career. Also, has anyone realized how much Nike and the league could earn next year if he starts his retirement tour? We’re not sure if he’ll do it yet, but I just threw that out there.”

If LeBron begins his retirement tour next year, the team he plays for will undoubtedly reap huge financial rewards, with arena ticket prices likely to multiply several times over.

The Lakers have completed all their January games, finishing with an 8-7 record. LeBron played in every game, including two back-to-backs, averaging 33.2 minutes per game, scoring 23.5 points, grabbing 6.7 rebounds, dishing 6.7 assists, with 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. His shooting percentages were 50.8% from the field, 34.4% from three-point range, and 84.5% from the free-throw line.

February is approaching, and based on past data, LeBron’s individual stats typically experience a slight surge during the All-Star weekend month. February’s averages tend to be his best across all months.

Doncic praised LeBron yesterday, saying: “LeBron is extremely professional. Even at 41 years old, he still gives his all in every game. I’ve learned a lot from him, especially how well he takes care of his body and prepares before games. I think those are the two most important factors.”

LeBron responded to Doncic: “I like this kid. I like everything about him. I just hope he can take his journey wherever he wants. I’m glad to be a small part of his journey and hope he learns something from me.”

Yesterday, there was a moment from LeBron that many might not have realized the difficulty of: he jumped off his left foot, caught the ball with his left hand, slammed it with the left hand into the basket, and landed first on his left foot.

Reeves was stunned watching nearby. Tomorrow, the Lakers face the Knicks on the road. Reeves has been out for over a month and is expected to return soon. Let’s wait and see.