LeBron James spent 11 seasons playing at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, so when he returned as a fan, many began questioning why.
James, who can decline his player option and hit free agency this offseason, sat courtside for Game 4 of the Celtics vs. Cavaliers Eastern Conference semifinals series. Fans gave him a huge standing ovation, celebrating the player who broke Cleveland's championship drought in 2016.
LeBron gets the standing ovation in Cleveland 👑
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) May 13, 2024
(via @BleacherReport)pic.twitter.com/V4fyAVc50n
It's not often that James isn't playing playoff basketball while the Cavaliers are, so it's possible that the surprise appearance was just a supportive gesture before the star locks into offseason workouts.
Social media wasn't sold on that idea, however. Fans and reporters alike believed James had an underlying message to his return to Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
Here's the latest on what fans and reporters are concluding about James' homecoming.
MORE: Bronny James NBA Draft rumors
Why was LeBron James at Cavaliers vs. Celtics Game 4?
James and his wife Savannah sat courtside for the Cavaliers vs. Celtics Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Cleveland lost the game 109-102 and trails 3-1 in the series.
Many believe that James' appearance was telling of a potential offseason move. The Lakers forward can decline his player option to test unrestricted free agency, which would allow him to return for a third stint in Cleveland.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst entertained the rumors, noting that James is "strategic" and "he's got to be up to something."
Was LeBron making a statement by returning to Cleveland for Game 4? 👀 pic.twitter.com/bKcSo4CIHD
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) May 14, 2024
Much of James' offseason speculation revolves around his son Bronny James' NBA Draft decision. Bronny is currently working out at the NBA Combine, and the NBA medically cleared him to be drafted.
Whether he remains in the draft is the question, and that will likely play a role in James' free agency decision. James has long had the desire to play with his son in the NBA, and that dream can come true as early as the 2024-25 season.
The Lakers remain the favorite to draft James' son, which would allow the organization to keep their star forward under contract. That being said, multiple other teams are planning to schedule workouts with the USC freshman.
No team has publicly expressed their interest in rostering the father-son duo yet, but any organization that takes on Bronny will likely get his father for at least a year.
MORE: Sporting News' 2024 NBA mock Draft has Lakers selecting Bronny James
Bronny James draft projection
James' draft projection has been sporadic over the past year. He was once considered a first-round talent with potential to land in the lottery, but his stock plummeted as a result of his underwhelming freshman season at USC.
The 19-year-old still decided to enter the draft as scouts remained intrigued by his potential and likelihood of signing his father in free agency.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that he could land at the end of the first round with teams analyzing his financial impact as well as on-court play.
Teams are intrigued by Bronny James because of the financial impact he will have on their G League level at the beginning of his career, per @wojespn:
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 14, 2024
“He will pack G League arenas, merchandising. All of those make him an attractive player.”
Bronny could go late first-round. pic.twitter.com/4gHrAXDQTV
Some expert mock drafts currently have James landing with the Lakers with the 55th overall pick, while others have him going undrafted. It wouldn't be surprising if a team reached on James in the first round considering all else.