With NBA free agency underway, a bomb was dropped on the Los Angeles Lakers as LeBron James let them know he would be moving on and finishing his career elsewhere.
James and the Lakers divorcing after eight years together was a rumor that had been circulating for weeks prior to the official announcement, with external teams like the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers heavily connected to the 41-year-old superstar. With the James era in Los Angeles now over, Jeanie Buss and the organization released a statement on social media thanking him.
“LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history,” Buss said. “We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers – including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold. We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family.”
James’ next team will likely be revealed in the opening days of free agency, with the Warriors seeming to be leading the pack. Of course, a return to the Cavaliers for one final stint can’t be ruled out. He could either sign with Cleveland on a minimum contract, or he can orchestrate a sign-and-trade with the Lakers to make it happen. The Warriors, meanwhile, can offer James their non-taxpayer mid-level exception of around $15 million.
Regardless, James will be wearing a different jersey next season than the one he spent the last eight years wearing, and he will be one of the most coveted free agents on the open market.
While the Lakers will move on to the Luka Doncic era, they clearly appreciate everything James brought to the organization over the last eight seasons.
Lakers fully guarantee Bronny James
The Lakers had a decision to make on not only James, but his son Bronny as well. On Monday night, they had to decide whether or not to fully guarantee his $2.3 million contract for the 2026-27 season. They opted to do so, mostly because not doing so would have led to an incomplete roster charge more expensive than simply having Bronny on the books. They also have helped him develop into a borderline rotation player, and it’s possible he could be a real factor for the Lakers next season.
If the Lakers trade LeBron in a sign-and-trade deal though then it will be interesting to see if Bronny goes with him or remains with the purple and gold.
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