Is LeBron James going to remain a Laker or come back to the Miami Heat?

Is former Miami Heat star LeBron James really going to end his career as a Los Angeles Laker?

Editor’s note: this article contains what may be the hottest LeBron James take in existence. Take precautions, Miami Heat fans. You’ve been warned.

LeBron James is officially a Los Angeles Laker.

After eleven seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers and four with the Miami Heat, the superstar is heading out into the Western Conference, single-handedly changing the entire landscape of the league.

However, there’s a possibility that none of the above will actually take place. Because James may not be a Laker for long.

(Editor’s note: brace yourselves.)

He may instead rejoin the Heat via a trade.

(Editor’s note: told you.)

Heading West?

The idea of James joining the Lakers has been floating around for years. Between it becoming clear that his days in Cleveland were numbered, and the obvious business opportunities in Los Angeles, many could understand the concept.

In theory anyways.

But what never made sense was why he’d want to give up being at the top of the Eastern Conference, only to have to exist in Golden State’s shadow out West.

And it still doesn’t.

Especially given that the Houston Rockets are a steady number two out there.

However, a return to Miami would once again guarantee him control over a depleted conference.

PG13 to the… Thunder?

James moving out to Hollywood made a little more sense when it was coupled with the notion that Paul George would be joining him. After all, if he wanted even an iota of a chance to take down the Warriors, it would have to be alongside another star.

George had always expressed the desire to play for the Lakers. And with a three part documentary centered around his free agency decision set to come out, it appeared like he was finally going to make his dreams come true.

But then he announced his return to the Oklahoma City Thunder. And in that moment, it seemed like James choosing Los Angeles was impossible.

So what happened?

Well, perhaps James informed George of his plans to head back to South Florida, leaving George with the option of potentially playing alone or sticking alongside Russell Westbrook. In which case, he made the right call.

A Band of Misfits

Even after George re-commited to the Thunder, most assumed the Lakers would sign another star to complement James.

Say like DeMarcus Cousins?

Instead, they brought on JaVale McGee, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Rajon Rondo and… Lance Stephenson.

Yes, that Lance Stephenson.

This of course is on top of Lonzo Ball, who comes complete with none other than his father, talking head LaVar Ball.

Now, it’s not that these guys aren’t talented. But it’s hard to imagine that this is the type of roster James had in mind when he said he’d like to play with guys who have a high basketball IQ and could eventually help him play off the ball more.

And since no front office would make a decision without consulting a star like James, it’s even harder to believe he would approve this cast unless he was leaving.

No Money, No Problem

James has taken a paycut or two in his career, but with only so many seasons in him left, now’s not the time to be number crunching. Which is why he had to sign with a team that could afford to give him a maximum contract.

Which obviously the Heat couldn’t do.

So the only way to get back to Miami is through a trade.

This may not happen today. Or tomorrow. Or even this year. However, it shouldn’t completely be ruled out.

Many say the Heat have a handful of so-called unmovable contracts on their hands, but they’re only hard to unload to teams who don’t have the means to afford them. In this case, the front office could easily come up with a packaged deal or two to offer, in exchange for James.

Think about how many assets Miami has, all of which will become more valuable should they have a good 2018-19 showing.

Bam Adebayo. Goran Dragic. James Johnson. Tyler Johnson. Josh Richardson. Hassan Whiteside. Justise Winslow…

Something could certainly be worked out.

Of course, as with any theory, there are holes to fill.

Los Angeles does remain a great place to be for both James’ other ventures, as well as his family. He and president Pat Riley haven’t (at least publicly) made amends yet. And James would likely want to play with guys like Richardson and Winslow, not see them go upon his arrival.

Still, stranger things have happened.

Next: Miami Heat: 3 questions from two weeks of free agency

James signed a four-year deal with the Lakers, but he could always return to the Miami Heat instead.