Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Salutes LeBron James as Lakers Tenure Ends, Talks Potential Cavs Reunion

Basketball Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar saluted LeBron James after word emerged Tuesday that the 23-year veteran would not be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers, ending his eight-year tenure with the team.

Abdul-Jabbar, a Lakers legend himself, also mentioned the possibility of James re-joining his home-state squad, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

James confirmed on Tuesday that his time with the Lakers, which included the 2019-20 NBA championship and seven All-NBA team honors, has concluded.

Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and Cavs are in the running for James' services.

Cleveland makes sense for a few reasons. First of all, the Cavs are a competitive team that just reached the Eastern Conference Finals, so James would join a playoff contender. Second, James could return to his old team, which selected him with the first pick in the 2003 NBA draft.

He played 11 seasons in Cleveland (2003-2010 and 2014-2018), winning a championship in 2016. James winning another championship with the Cavs as he caps his career would be an incredible story.

James, in his 23rd NBA season, just averaged 20.9 points on 51.5 percent shooting, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds. He certainly has more to offer and has decided to return, so the big questions are where, when and how he'll land in his new spot.

James, per McMenamin, wants to continue playing "meaningful, competitive basketball."

The 41-year-old James, in his 23rd season, just averaged 20.9 points on 51.5 percent shooting, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game.

James was at his best in the first round of the playoffs, when he led the Lakers to a five-game win over the Houston Rockets despite L.A. missing Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves due to injury.

There's no doubt he has plenty left to offer for a team even well into his third NBA decade.

The big question is where he lands. Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat are all in the running.

James could team up with fellow NBA legend Stephen Curry on the Warriors or return to his home state (and former team) and join the Cavs along Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. A return to his other old team, the Miami Heat, would form a new big three alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.

Ultimately, James should be playing "competitive, meaningful basketball" wherever he goes as he embarks on his NBA record 24th season.