LILLE, FRANCE - JULY 28: Assistant coach Tyronn Lue (L-R), Head Coach Steve Kerr and LeBron James on the side line during the group stage match between Serbia and USA on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade Pierre Mauroy on July 28, 2024 in Lille, France. (Photo by Markus Gilliar - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The worst-kept secret in the NBA this offseason has been the Golden State Warriors’ desire to bolster their roster with a LeBron James acquisition. Golden State has been chasing James for years, and while it was initially a pipe dream, this offseason it’s felt different.
While still being considered a long shot, the Warriors entered the offseason with more realistic dreams of adding the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. It was easy to see the appeal of James, in the twilight of his spectacular career, joining Steph Curry (whom he’s always had extreme admiration for), Draymond Green (one of his close friends), and Steve Kerr (whom he played for in the Olympics). But it was unclear if James would actually consider such a move.
On Tuesday, it became a distinct possibility, when news broke that James had informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he would be playing elsewhere. After spending eight years in the purple and gold, it was widely assumed that that James’ most likely choice would be to stay on the Lakers. With that off the table, the doors to all the other options opened wide.
And with that, the Warriors are not just in the running, but arguably the favorites for James’ services. Given the reports that James prefers an ideal situation to the largest check, the Warriors check a lot of boxes. They would be a competitive team, they employ a lot of his friends (and fellow Klutch Sports athletes), they’re coached be someone he deeply respects, and he would remain close to Los Angeles, where his family is firmly entrenched.
The betting odds may favor the Dubs, but nothing is set. According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors “have been given no indication” that James intends to sign with them. That doesn’t mean James is against signing with Golden State, just that nothing was been predetermined.
Warriors decision makers have been given no indication at this hour that they are the firm LeBron James landing spot, per sources. There's a belief that they'll have plenty of appeal, but appears to be some level of recruitment required.https://t.co/sarcY9gxME
As Slater notes, the Warriors will need to do some recruiting … but it’s hard to imagine a better trio of recruiters for James than Curry, Green, and Kerr. The Warriors have to be thrilled with the position that they’re in, but there’s still work to do.
With Landry Shamet signed, the biggest question for the Knicks entering free agency is about Mitchell Robinson.
If New York wants to stay under the second apron, the franchise would need to shed existing salary to make Robinson a competitive offer.
As things currently stand, the Knicks’ team salary is at roughly $213 million. They have 11 players under contract. The NBA’s second apron in team salary is $221.7 million. Knicks owner James Dolan said in an interview with WFAN earlier this month that he did not want to exceed the second apron. It is unclear if that decision was made in concert with his front office or if it was purely a financial decision. Dolan did reiterate his stance on the second apron internally prior to the NBA Draft.
If Dolan and the Knicks don’t change their stance on the second apron, they would need to shed salary – presumably by trading trading Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek or Miles McBride – in order to make Robinson a solid offer.
What is the market for Robinson?
That’s unknown. The Lakers were oft-mentioned as a Robinson team. DeAndre Ayton picked up his player option for 2026-27. But that wouldn’t automatically take them out of the running for Robinson. As of Tuesday morning, Los Angeles was still active in the center market. The Lakers were among several teams who would have interest in Toronto’s Sandro Mamukelashvili during the free agency period, per sources. As of Tuesday morning, Los Angeles was comfortable offering Mamukelashvili a deal worth $10 million-plus annually.
What about the Nets? They were reportedly interested in Robinson but the Nets also are expected to show strong interest in Orlando’s Mo Wagner in free agency, per sources. Brooklyn obviously wouldn’t sign both Robinson and Wagner.
Portland reportedly agreed to a deal with Robert Williams III for $13+ million per season. Jock Landale reportedly agreed to a deal with Atlanta for a $14 million annual salary.
The Knicks would need to shed significant salary to offer Robinson a deal that approaches $14 million in annual value (Another team salary note: the plan entering free agency for second-round pick Jack Kayil is that he play next season overseas with his current club in Germany).
But maybe Dolan is willing to go into the second apron for Robinson this season if he can get out of it next year? WFAN’s Craig Carton said that Robinson’s return to New York depends on Karl-Anthony Towns’ extension. Towns is extension eligible on July 10. If he accepts a lower salary than his 2027-28 player option of $61 million, perhaps the Knicks can exceed the second apron in 2026-27 to re-sign Robinson and then dip under it in 2027-28.
