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Deadspin | Duke, Arizona, Michigan, Florida earn NCAA top seeds; Miami (Ohio) last team in

Deadspin | Duke, Arizona, Michigan, Florida earn NCAA top seeds; Miami (Ohio) last team in

Sports news

Jan 10, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) talks to head coach Jon Scheyer during the first half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

They were mocked by pundits across the nation, their schedule was scoffed at and when they finally lost, bubble teams saw renewed hope.

But here is how you now refer to the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks: 2026 NCAA Tournament participants.

The RedHawks (31-1) barely skated into the March Madness field as one of the final four teams chosen on Sunday.

But that beats being passed over, and Miami will face SMU (20-13) in the First Four at Dayton, located just 42 miles away from Miami.

Miami had some nervous moments in recent days after losing to UMass in its opening game of the Mid-American Conference tournament. Akron ended up winning the MAC’s automatic berth.

The other First Four matchup on an 11-seed line is North Carolina State (20-13) against Texas (18-14).

Duke, Arizona, Michigan and Florida were selected as the four No. 1 seeds by the selection committee.

Duke (32-2) is the No. 1 seed in the East. UConn (29-5) is the No. 2, followed by Michigan State (25-7) and Kansas (23-10).

The Blue Devils will take aim at reaching the Final Four for the second straight year. Duke meets No. 16 Siena (23-11) in the first round on Thursday at Greenville, S.C. UConn won back-to-back national titles in 2023-24.

Arizona (32-2) was placed in the West as the No. 1 seed. The Wildcats look to overcome a long drought as they haven’t reached the Final Four since losing the national title game in 2001. Arizona opens with No. 16 seed Long Island (24-10) on Friday in San Diego.

Purdue (27-8) is the No. 2 seed, Gonzaga (30-3) is No. 3 and Arkansas (26-8) is No. 4.

Michigan (31-3) landed the No. 1 seed in the Midwest. Iowa State (27-7) is No. 2, Virginia (29-5) landed the No. 3 spot and Alabama (23-9) is No. 4.

The Wolverines will play the winner of the First Four matchup between UMBC and Howard. This is the first appearance for the Retrievers since the famous 16 vs. 1 victory over Virginia in 2018.

Santa Clara (26-8) drew the No. 10 seed in the Midwest to make the March Madness field for the first time since 1996 when the Broncos were in for the third time in four seasons to end the Steve Nash era.

Defending champion Florida (26-7) earned the top seed in the South and will face either Lehigh or Prairie View A&M in the first round.

Houston (28-6), which lost to the Gators in last season’s final, is also in the South as the No. 2 team. Illinois (24-8) is No. 3 and Nebraska (26-6) is No. 4. The Cornhuskers are 0-8 all-time in NCAA Tournament play and lost in the first round to Texas A&M in 2024 in their most recent appearance.

The first four out were Oklahoma (19-15), Auburn (17-16), San Diego State (22-11) and Indiana (18-14). Former Auburn coach Bruce Pearl — whose son Steven now coaches the team — had been banging the drum the loudest for the Tigers to be in at Miami’s expense.

The NCAA Tournament appearance is the first for the RedHawks since 2007.

–Field Level Media

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You know it. I know it. We all know it.

Jordan Spieth is chasing the career grand slam yet again this week at the PGA Championship and given that we so recently got to see somebody climb that mountain last year with Rory McIlroy at the Masters (where he doubled down this year)… we want more.

This year marks Spieth’s 10th run at the Career Grand Slam and the passage of time has seemingly made him have a level of peace about the quest.

At the moment Jordan isn’t exactly believed to be seriously in the mix. Consider that FanDuel Sportsbook has him at +5500 to win at Aronimink with players like Min Woo Lee and Chris Gotterup ahead of him. Even Jordan’s buddy Rickie Fowler is listed in front him after last week’s showing at the Truist.

Isn’t the fact that this is a longshot something that makes us want it all the more, though? How many people seriously went into Augusta last year thinking that Rory was about to do it? He may not have been this far down the odds listing, but he was hardly considered a lock.

We could literally be on the precipice of golf history right now. Think about that.

