Will the Cleveland Cavaliers be the EASTERN CONFERENCE FAVORITES if they land LeBron James?

Will the Cleveland Cavaliers be the EASTERN CONFERENCE FAVORITES if they land LeBron James?

July 1, 2026



Will the Cleveland Cavaliers be the EASTERN CONFERENCE FAVORITES if they land LeBron James?

The Cleveland Cavaliers have already proven they’re one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, but adding LeBron James would immediately change the championship conversation. Reports continue to link Cleveland as one of the teams pursuing LeBron, with the front office reportedly exploring ways to create the financial flexibility needed for a reunion. Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and LeBron would give the Cavaliers one of the most experienced and talented cores in basketball, but would that be enough to make them the team to beat in the East?

The bigger question is whether adding LeBron simply raises Cleveland into the contender tier—or makes them the outright favorite. Would his leadership, playoff experience, and versatility be the final piece after last year’s Eastern Conference Finals run? Or would the Cavaliers still need additional depth and roster moves to overtake the rest of the conference? A third chapter in Cleveland would be one of the biggest stories in NBA history, but if it happens, does it instantly put the Cavs at the top of the East, or does it simply create another fascinating championship debate?

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View Comments (26)

  2. He’d have a better chance to get back into the finals in Cleveland than in the west with Steph. But that Warriors team would be stacked if it all falls into place.

  7. No, if it's the only move, absolutely not. They lost 2 defenders, one of which they played heavily in the playoffs in Dwade. They NEED some strong defenders, in that of Dennis and hopefully 1-2 more.

  12. Still think LBJ, Harden and DM would be one of the worst defensive trios imaginable. Getting stops in the playoffs would be an adventure. It's not 2015 anymore, this isn't the LBJ fans remember.

  13. Funny that the same moron Jason said you would get the best version of Mobley and Allen with Harden. Figure out your takes Jason

  14. I still don't think LeBron is coming back, I think that the Golden State Warriors are the overwhelming favorites to sign LeBron. The truth is that LeBron has no connection to this iteration of the Cavaliers, he isn't friends with anyone on the roster. But in Golden State he has 2 friends in Steph Curry and Draymond Green, plus he played for Coach Steve Kerr during the 2024 Olympics in which the USA won the Gold Medal. LeBron has no connection to the Cavs coach.

  15. LeBron would boss Harden, Mitchell, Mobley & Allen to be better. HE IS NOT PLAYING WITH THEY AZZES! He will cusz them out during the game. Plus he had the ability to get them fired!

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