Jul 10, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant (11) reacts to a teammates basket against the Philadelphia 76ers in the fourth quarter of their game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | Candice Ward-Imagn Images
The Spurs have announced their roster for the California Classic Summer League (which we can assume will mostly carry over to Las Vegas), and there are plenty of familiar faces. As predicted, the team will be captained by second-year Spur Carter Bryant and coached by Corliss Williamson. Another returning face is Emanuel Miller, who signed a two-way deal with the Spurs in February but did not play any NBA minutes for them.
Unsurprisingly, the Spurs rookie class is all there, including Tarris Reed, Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Maliq Brown. Jayden Quaintance is a somewhat surprising inclusion, although Williamson has confirmed he is only traveling with the team and will not participate. He only appeared in five games for Kentucky this year after tearing his ACL and meniscus in February of 2025 and reportedly expects to undergo one last procedure to clean up his knee for good.
An easy assumption would have been that the Spurs want him to get his knee fixed as soon as possible so he can get to rehabbing and return to the court (social media doctors have said it is typically a six-month recovery), but this suggests the Spurs are truly in no rush with him (they don’t have to be with Victor Webmanyama, Luke Kornet and Reed on the roster) and would prefer he experience the learning and comradery that comes with Summer League first and foremost, even if it’s merely as a spectator.
Notable names that aren’t there are the Spurs’ other two-way players from last season, David Jones Garcia and Harrison Ingram, both whom the Spurs extended qualifying offers to, making them restricted free agents. Jones Garcia is no surprise considering he too is recovering from injury, plus he had his SL breakout last season, and it could be that the Spurs know Ingram well enough at this point that they don’t need to see anything else.
The California Classic, which Bryant may not participate in, begins on Friday at the Chase Center in San Fransisco. Here is the complete schedule (TV/streaming is TBD).
Friday, July 3 vs. Miami Heat, 7:00 PM CT
Sunday July 5 vs. Golden State Warriors, 6:00 PM CT
Monday July 6 vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 6:30 PM CT
The schedule has yet to be announced for the Las Vegas Summer League, which will run from July 9-19.
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 26: Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 26, 2026 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Anyone who watched the Raptors this year isn’t surprised that Sandro Mamukelashvili has become one of the most popular mid-level free agent targets this summer. As a 6-foot-9 forward, Mamu came off the bench to average 11.2 points per game on 63% true shooting along with 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
He was able to shoot 37% from three, taking 2.5 per game in 2024-25. He’s always had a good assist rate for a big, and in that last season in San Antonio, he posted one at 11.7% with a career-best 8.9% turnover rate. Impressively, neither of those numbers saw a huge change as he had an 11.9% assist rate with a 9,5% turnover rate with the Raptors.
Mamukelashvili has profiled as a solid defender who is a capable rebounder. His block numbers are nothing to write home about but he’s posted a steal rate of over 1.5% the last two seasons, which puts him in the 74th percentile for his position, according to Cleaning the Glass.
As the start of free agency nears, teams have begun to circle him. Several plugged-in reporters have said the Los Angeles Lakers will have interest, and the Spurs are interested as well. The Sixers will have some high-profile teams with good roles to offer to compete with, but they should absolutely be throwing themselves into the Mamu sweepstakes.
What’s clear from last season is that as good as Joel Embiid looked when he was able to get on the court, the Sixers need an innings eater to get them through the regular season. Mamukelashvili appears to be not only capable of that, but also sliding up to the four and playing alongside Embiid in certain lineups.
The last two seasons, Mamu played about a 60%/40% split at center to power forward. The way he’s been able to hit shots over the last two years instills a lot of confidence that he’s someone who can get plugged into just about any type of lineup.
Those type of bigs don’t exactly grow on trees. It’s easy to see why he’s drawing so much interest on the open market. Especially since with all that being said, it appears he will be gettable for a portion of the $15 million dollar non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
There are a couple attractive targets for the Sixers to use that on should they stay below the first apron. Guys like John Collins and Dean Wade might make more sense to use the full exception on. Both of those two would also probably fit pretty well in Philadelphia — this very blog has made theargument for that.
The difference between those two and Mamukelashvili is that he can play the five and they cannot. It’s true that the Sixers need to bolster their forwards at every position, but these last two seasons have really emphasized the need for another center to get them through the regular season.
Mamukelashvili isn’t the only center on the market, but he might be the best that’s gettable. With Jusuf Nurkic, Jock Landale and Robert Williams III all having agreed to extensions to avoid hitting the free agent market, the pool of centers has only gotten shallower.
