How Much Money Would LeBron's Historic Pay Cut Be If He Left Lakers to Sign Cavs Contract?
LeBron James finishing his legendary career in his home state for the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2003 would be a fitting end for his basketball journey.
But it would also require a record pay cut.
Frank Urbina of HoopsHype explained that the Cavaliers will only be able to offer the King the veteran minimum because of tax apron limitations unless they unexpectedly traded franchise cornerstones Donovan Mitchell or Evan Mobley.
James is making $52.63 million this season for the Los Angeles Lakers, which is a head-turning $48.73 million more than the $3.9 million salary for 2026-27 he would have to sign to join Cleveland. That pay cut of nearly $49 million would be the NBA record and surpass Russell Westbrook's mark.
Westbrook went from $47.1 million in 2022-23 to $3.8 million in 2023-24.
In fact, even a contract of approximately $9 million for next season would give James the record, and a deal for $20 million would put him in second behind only Westbrook.
The Cavaliers rumors picked up steam when ESPN's Tim MacMahon appeared on NBA Today and said, "I know what the rampant speculation is around the league. This summer, there's gonna be a reunion and potentially a retirement tour for the ages back home again with the Cleveland Cavaliers next year."
Still, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported James "would be welcomed back in L.A." if he decided to stay with the Lakers with general manager Rob Pelinka previously saying he would like the future Hall of Famer to retire with the Purple and Gold even if that meant another season.
Still, "his salary would be a major factor in determining exactly what kind of team L.A. could build," per McMenamin.
It would be shocking if James, who will turn 42 years old next season, was offered a contract anywhere near a max one despite his legendary status, but he is still playing at a high level as an All-Star this season and All-NBA Second Team selection last season.
His decision will surely come down to a number of factors, including how well he is playing at the end of the season, whether he can avoid injuries and where he feels he has the best chance to pursue another championship.
But it's going to require a significantly smaller salary if that decision is to return home to the Cavaliers.
