ESPN's Jalen Rose: LeBron James should return to Cavs for league minimum to chase NBA title

After the hornet’s nest of speculation got poked during All-Star Weekend about LeBron James’ future and where he will play next, ESPN analyst Jalen Rose came right out said the unmentionable.

“If LeBron really wants to go win a championship, you know what he needs to do?” Rose asked. “He go to Cleveland and play for the minimum.”

Akron’s favorite son has not closed the door on possibly returning to Cleveland to finish his career with the Cavaliers, even after having left the team twice in his career for greener pastures.

The first time sent him to the Miami Heat where he won two rings before returning to Northeast Ohio and eventually bringing a championship to the Cavaliers. He eventually departed again for the Los Angeles Lakers where he won a ring in the NBA’s bubble in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

James has specifically stated he plans to stay in the NBA so that he can play with his son, LeBron James Jr. Rose suggests in the meantime, a move to the Cavs could net him another ring.

LeBron comes home: Lakers star makes All-Star Game homecoming a love letter to Akron

Given the chemistry that has manifested itself organically among the Cavaliers, a team with youth galore that could allow them to evolve into a regular championship contender, it’s would be an honest debate to have as to whether James would be wanted.

Also those current Cavs players have publicly stated they want to establish a legacy free of the name "James." Who could blame them?

At the same time, the prospect of James returning is intriguing.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: ESPN's Jalen Rose thinks LeBron James could get another ring with Cavs