#Jordan #Spieth #incredible #week">Jordan Spieth could do something incredible this week You know it. I know it. We all know it.Jordan Spieth is chasing the career grand slam yet again this week at the PGA Championship and given that we so recently got to see somebody climb that mountain last year with Rory McIlroy at the Masters (where he doubled down this year)… we want more.This year marks Spieth’s 10th run at the Career Grand Slam and the passage of time has seemingly made him have a level of peace about the quest.At the moment Jordan isn’t exactly believed to be seriously in the mix. Consider that FanDuel Sportsbook has him at +5500 to win at Aronimink with players like Min Woo Lee and Chris Gotterup ahead of him. Even Jordan’s buddy Rickie Fowler is listed in front him after last week’s showing at the Truist.Isn’t the fact that this is a longshot something that makes us want it all the more, though? How many people seriously went into Augusta last year thinking that Rory was about to do it? He may not have been this far down the odds listing, but he was hardly considered a lock.We could literally be on the precipice of golf history right now. Think about that. #Jordan #Spieth #incredible #week

India, on Thursday, officially appointed decorated Frenchman Frederic Soyez as the chief coach of the national junior men’s hockey team, replacing two-time Olympic medallist PR Sreejesh.

Sreejesh, a former star goalkeeper, was removed from his role just after 17 months, following the expiry of his contract, after guiding India to a bronze medal finish at last year’s FIH Junior World Cup in Chennai and Madurai.

In a strongly-worded social media post, Sreejesh vented out his frustration, saying his tenure was brought to an end despite winning five medals in as many tournaments during his stint, but Hockey India argued that the decision was taken considering the long-term vision of building a sustainable high-performance ecosystem aligned with India’s ambitions for hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.

One of the most accomplished coaches in European hockey, Soyez brings over three decades of elite coaching experience, including 15 years as an international player for France and over 15 years as a head coach at the highest level.

Soyez, who enjoyed an illustrious playing career with France from 1995 to 2010, earning 196 international caps and scoring an impressive 195 goals for the team, coached the national men’s hockey teams of both France and Spain.

He has coaching experience at three Olympic Games, having guided Spain at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics before leading France at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

During his tenure with Spain, he guided the team to a silver medal at the 2019 European Championships, while also steering it to quarterfinal finishes at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics.

A proven developer of young talent, Soyez coached France to a historic silver medal at the FIH Junior Men’s World Cup in Delhi in 2013 and most recently guided the French U-18 men’s team to a silver medal at the 2025 European Championships.

He additionally served as the High-Performance Director of the French Hockey Federation from 2021 to 2024, overseeing the country’s broader high-performance and athlete development structure.

His coaching resume also includes participation in two FIH Men’s Hockey World Cups (2018, 2023) and six European Championships (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023), underlining his extensive experience at the elite international level.

At the domestic level, Soyez guided Lille MHC to French Indoor and Outdoor Championship titles in 2012, along with EuroHockey Trophy Indoor and Outdoor titles in the same year.

Widely regarded for his expertise in high-performance systems, athlete development, and penalty corner strategy, Soyez has consistently built teams with strong tactical structure and competitive consistency across all levels.

Hockey India’s long-term strategy also places significant emphasis on developing Indian coaches alongside international experts.

To ensure knowledge transfer and continuity, Indian coaches have been integrated across the senior, junior, and sub-junior national camps, with designated Indian coaches working closely alongside the respective head coaches at every level.

Welcoming Soyez to Indian hockey, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said, “We warmly welcome Frederic Soyez to the Hockey India family. Frederic comes with outstanding international credentials, having coached at multiple Olympic Games, World Cups, and European Championships, while also successfully developing young talent and high-performance systems.

“We believe his experience and skill set will greatly benefit Indian hockey as we continue to work towards a bigger long-term vision for the 2036 Olympics. Our focus is not only on immediate results but also on building a deep talent pool and a coaching structure that remains aligned from sub-junior to senior level. By integrating Indian coaches, alongside international experts in every national camp across all levels, we are ensuring continuity in coaching philosophy, player development, and tactical understanding.

“This collaborative approach will also play a vital role in strengthening the capabilities of Indian coaches and creating a more self-sustaining high-performance ecosystem for the future,” he added.

