LeBron James Notifies Lakers He Will Sign With Another Team Next Season
lebron-james-notifies-lakers-he-will-sign-with-another-team-next-season
Los Angeles — LeBron James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he will depart in free agency and continue his career with a different franchise in 2026-27, according to agent Rich Paul, who spoke with ESPN’s Shams Charania.
James, 41, spent the past eight seasons in Los Angeles and won a championship during the 2020 season completed inside the Disney World bubble. Multiple sources told Hoops Wire that the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers are under consideration as possible destinations. The Miami Heat, who recently acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo, are also viewed as a potential suitor.
Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka and Paul discussed the four-time champion’s plans shortly before the announcement, sources said. James chose to alert the organization ahead of the formal start of free agency in order to give the front office time to plan its offseason strategy.
Los Angeles experienced several early playoff eliminations following the 2020 title run. This past season, the club was swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round. Luka Doncic, who joined James last summer, missed that entire series because of injury.
The forthcoming move marks the first time since 2018 that James will change teams, and it could signal the final chapter of his two-decade NBA career.
Source: Hoops Wire
