"Dan Gilbert & LeBron Met Privately": Fan Sources Provide Major Update on Cavaliers Return

LeBron James, earlier this week, made it official that he won't remain with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2026-27 season, which is set to be the King's 24th in the NBA. There's no clear favorite to sign him as of now. However, the Cleveland Cavaliers have consistently been rumored to be a likely destination. And if one fan is to be believed, the rumors surrounding James' return may have gained even more traction.

During an ESPN Cleveland broadcast, a fan referred to as "Corbo" claimed that a meeting had taken place between James and Cavaliers majority owner Dan Gilbert.

"I know for a fact that LeBron was here the last 7 to 10 days," the fan said. "I'm just going to say, my sources have told me that Dan Gilbert and LeBron have met privately in a home for over two hours in the last 7 to 10 days."

When asked whose house the two met in, Corbo decided not to share that information.

Gilbert took over as the Cavs' majority owner back in 2005, which means he wasn't around the franchise when they drafted James two years earlier. But he was there to witness plenty of other things.

James first dropped a bombshell on Gilbert when he made "The Decision" to join the Miami Heat in 2010. Then, after winning two championships in the 305, he returned home in 2014, with Gilbert welcoming him back with open arms. Two years later, he helped the Cavaliers win their first and only NBA championship to date.

James then left the Cavaliers for the Lakers in 2018 and spent eight seasons in purple and gold. But if history is any indication, Gilbert would likely welcome him back again should James want to. That said, there's no guarantee.

Players meet with other teams' owners, coaches, general managers, and even potential future teammates all the time during free agency. Holding meetings, listening to pitches, and negotiating contract details are simply part of the process.

Given LeBron James' history with the Cavaliers organization, though, this particular piece of information carries a little more weight than a standard meeting.

Fan Behind LeBron Update Previously Claimed He'd Return to Cavaliers

Back in May, no one knew whether LeBron James would be with the Los Angeles Lakers next season. In fact, no one knew whether he would still be in the league, considering he was 41 years old. However, Corbo, the same fan who leaked his supposed private meeting with Dan Gilbert, had already made a bold prediction.

Corbo, who used to own a bakery, said former New York Knicks player Charles Oakley often came to his shop. During one of these visits, Oakley told him that James had a 95% chance of returning to Cleveland next season.

He also claimed that Oakley got that information from James' business partner, Maverick Carter. Carter is also James' childhood friend, making it reasonable to assume that if James has made a decision, he knows about it.

Still, there is no full guarantee that a James-Cavs reunion is going to materialize.

A few front offices around the league will be vying for James' services. Aside from the Cavaliers, the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors have emerged as possible destinations. There have also been a few teams labeled as "dark horse" candidates, such as the Washington Wizards, where James' former teammate Anthony Davis, is playing. Another is the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have also been reported to have an outside chance of landing him.

Until James announces where he's signing, though, speculations and rumors will continue to fly about where he'll play next season.