The Sixers would have a lot of teams to compete with to secure Mamukelashvili’s services, but it’s a ring they absolutely need to be throwing their hats into.
They made history together in 2024, becoming the first father and son to share the court -- not to mention playing for the same team -- during an NBA game. And they continued to share the same locker room and suit up purple-and-gold for the past two seasons.
But that feel-good history gave way to reality when ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday, June 30, reported LeBron James has informed the Lakers he will be playing elsewhere during the 2026-27 season. The business of basketball, already set in motion, accelerated.
If the Lakers had waived Bronny on Monday, they would've saved about $1 million in cap space. But on Tuesday, Bronny remained a Laker, but his future is unclear.
Bronny James Lakers contract
Unlike his father, Bronny is not an unrestricted free agent, or a free at all.
Bronny, 21, is headed into the third year of a four-year contract, with the final year being a club option.
But that doesn’t rule out Bronny asking for a trade if he hopes to rejoin his father and the Lakers are willing to comply.
During the 2026-27 season, Bronny will be making $2,296,271 a year, a pittance among NBA players. But critics might argue it's debatable if he deserves to be on the roster – or if it was mostly meant to keep his father happy.
Last season, his second in the NBA, Bronny averaged 2.9 points, 1.1 assists in 8.9 minutes per game. He also shot 40.9% from the field and 38.6% from 3-point range, appreciable improvement over his rookie season.
Before the Lakers played the Rockets in the first round of the playoffs last season, Lakers coach JJ Redick talked about Bronny.
“He's improved a lot, we trust him,’’ Redick said. “The shooting I believe in because of how well he shot it in the G league. There was a stretch where he didn’t shoot it well. He’s improved defensively in terms of his body positioning both on and off ball."
He also remained a fan favorite, and moments with LeBron and Bronny on the court together were potential magic – including father finding son for an alley-oop during Game 3 of the Lakers’ first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets this past season.
But now the father is gone.
Will the son remain with the Lakers?
Only one thing is certain: The most famous father-and-son pair in NBA history will no longer be wearing purple and gold together.
James will be the most coveted free agent on the market despite entering his record 24th NBA season, especially if he's willing to take a pay cut. He signed with the Lakers ahead of the 2018-19 NBA season and won the 2020 NBA championship in the COVID bubble with the franchise. The 41-year-old is just a year removed from earning all-NBA honors.
The Golden State Warriors are considered the front-runners to sign James after Draymond Green's decision to opt out of his contract to provide the team with financial flexibility. But it would involve James taking less money than he's used to and there are other potential suitors, including James' two former teams.
Here's a breakdown of the potential NBA free agent landing spots for James now that he has informed the Lakers that he plans to play elsewhere during the 2026-27 season:
The Warriors have emerged as early favorites to land James given recent developments. If James is willing to take the midlevel exception of about $15 million, there's a relatively straightforward path for him to join Steph Curry and Green on Golden State's roster next season.
Cleveland Cavaliers
A return to Cleveland has long been considered a possibility for James, who could provide the veteran boost the Cavaliers need to get over the hump in the Eastern Conference with their current nucleus. James Harden's decision to agree to a new contract should give Cleveland enough flexibility to make this work, either through the midlevel exception or a sign-and-trade.
Miami Heat
Would James want to join forces with Giannis Antetokounmpo for a major discount? That's likely what it would take to make a return South Beach happen. It's also unclear if James and Antetokounmpo could work along with Bam Adebayo. But Pat Riley has always taken big swings. Snagging James and Giannis in the same offseason would be the ultimate one.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets are a longshot in this process, but the prospect of pairing James with Nikola Jokic would create one of the most basketball savvy duos ever. Denver could make this work as a sign-and-trade, or if James is willing to take a veteran's minimum salary.
Los Angeles Lakers
James told the Lakers he plans to play elsewhere, but the Lakers are still the team that can pay him the most money given its cap situation. Perhaps James finds a better fit elsewhere. Maybe the Lakers do the same with another player. But don't completely close the door on James and the Lakers, if only because more money and leverage can always change minds.
James’ announcement comes on the day of free agency, which officially begins at 6 p.m. ET Tuesday, June 30.
ESPN insider Shams Charania first reported that James, 41, informed the team that they can begin to move on without him as he pursues his NBA future as a free agent.
