LeBron James informed the Lakers he will not return, becoming a free agent. His agent Rich Paul confirmed the departure to ESPN.
Betting markets and reports indicate Golden State as favorites, with Cleveland and Miami also in contention. Sources say James wants 'meaningful basketball.'
Co-owner Jeanie Buss issued a statement calling James one of the greatest athletes. Teammate Luka Doncic expressed gratitude on social media.
LeBron James will not return to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2026-27 NBA season, his agent Rich Paul told ESPN on Tuesday. James, who turns 42 in December, spent eight seasons with the franchise, leading them to a championship in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This past season, he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists, and the Lakers reached the Western Conference semifinals before being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Luka Doncic, who arrived in a February 2025 trade, was injured and did not play in that series.
“A true honor to wear the purple and gold trying to continue the greatness and legacies of those who came before me. I hope I made some proud during my time here.”
Sources cited by ESPN indicate James wanted "meaningful and competitive basketball," a signal he no longer views the Lakers as a title contender. The Lakers, hamstrung by James' recent contracts totaling over $100 million over two years, were willing to part ways. Management had decided not to build solely around him, instead focusing on the future with Doncic and other younger pieces.
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The Golden State Warriors quickly emerged as the leading candidate to sign James. Betting markets on Kalshi give the Warriors a 46% chance, while DraftKings has them at -275 odds. Pairing James with Stephen Curry, a longtime rival and 2024 Olympic teammate, would create one of the league's most experienced duos. Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who coached both players at the Paris Games, has praised their mutual obsession with the game.
“It's just the love for the game. Love for the competition, the process, the work. I think all great players share an obsession with the game itself.”
Cleveland Cavaliers (28% probability) and Miami Heat (12%) are also considered potential landing spots. San Antonio Spurs, with young star Victor Wembanyama, were mentioned by oddsmakers as a longshot that could make James' new team an instant title favorite. Lakers co-owner Jeanie Buss issued a statement thanking James, calling him "one of the greatest athletes in history." Luka Doncic posted on X: "An honor to play with you and learn from you, King James."
Beyond basketball, several sports franchises sentimentally courted James on social media. The NFL's Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills, the college Kent State Golden Flashes, and the minor league Oklahoma City Comets all joked about signing the free agent.
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After eight seasons and a 2020 championship, LeBron James informed the Lakers he intends to leave, with the Golden State Warriors now favored to land the 41-year-old star.
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