Report: Teams not convinced LeBron will finish career in Cleveland

Even as he puts forth perhaps his most convincing playoff performance as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, there is reportedly a growing sense among the rest of the league's teams that LeBron James isn't entirely settled there.

Few expected James to return to his native Northeast Ohio - and the franchise that drafted him - after all the tribalistic, vitriolic, jersey-burning, comic sans-fuming acrimony that followed his televised decision to sign with the Miami Heat in 2010. After he did return, it became equally difficult to imagine him leaving again, especially after he published an essay in Sports Illustrated pledging his commitment to the Cleveland community and talking about finishing his career there.

Still, according to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski, "franchises are on watch again," because "there's a belief that James comes into play again, a line of thinking that his inner circle has done nothing to dissuade."

There's been nothing concrete to suggest James has plans to relocate anytime soon, if at all. There is, however, the anxiety (however minor) that comes with his now-annual free agency. James returned to the Cavs on a one-year contract, with a player option for a second season. He opted out last summer, and signed another one-and-one. Odds are he'll do the same this summer.

In a steadily rising salary-cap climate, these decisions are primarily financially motivated. But signing a long-term deal would certainly put the minds of a lot of Cavs fans at ease. It probably doesn't help that James has spoken on record about his desire to play on a team with best friends Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade before the four of them hang up their sneakers.

For now, of course, James is firmly focused on "Getting one for the land." And after two all-time great performances, he has the Cavs one game away from the title. It's closer than they've ever been.