LeBron James's return to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025–26 season is no surprise. The way he has gone about it, however, and the franchise's muted reaction to the news is incredibly unusual however, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst.

ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst said there is meaning behind James’ recent actions, including a trip home to Ohio, while trade rumors swirl during a passive-aggressive spat with the Lakers despite exercising the $53 million option on his contract with the team for next season.

On the 15th anniversary of arguably the biggest free agency moves ever, Windhorst reminded people that Cleveland didn't lose James for nothing.

There's been a lot of smoke surrounding a potential trade sending LeBron James to the Cavaliers, and the King himself might be purposefully fueling the fire.