Rashad McCants, a former NBA guard, has stated that the Cleveland Cavaliers will "never" achieve success again unless LeBron James returns to the franchise. Since LeBron's departure to the Los Angeles Lakers after the 2017-18 season, the Cavs have struggled to replicate the success they saw during his tenure. While they have built a new core around players like Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, they fell short in the Eastern Conference Finals this past season without advancing to the NBA Finals. LeBron, an unrestricted free agent, remains an elite player but Cleveland currently lacks the financial capability to bring him back. McCants asserts that without LeBron, the team's chances of success are bleak.

By the Numbers
  • LeBron averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in the 2025-26 regular season.
  • Cleveland reached the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2025-26 season but failed to win a game against the New York Knicks.
State of Play
  • The Cavaliers built a new core without LeBron, focusing on young stars like Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley.
  • Despite progression to the Eastern Conference Finals, they were swept in that series and need roster upgrades for future success.
What's Next

The Cavs may look for ways to improve their team through trades or free agency, but the prospect of LeBron returning will continue to generate headlines. As he approaches the end of his career, Cleveland would require strategic moves to accommodate both LeBron's contract and competitive needs. Without significant changes, the challenges of remaining a playoff contender persist.

Bottom Line

McCants highlights a crucial truth for the Cavaliers: their path to renewed success may hinge squarely on LeBron James' potential return. However, they must also focus on developing a competitive team that can thrive independently of his legacy.