LeBron James' uncertain basketball future has Cleveland dreaming

Why it matters: James, 39, has one year left on his contract with the Lakers but could opt out and become a free agent this summer.

• When asked during a postgame press conference on Monday if he just played his last game with the Lakers, James responded, "I'm not going to answer that."

The intrigue: The Sporting News lists Cleveland among the possible landing spots for James next season.

What they're saying: When asked in 2022 about a possible return to Cleveland, James told The Athletic that "the door's not closed."

• James' agent, Rich Paul, was seen chatting with Cavs owner Dan Gilbert courtside after the Cavs' win over the Orlando Magic on April 22.

Reality check: Paul has known Gilbert for more than 20 years and is the agent for current Cavs guard Darius Garland.

• The Cavs have their hands full with the Magic and are hoping to extend star Donovan Mitchell's contract in the offseason.

Between the lines: The ex-factor in all of this could be James' son Bronny, who is deciding between continuing his college basketball career or going to the NBA.

The bottom line: LeBron dreams of playing with his eldest son, meaning the team that drafts him would have an edge.