James joined the Lakers in the summer of 2018 and has spent the last eight seasons in L.A., leading the team to an NBA championship in 2020, where he was named Finals MVP. He was named an All-Star every season he played in a Lakers' uniform. James averaged 25.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game on 51.3% field goal shooting and 35.6% 3-point shooting during his eight seasons in LA.
The big announcement which came from James' agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, has sparked interest and think pieces around the sports world. Many expressed their gratitude for James, including former teammate Luka Doncic, Lakers president Jeannie Buss and Laker legend and former president of basketball operations Magic Johnson.
Here’s how the sports world reacted:
Sports world reacts to LeBron James not returning to Lakers
I want to thank LeBron James and his super agent Rich Paul for taking a meeting with me back in 2018 when I was President of the Lakers and deciding to sign with us. He created a whole new era for the Lakers, including leading us to an NBA Championship in 2020 and all the…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 30, 2026
Breaking: LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, his agent told @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/3uYVROBrH1
"This feels like a breakup that you want the other person to do the breaking up. Like, I think the Lakers are ready to move into the Luka Dončić era of Los Angeles."
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 16: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After showing promise in his sophomore season, the Lakers will continue investing in Bronny James.
On Monday, the team guaranteed Bronny’s contract for next season, set at $2.3 million, by keeping him on the roster. Keith Smith of Spotrac reported the news on Tuesday.
Bronny James' contract with the Los Angeles Lakers became fully guaranteed for $2.3M yesterday.
Naturally, given how LeBron’s free agency is currently playing out, the assumption is to tie the decision on Bronny’s with LeBron. Fans will certainly race to that conclusion. But Bronny has been his own player and treated as such for quite some time.
The Lakers have spent quite a bit of time developing Bronny. For the first year and a half of his time in LA, Bronny’s playing time with the parent Lakers was either ceremonial minutes with his father, in garbage time or in games where players were being rested en masse.
However, late in his second season, he emerged as an option off the bench amid an injury crisis. He played well enough to see minutes in the postseason and had a memorable moment alongside LeBron in the series against the Rockets.
Even if he was phased out of the rotation as the games started mattering more, it was not just a sign of progress, but the first time Bronny had looked like a rotation-level player.
For the Lakers, it was enough of a sign to keep him around for next season. His contract is now fully guaranteed for the season, meaning he’ll likely be on the roster barring a trade.
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 25: Jock Landale #31 of the Atlanta Hawks boxes out during the game against the Detroit Pistons on March 25, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Atlanta Hawks have re-signed another one of their midseason pickups from last season. First, it was playoff hero CJ McCollum one a one-year, $21 million deal. Now, reportedly they locked down their Aussie big man with a similar offer per Shams Charania of ESPN:
Free agent center Jock Landale intends to sign a one-year, $14 million deal to return to the Atlanta Hawks, sources tell ESPN. Landale had a strong finish after being traded to the Hawks, averaging 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds last season, and his agents Sammy Wloszczowski and… pic.twitter.com/GfR3rzSlPY
The Hawks picked up Landale for essentially free (well, cash considerations), and he stepped into the role as the backup center after the team parted ways with Kristaps Porzingis.
He exploded for a career-high 26 points in his first game with Atlanta in a win over the Utah Jazz. Overall, he averaged 9.1 points (60% true shooting) and 4.1 rebounds per game on 19.4 minutes per contest in his 23 games after literally driving in his car from Memphis to Atlanta.
Most importantly is his ability to stretch the floor as a big, hitting 39% of his threes while forming a great partnership with his country-mate Dyson Daniels.
Unfortunately, a dirty foul by Goga Bitadze ended his regular season and postseason prematurely due to the ankle injury he suffered early April.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 31: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on March 31, 2026 in Los Angeles, 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Veteran NBA insider for NBA on Prime and former beat reporter in Cleveland during the 2014-15 season, Chris Haynes, reported that the Cavs are indeed interested in adding James to the roster.
Cleveland Cavaliers have interest in a second reunion with LeBron James with the appeal of the franchise’s greatest player finishing his career where it all started, league sources tell me.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE. The link to the 2016 championship shirt HERE.
It’s easy to see the appeal of a third tour of duty in Cleveland for both sides.
The Cavs are a good team, but are a playmaking wing away from being true championship contenders, as the New York Knicks showed them in their four-game sweep in the Eastern Conference Finals. Adding James would give this roster the versatility needed to possibly get over the hump in the postseason.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said that James is prioritizing “happiness, not money” next season. What that means is anyone’s guess. No one besides LeBron truly knows what he’s looking for in terms of happiness.
