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Jaylon Tyson claims Cleveland is 'Donovan Mitchell's city' following question about LeBron James tribute

Danby: Daniel Hager01/29/26DanielHagerOn3

The Cleveland Cavaliers, rocking their throwback uniforms, dominated the Los Angeles Lakers 129-99 Wednesday night in LeBron James‘ return to the city. James, who played 11 seasons with the Cavaliers and brought them an NBA Championship in 2016, was visibly emotional when a tribute to his career was shown during the game.

Following the win, All-NBA guard Donovan Mitchell and teammate Jaylon Tyson were asked about James’ legacy in Cleveland. Tyson, however, grabbed the microphone and delivered a stunning message.

“This is Donovan Mitchell‘s city now,” Tyson said as Mitchell looked away with a smile. “When (Mitchell) comes back here, we’re gonna make sure everyone roots for him like they did for (LeBron). This is his stuff. This is his city.”

Mitchell, who is in the midst of his fourth season with the Cavaliers, contributed 25 points on 9/21 shooting in the win over the Lakers Wednesday night. The six-time NBA All-Star has been named All-NBA in two of his three seasons with the organization.

“As much as I appreciate that, at the end of the day (LeBron) led the foundation,” Mitchell responded. “He’s done a lot for the city, being from here. Obviously you want to replicate that, you know what I’m saying?

“He deserves the energy that he’s got here. But, at the end of the day, first title in 50 something years… we’re trying to do it differently. We’re trying to go out there and bring this city another championship. When you have support like that from your teammates, it means the world.”

LeBron James played 11 seasons in Cleveland, won NBA Title in 2016

Although Mitchell has been very, very good for the Cavaliers during his time there, there’s no question that Cleveland remains LeBron’s city. The Ohio native was named a two-time NBA MVP, a NBA Finals MVP, a 10-time NBA All-Star, and an eight-time All-NBA selection during his illustrious tenure with the Cavaliers.

On Wednesday, prior to tip-off in his homecoming game, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that the franchise would be open to reuniting with James in the offseason.

“LeBron hasn’t made any clear indication of what his plans are going to be for next year,” McMenamin said. “I’ve had people close to him tell me that he’s not necessarily interested in a retirement tour, because that could bring some negativity to it if all of a sudden his body doesn’t cooperate and he goes to a city where everybody buys tickets and he’s unable to play.

“I was told by some league sources and some Cavs team sources that if LeBron chooses to extend his career this summer, the Cavs would welcome him back with open arms for a third stint in Cleveland. So that’s certainly one thing to look at, and I’m sure there will be some fans in the stands tonight that are telling LeBron they’d love to have him back.”