PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 06: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers waves to fans after the game against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena on October 06, 2024 in Palm Springs, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
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The LeBron James Era in Los Angeles is over.
The 41-year-old legend has informed the Lakers he will not re-sign with them and will enter free agency. The news comes amid heavy rumors that James will sign with the Golden State Warriors and make another title run alongside Steph Curry.
James earned $52,627,153 with the Lakers this season and was still one of the NBA’s top players, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 52% from the field.
“LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN,” ESPN’s Shams Charania posted on X/Twitter.
“After eight seasons with the Lakers, including leading the franchise to the 2020 NBA championship, James departs and enters free agency set to join a new team. Lakers president Rob Pelinka and Rich Paul spoke a short time ago about the four-time champion’s plans, sources said. James chose to inform the Lakers well before start of free agency tonight out of courtesy and appreciation for their run together, and to allow LA to conduct its offseason business,” Charania added.
He continued: “The Lakers expressed to James that they wanted him back, but the NBA’s all-time leading scorer decides to move on elsewhere.
Meantime, the Warriors are making moves to potentially acquire James and are the betting favorite to add him.
According to ESPN, Warriors forward Draymond Green “is declining his $27.7 million player option to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. This move gives the Warriors flexibility to pursue LeBron James in free agency and Anthony Davis via trade to form a Big 4.”
Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard recently wrote that the Warriors could potentially add James, the four-time NBA champion and four-time Finals MVP, and his former Lakers teammate Anthony Davis with Curry and Green to make one more run at a title.
“If they maneuver their roster and payroll just enough, the Warriors could offer LeBron the $15.1 million nontaxpayer midlevel exception, which is monumentally short of the $52.6 million he made this season but is more than some other possible teams could pay him,” Kawakami wrote.
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