Channing Frye pitches Lakers star LeBron James on Cavs reunion retirement tour

Former NBA player Channing Frye believes LeBron James should finish his career where it all started.

As the Cleveland Cavaliers fell into a 2-0 hole against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals following a 109-93 loss in Game 2 on Thursday night, Frye publicly pitched the idea of James returning to Cleveland for what could be the final season of his legendary career.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Road Trippin’ Show, Frye answered a viewer question about where he would most like to see the Los Angeles Lakers star play if he returns for a 24th NBA season.

“Go back to Cleveland. That’s what I want to see,” Frye said. “Go back home. Last year, let’s get it done.”

Frye, who won a championship alongside James in Cleveland during the 2016 season, also suggested the Cavaliers could benefit from James’ leadership and versatility if the franchise pursued a reunion.

“Cleveland can move on from James Harden,” Frye said. “So now they have a ball handler. They have a guy who can play four different positions. He’ll make them tougher or he’ll call them out and get them traded. Either one. That’s just facts.”

Channing Frye says he wants LeBron James to play his final season in Cleveland:

“That’s what I want to see. Go back home. Last year, let’s get it done. Cleveland can move on from James Harden. So now they have a ball handler. They have a guy who can play four different… https://t.co/KbRcXkrcoj pic.twitter.com/isTIVkrYgP

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) May 22, 2026

James recently completed his 23rd NBA season after the Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. Despite being 41 years old, he remained highly productive while operating alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

During the regular season, James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 51.5 percent from the field across 60 games. He later averaged 23.2 points and 7.3 assists during the postseason.

Channing Frye pushes LeBron James toward potential Cavaliers farewell reunion

Speculation surrounding James’ future has intensified since Los Angeles’ elimination, particularly after he recently stated on Mind the Game that winning remains his top priority if he decides to return for another season.

James was originally selected by Cleveland with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft before becoming the most accomplished player in franchise history. Across two separate stints with the Cavaliers, he led the organization to five NBA Finals appearances and delivered Cleveland’s first championship in 2016 after overcoming a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors.

For now, there is no indication that James plans to leave Los Angeles. Still, Frye’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among former teammates and fans who would like to see James close his career with a farewell run in Cleveland.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers will attempt to avoid falling into a 3-0 series deficit when the Eastern Conference Finals shift back to Cleveland for Game 3 on Saturday night at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

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