LeBron James Says Second Cleveland Cavaliers Return Not Ruled Out

LeBron James did not rule out a potential second return to the Cleveland Cavaliers despite just signing a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The 33-year-old became an unrestricted free agent and joined the Lakers last month, as he departed his hometown team for the second time in his career after they were recently swept by the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.

Unlike 2010 though, there was much more of an understanding and appreciation for James and his decision this time, as he delivered on his promise of giving Cleveland its first-ever championship when they famously came back from 3-1 down to defeat the Warriors 4-3 in the 2016 NBA Finals.

Now in the Western Conference for the first time in his career, James will look to battle the Warriors as well as the Houston Rockets with a new-look Lakers side as he aims to win a fourth championship and bring back the glory days for the 16-time champions.

He would notably win his first two championships with the Miami Heat after departing Cleveland in 2010, which later led to him coming back home. Could that be the same case if he brings a couple of championships to the Staples Center? He claims he is not closing the book for now.

"Listen, I don’t close the chapter on anything or close the book on anything," James said when asked about retiring in Cleveland. "But hopefully I can sit there one day and watch my jersey go up into the rafters, that’s for sure."

James left a parting gift for his native Akron when he opened the I Promise school this week, geared towards at-risk children and giving them a promising future.

With more than 1,200 children expected to pass through the tuition-free program and into college by 2029, where they will also receive free tuition to the University of Akron, James was lauded for his contributions to his community and being more than just a sports star.

"I know these kids basically more than they know themselves. I’ve walked the same streets, I’ve rode the same bikes ... I went through the same emotions, the good, the bad, the adversity, everything that these kids are going through," James explained.

"The drugs, the violence, the guns... everything that they’re going through as kids, I know. And for me to be in a position where I have the resources I have the finance, I have the people, I have the structure and I have the city around me, why not."

Others seem to be following his lead now. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jeff Teague has suggested Indiana players to do the same as James and pitch all their resources in.

Meanwhile, Minnesota's Derrick Rose announced Wednesday he is starting The Rose Scholars program, which is reportedly gifting over $400,000 in tuition to students in need, allowing them to get a college education.