James is expected to decline his player option with the Lakers and test free agency this summer after Los Angeles exited the playoffs in a five-game series loss to the Denver Nuggets. Changes are already coming to the Lakers following the dismissal of head coach Darvin Ham, but LeBron leaving would represent a seismic shift for one of the NBA’s most successful franchises.

Former Heat star sounds off on LeBron’s potential return

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During a recent appearance on “The Carton Show,” Heat icon Tim Hardaway was asked how feasible it would be for James to return to Miami, nearly a decade after he left to rejoin Cleveland in free agency. But Hardaway, a two-time All-Star with the franchise, quickly shot down that train of thought by implying the existence of behind-the-scenes drama between James and Heat president Pat Riley.

“After what happened back then,” Hardway said, “Pat Riley is not going to (turn to) him.”

.@HardawaySr says there's no chance LeBron James goes back to the Miami Heat:

"After what happened back then…Pat Riley is not going to him." 😳🤔 pic.twitter.com/jT6nHcNdQW

— The Carton Show (@TheCartonShow) May 1, 2024

Hardaway was pressed for specifics, but he wouldn’t budge on what transpired between Riley and James all those years ago. However, the rift seems serious enough that it would preclude any reunion between the two, although speculation has persisted that James would be willing to swap LA for Miami, which would team him with All-Stars Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler — at least for now.

Butler‘s future with the Heat does not seem clear in light of a recent rant centered on Miami’s playoff exit to the Boston Celtics, as well as his rumored demands for a contract extension. It certainly seems like there are more twists and turns in the tale ahead — and a few of those possible endings might yet include the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and one of its most successful executives putting their differences aside for one last dance.

LeBron James back in a Miami Heat jersey next season will feed families.

Time to come home. Who beating this squad? pic.twitter.com/gJn6EzZIqP

— Mink Flow (@currypistonn) April 28, 2024