LeBron Is Leaving the Lakers
LeBron James is coming back for a 24th NBA season. It just won’t be in purple and gold.
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN’s Shams Charania that James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers the team should plan to move forward without him, because he intends to play for another franchise next season.
James spent eight seasons with the Lakers, including the 2020 championship run, won under what Buss called the toughest imaginable circumstances. Lakers governor Jeanie Buss released a statement thanking him for that title and for the records he set in the uniform, calling him a part of the Lakers family going forward.
James posted his own message on X, saying it had been an honor to wear the jersey and that he hoped he made people proud during his time there.
The Numbers Behind the Run
By the time he left, James had climbed into the Lakers’ all-time top 10 in four major categories: 10th in points (12,402), 5th in assists (3,808), 10th in field goals made (4,681), and 2nd in three-pointers made (1,020), according to ESPN Research.
Where He Goes Next
Free agency negotiations opened Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET, and the Golden State Warriors are reportedly positioning themselves to pursue him. Draymond Green opted out of his $27.6 million player option Monday, which gives Golden State more room to maneuver, including a possible trade with the Washington Wizards for Anthony Davis, James’ former Lakers teammate.
ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported that, as of Monday afternoon, Warriors decision-makers had no confirmation that Golden State is James’ firm landing spot, and that some recruitment will likely be required. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, the two other franchises James has played for, are also expected to be in the mix.
A source close to the situation told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne there is no urgency for James to make his decision.
A Career Still Being Written at 41
James turns 42 in December. He could have played a ninth season in L.A., or retired as arguably the greatest player the sport has produced. Instead he’s joining a new team, in what may be the final stretch of his career.
Last season was not an easy one physically. James’ 21-year All-NBA streak, an NBA record, ended after sciatica in his lower back and leg cost him the first month and limited him to 60 games. When he did play, the numbers held: 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game on 51.5% shooting, enough for another All-Star selection. In the playoffs, his minutes and production both rose, 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 6.7 rebounds a night, as the Lakers beat the Houston Rockets in the first round while Luka Doncic sat out with a hamstring injury.
Doncic, his teammate this past season, reacted to the news on his Instagram story, calling it an honor to play with and learn from James.
What the Lakers Do Now
The departure leaves the Lakers with roughly $52 million in salary cap space, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, and real needs to fill at the wing and center spot. Detroit’s Jalen Duren has a meeting planned with L.A. once free agency opens, though sources say the Pistons are not interested in helping facilitate a sign-and-trade. The Lakers are also reportedly interested in free agent big man Sandro Mamukelashvili, fresh off a career year in Toronto, and wings including Tobias Harris, Dean Wade, and Quentin Grimes.