This is where playing for the Warriors could interfere with a reunion in Cleveland. Even though there are questions about whether an older core featuring Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler could compete for a championship, James might not see it that way. And the appeal of teaming up with friends while staying in California may be too much for him to ignore.
There’s also the question about how much the Cavs could afford to play LeBron.
The Cavs’ roster currently has some flexibility. James Harden declining his player option for next season has the Cavs $42.1 million under the second apron. Harden is expected to re-sign, but the annual value could help the Cavs open up room for the taxpayer mid-level exception.
Additional moves would be needed if the Cavs were going to open up the full mid-level exception of $15 million. The Cavs are reportedly looking for suitors for players like Dennis Schroder, which could give them more cap flexibility. Additionally, a sign-and-trade with the Lakers could still be an option if the deal were to bring Cleveland below the first apron.
At this point, it’s anyone’s guess how this will play out or what James truly values. What we do know at this time is that the Cavs are interested in a LeBron reunion and have a roster that would allow him to compete for a championship next season. And they’re also close to some golf clubs he just joined.
We’ll see if that’s enough to secure his services for one last run.
Apr 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indiana Pacers center Micah Potter (11) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers center Thomas Bryant (3) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
NBA free agency is in full swing and there’s a couple Hoosiers who are staying put with their current teams.
Thomas Bryant, who spent the 2025-26 season with the Eastern Conference runner-up Cleveland Cavaliers, recently inked a one year deal to return to Cleveland. Trayce Jackson-Davis, who was traded from the Golden State Warriors to the Toronto Raptors during the 2025-26 season, had his team option picked up by the Raptors.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Hoosiers today:
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 10: Collin Sexton #2 of the Utah Jazz goes to the basket during the game against Luke Kennard #10 of the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 10, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We’ve arrived at NBA free agency day, the time of year when, if you’re not careful, your phone starts exploding with transaction notifications. It’s one of the busiest days on the NBA calendar, as free agency officially begins at 3 p.m. Arizona time.
For the Phoenix Suns, much of the heavy lifting has already been done. They’ve re-signed unrestricted free agents Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin, brought back restricted free agent Mark Williams, traded Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale for Miles Bridges, and selected Koa Peat in the first round of the NBA Draft.
As things currently stand, the Suns sit at a projected $208.9 million in salary, placing them just below the first apron. T
The team has 14 of its 15 roster spots filled. That’s not an unfamiliar position for Phoenix. The organization has often preferred to keep one roster spot open, giving itself added flexibility as the season unfolds.
But after sending out so much shooting in the trade for Miles Bridges, the Suns now have a glaring need. They need shooting off the bench. More specifically, they need a veteran presence who can consistently space the floor. So the question becomes whether they choose to fill that final roster spot today when free agency opens. Phoenix has roughly $6.1 million available through the mid-level exception to offer the right player. Whether they decide to use it immediately remains to be seen, but that’s what we’ll be watching throughout the day.
We shared names that could be available for the Suns to target, and a couple of those names have already fallen to the wayside. Landry Shamet is expected to return to the Knicks, while Kevin Huerter is going to re-sign with the Pistons. The list that Arizona Sports Suns insider John Gambadoro has been whittled down to the following:
Collin Sexton
Luke Kennard
Jordan Clarkson
De’Anthony Melton
At the same time, we’ll be keeping an eye on the rest of the Western Conference, evaluating every move and asking the same question after each transaction. Did those teams get better? And in comparison, did the Suns get worse?
Time to turn those notifications on. It’s NBA free agency day…
After eight seasons and an NBA title, the LeBron era for the Los Angeles Lakers is coming to an end.
LeBron James will play his unprecedented 24th season in 2026-27, but he has informed the Lakers that the team can move forward without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells Shams Charania of ESPN.
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.… https://t.co/QPwbkJi9OJ
James, who led the Lakers to the 2020 NBA championship alongside then-teammate Anthony Davis, enters this offseason coming off a two-year, $101.36 million max deal — including a $52.63 million player option in 2025-26. According to reports, the Golden State Warriors are planning to pursue James in free agency once the negotiation window begins Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET. He will turn 42 in December.
