LeBron James has reportedly informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he will leave the team and continue his NBA career elsewhere, according to ESPN. The 41-year-old, who will turn 42 during the 2026-27 season, won an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020, two years after joining the franchise. His longtime representative, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, stated that James is not retiring.
Potential Move to Golden State Warriors
Reports on Monday indicated that the Golden State Warriors are looking to sign James, setting up a union with his former rivals Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. James faced the Warriors in the NBA Finals for four consecutive seasons from 2015 to 2018 as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Warriors are also reportedly interested in signing Anthony Davis. The free agency negotiation window opens at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, but players cannot sign with a new team until the league's offseason moratorium is lifted on July 6.
Draymond Green's Contract Decision
Draymond Green has not exercised his $27.6 million option for the upcoming season, largely to allow the team flexibility for other roster moves. "Personally, I'm always willing to work with the team on whatever is best, especially at this point in my career," Green said on Tuesday. "So my decision to opt out was for a few reasons. As you all know, I've always taken the approach of working with the organization. I've been in one place for 14 years. It's more of a family to me than anything."
Green's decision could be the move that convinces James to go to Golden State. James also has close relationships with Green, Curry, and Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
LeBron James' Illustrious Career
James is a 22-time All-Star, earning the honor every year from 2005 to 2026. He has been league MVP four times, a total bettered only by Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. James' longevity and brilliance have earned him numerous NBA records, including most minutes played, most points scored, and most All-Star appearances. Across his career, he has averaged 26.8 points per game, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists. Last season, his eldest son, Bronny, became his teammate on the Lakers.
