Why Cavaliers fans think Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus leaked LeBron James' decision

1 hour ago 1

LeBron James is entering his second week of free agency.

After eight seasons and a 2020 championship, James told Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss he is leaving the franchise. Both sides shared polite goodbyes on social media.

Since then, the 41-year-old has stayed quiet about where he will play his 24th NBA season. Insider Shams Charania reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers are his top choices, according to his agent Rich Paul.

Without official news, fans are looking for clues online, and recently, Cavaliers fans think they found proof on a golf course.

Cavaliers forward Max Strus recently posted an image on his Instagram Story from a golf course, recreating the famous LeBron James iconic meme photo. He even used James' exact caption: "Smiling through it all! Can't believe this my life."

Fans on X noticed the timing. They matched Strus’ post with golf course stories shared around the same time by Donovan Mitchell and King James. Cavs fans are now using the coordinated posts as proof that James might return to the Cavaliers for his 24th season.

One fan wrote, "Him Bron and Don all golfing together he's a cav."

Another viewer added, "Don LeBron and Strus all golfing today and now he recreates the LeBron meme… #noticing."

A third claimed that it's basically "a done deal being played out" and LeBron is just having fun with the reveal.

The fourth one penned, “It genuinely couldn’t be any more obvious bro.”

A random X user noted, “Cleveland loves LeBron more then any city will, and this literally shows Mitchell respects Bron Mitchell coulda waited till next year to sign a larger contract clearly there’s smth going on I feel LeBron’s already committed to Cleveland just wait.”

Offseason golf hangouts between Strus, Mitchell, and James are common, especially after Mitchell signed his four-year, $273 million extension with Cleveland.

Still, the timing fits reports that the Cavaliers are serious contenders. Cleveland has a unique pitch for the 41-year-old superstar: a ready-made title window with Mitchell, an elite defense, and the draw of a final homecoming.

That is why the golf trip seems less like a casual outing and more like a realistic hint at James' next NBA destination.