Published on May 14, 2026

#Frederic #Soyez #replaces #Sreejesh #coach #Indian #junior #mens #hockey #team">Frederic Soyez replaces PR Sreejesh as coach of Indian junior men’s hockey team India, on Thursday, officially appointed decorated Frenchman Frederic Soyez as the chief coach of the national junior men’s hockey team, replacing two-time Olympic medallist PR Sreejesh.Sreejesh, a former star goalkeeper, was removed from his role just after 17 months, following the expiry of his contract, after guiding India to a bronze medal finish at last year’s FIH Junior World Cup in Chennai and Madurai.In a strongly-worded social media post, Sreejesh vented out his frustration, saying his tenure was brought to an end despite winning five medals in as many tournaments during his stint, but Hockey India argued that the decision was taken considering the long-term vision of building a sustainable high-performance ecosystem aligned with India’s ambitions for hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.One of the most accomplished coaches in European hockey, Soyez brings over three decades of elite coaching experience, including 15 years as an international player for France and over 15 years as a head coach at the highest level.Soyez, who enjoyed an illustrious playing career with France from 1995 to 2010, earning 196 international caps and scoring an impressive 195 goals for the team, coached the national men’s hockey teams of both France and Spain.He has coaching experience at three Olympic Games, having guided Spain at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics before leading France at the Paris 2024 Olympics.During his tenure with Spain, he guided the team to a silver medal at the 2019 European Championships, while also steering it to quarterfinal finishes at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics.A proven developer of young talent, Soyez coached France to a historic silver medal at the FIH Junior Men’s World Cup in Delhi in 2013 and most recently guided the French U-18 men’s team to a silver medal at the 2025 European Championships.He additionally served as the High-Performance Director of the French Hockey Federation from 2021 to 2024, overseeing the country’s broader high-performance and athlete development structure.His coaching resume also includes participation in two FIH Men’s Hockey World Cups (2018, 2023) and six European Championships (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023), underlining his extensive experience at the elite international level.At the domestic level, Soyez guided Lille MHC to French Indoor and Outdoor Championship titles in 2012, along with EuroHockey Trophy Indoor and Outdoor titles in the same year.Widely regarded for his expertise in high-performance systems, athlete development, and penalty corner strategy, Soyez has consistently built teams with strong tactical structure and competitive consistency across all levels.Hockey India’s long-term strategy also places significant emphasis on developing Indian coaches alongside international experts.To ensure knowledge transfer and continuity, Indian coaches have been integrated across the senior, junior, and sub-junior national camps, with designated Indian coaches working closely alongside the respective head coaches at every level.Welcoming Soyez to Indian hockey, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said, “We warmly welcome Frederic Soyez to the Hockey India family. Frederic comes with outstanding international credentials, having coached at multiple Olympic Games, World Cups, and European Championships, while also successfully developing young talent and high-performance systems.“We believe his experience and skill set will greatly benefit Indian hockey as we continue to work towards a bigger long-term vision for the 2036 Olympics. Our focus is not only on immediate results but also on building a deep talent pool and a coaching structure that remains aligned from sub-junior to senior level. By integrating Indian coaches, alongside international experts in every national camp across all levels, we are ensuring continuity in coaching philosophy, player development, and tactical understanding.“This collaborative approach will also play a vital role in strengthening the capabilities of Indian coaches and creating a more self-sustaining high-performance ecosystem for the future,” he added.Published on May 14, 2026 #Frederic #Soyez #replaces #Sreejesh #coach #Indian #junior #mens #hockey #team

LeBron James Returning to Cleveland Feels More Real Than Ever | Deadspin.com May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Lakers ended their season on Monday night, after getting swept by the Thunder, losing game four 115-110. Without Luka Doncic, the Thunder just had too much firepower for 41-year-old LeBron James and company to handle, and that leads to some very tough questions.LeBron proved once again that there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the .6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball #LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.comMay 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers ended their season on Monday night, after getting swept by the Thunder, losing game four 115-110. Without Luka Doncic, the Thunder just had too much firepower for 41-year-old LeBron James and company to handle, and that leads to some very tough questions.

LeBron proved once again that there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.

Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.

Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.

Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?

Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the $52.6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.

If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.

LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?

Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.

Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

#LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.com">LeBron James Returning to Cleveland Feels More Real Than Ever | Deadspin.com May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Lakers ended their season on Monday night, after getting swept by the Thunder, losing game four 115-110. Without Luka Doncic, the Thunder just had too much firepower for 41-year-old LeBron James and company to handle, and that leads to some very tough questions.LeBron proved once again that there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the .6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball #LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.com

there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.

Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.

Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.

Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?

Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the $52.6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.

If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.

LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?

Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.

Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

#LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.com">LeBron James Returning to Cleveland Feels More Real Than Ever | Deadspin.com
LeBron James Returning to Cleveland Feels More Real Than Ever | Deadspin.com May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Lakers ended their season on Monday night, after getting swept by the Thunder, losing game four 115-110. Without Luka Doncic, the Thunder just had too much firepower for 41-year-old LeBron James and company to handle, and that leads to some very tough questions.LeBron proved once again that there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the .6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball #LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.comMay 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers ended their season on Monday night, after getting swept by the Thunder, losing game four 115-110. Without Luka Doncic, the Thunder just had too much firepower for 41-year-old LeBron James and company to handle, and that leads to some very tough questions.

LeBron proved once again that there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.

Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.

Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.

Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?

Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the $52.6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.

If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.

LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?

Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.

Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

#LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.com

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