Chasing Dreams: The Cavaliers Want to Re-sign LeBron for Two Reasons, and Mitchell Should Have Corrected Young Tyson Immediately

On January 31st, Beijing time, Warriors player Draymond discussed LeBron’s tears and Tyson’s statement that Cleveland now belongs to Mitchell on his recent podcast. Here is what Draymond said—

“The first thing to mention is LeBron’s homecoming game in Cleveland; the scene was incredibly emotional. I completely understand how he felt—playing in your hometown is always special, especially when you’ve brought a championship to that city before. When the arena’s big screen showed those championship highlights, it was hard not to feel moved.”

Draymond said this might be LeBron’s last time playing at home in Cleveland during his career. “People are like that—at moments like this, you start counting down and wonder how many more games you’ll play in this arena. When you step onto that court and see those familiar sights, memories flood in like a tide: you recall your childhood friends Brownie and Bryce, former teammates, and those memories take you back through your entire career. So I totally understand why he was so emotional; having moments like that is truly precious. LeBron deserves all the applause and cheers.”

Then, Draymond talked about a postgame incident. Cavaliers rookie Jalen Tyson said after the game that Cleveland is now Mitchell’s city. “Mitchell is definitely an outstanding player, arguably a top 10 or top 15 star in the league. But honestly, he has never played in the conference finals for Cleveland. Later, I saw that Jalen Tyson apologized after the game.”

“At that moment, I thought,Mitchell should have immediately corrected him when he said that: ‘Brother, that’s not right. We haven’t achieved enough in this city yet to say that.’Even if they achieve better results in the future, I’m not sure Cleveland will become ‘Mitchell’s city’ because Cleveland has its own basketball legacy.”

Draymond pointed out that in Cleveland, Kyrie Irving’s status is far higher than Mitchell’s, since Irving brought a championship to the city. Before this Cavaliers team won the title, Cleveland’s true local heroes were players like Channing Frye, Tristan Thompson, JR Smith, Richard Jefferson, and Channing Frye. These players could always walk into the Quicken Loans Arena and point to the championship banner saying, “We earned this together.” That’s how the NBA works.”

“Let me emphasize again, I’m not trying to diminish Mitchell or show any disrespect. I just think Mitchell should have stopped that young guy and told him, ‘Don’t rush to conclusions. Wait until we achieve success. When you help us win a championship, then it’s okay to say that.’”

Next, Draymond discussed the Cavaliers’ intention to sign LeBron this summer.

“In my opinion, this news reveals two things: first, the Cavaliers may believe LeBron can still help these young players grow and lead the team to the next level.After all, the Cavaliers have underperformed this year and couldn’t maintain last season’s momentum. They might think that with LeBron back, given the competitiveness of the Eastern Conference, he can guide these youngsters to make a serious run.”

“The second meaning is that the Cavaliers may feel their current young roster has limited upside. So, signing LeBron would not only honor this city’s hero but also boost the local economy and stimulate business around the arena. But no matter what, I’m certain of one thing: even if LeBron can only play on one leg now, the Cavaliers should and definitely would want to sign him to wear the Cleveland jersey. Because what LeBron has brought to this city goes far beyond basketball—it’s profoundly meaningful.”

“When this news broke, many were surprised, but I wasn’t at all. I thought, isn’t this obvious? They would 100% want LeBron to come back. This would deepen the Cavaliers’ historical roots even more.”