No surprise: LeBron intends Cavs return

CLEVELAND -- Only a few national analysts bothered to speculate, but LeBron James has now thwarted even them.

He is indeed returning to the Cavaliers.

Speaking exclusively to Cleveland.com prior to the Cavs’ championship parade Wednesday, James said:

“I love it here. I love being here. I love my teammates. Obviously, my agent will take care of all the logistical things but, I’m happy. I’ve got no plans to go anywhere at this point.”

James later told ESPN: "I have no intentions of leaving."

James' agent is Rich Paul, whose office is down the block from Quicken Loans Arena. Paul played a big role in orchestrating James’ return to the Cavs in 2014.

It has been said Paul expects James, 31, will retire a Cav -- especially now that James has brought at least one championship to the franchise.

Some sources close to the pair have told Amico Hoops that James’ mission is to win more titles with the Cavs than the two he did with the Heat.

James will likely opt out of his contract, then re-sign a bigger deal with the Cavs, in early July.

For now, LeBron and the Cavs are basking in the title they did get. Apparently, that and another big payday will keep James here for some time, perhaps forever.