James was an All-Star last season, averaging 20.9 points on 51.5% shooting, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 60 games after missing the first month because of sciatica. While playing increased minutes during the postseason (from 33.2 to 38.4 minutes per game), James led the Lakers to a first-round series win over the Houston Rockets while Luka Doncic was out with a hamstring strain.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 19: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center on March 19, 2026 in Miami, Florida. 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 Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Four-time NBA champion LeBron James is set to leave the Los Angeles Lakers and enter free agency, with plans to continue his career into a record-setting 24th season.
James, who will turn 42 in December, informed the Lakers that he intends to play elsewhere next season, continuing a career that has already spanned more than two decades at the highest level.
ESPN’s Shams Charania first broke the news, with LeBron’s agent Rich Paul announcing that his client is ready to move for a final chapter elsewhere.
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.… https://t.co/QPwbkJi9OJ
The decision marks the end of an eight-year run in Los Angeles and signals a final episode in LeBron’s soon-to-be 24-year NBA career, with the forward already being the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
“BREAKING: 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.” — Shams Charania
As old as he is, James averaged 20.9 points per game — extending his streak to 23 consecutive seasons with at least 20 points — while shooting 51.5 percent from the field. He also contributed 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game, pretty much carrying the Lakers by himself into the second round of the playoffs.
Throughout his career, James has earned a place in 21 All-NBA teams, only to see his near-career-long streak finished last season. A five-time MVP, James entered the league all the way back in 2003 when the Cleveland Cavaliers drafted him with the No. 1 overall pick.
James’ best recent season came in 2020, two years after he joined the Lakers, when he won the title in the NBA Bubble. Career-wise, James will enter his final season averaging 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks per game. He’s also a 50.7% shooter from the field, 34.8% from three, and 73.7% from the charity stripe.
With this news, LeBron is becoming an unrestricted free agent and thus making himself available for all 29 franchises not playing basketball inside the Crypto.com Arena.
The Lakers expressed to James that they wanted him back, but the NBA's all-time leading scorer decides to move on elsewhere. https://t.co/hGhK4gGd42
The Golden State Warriors (per Jake Fischer) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (per Chris Haynes) are the two most obvious landing spots for James, whether that’s for the relationships he built throughout his career representing the USA alongside Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr, or simply for returning home to play basketball in Ohio amid his upcoming retirement tour. The Miami Heat (per Jake Fischer) could be a third potential destination with past links to James, but Miami hasn’t popped up frequently in the rumor mill, and the arrival of Giannis could be enough to deter James from joining a team with a Luka-like franchise player already in tow.
When it comes to the Knicks, it’s hard to envision LeBron signing a deal to play in New York. Back in mid-May, I floated the idea of the Knicks signing LeBron depending on the season outcome, and a solid discussion emerged in The Feed. Obviously, given the Knicks’ financial situation, the options have come down to just two: offering him a minimum deal or letting him sign elsewhere without even caring. If you ask(ed) me, I was and still am team vet-min offer.
That said, after James spent the past 15 years showing love to MSG but always ditching the franchise to set camp in warmer locales, it’s hard to even think the Knicks would do more than due diligence and submit a veteran minimum contract to Rich Paul, just in case and if anything at all, which for all intents and purposes would do James more of a favor than the other way around in this the year 2026 of our Lord.
But I must say that having a player of James’ talent and production coming off the bench or splitting time with the likes of Josh Hart, taking only a couple millions from your cap, is something I wouldn’t complain about…
No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the 💜💛 while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint. 🙏🏾🫡👑 https://t.co/RmQ6uvvgv0
LeBron James is a 22-time All-Star. Photograph: Mark J Terrill/AP
LeBron James looks set to leave the Los Angeles Lakers, with ESPN reporting he has told the team he will continue his NBA career but with a different team.
James will turn 42 during the 2026-27 season but his long-time representative, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, said the 22-time All-Star intends to continue his playing career. However, he intends to do so away from the Lakers, with whom he won a championship in 2020.
Reports on Monday indicated the Golden State Warriors are looking to sign James, setting up a union with his old rivals Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. The Warriors are also understood to be looking at signing Anthony Davis. The window for free agency negotiation opens at 6pm ET on Tuesday.
James is a 22-time All-Star, claiming the honor every year from 2005 to 2026 and has been league MVP four times, a total bettered only by Michael Jordan, Bill Russell and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. James’s longevity – and brilliance – means he owns a host of 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. He has also played long enough that last season his eldest son, Bronny, became his teammate at the Lakers.
