LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers, setting the stage for another high-profile decision—16 years after his first 'Decision' that took him from Cleveland to Miami. The 22-time All-Star has informed the Lakers that his eight-year run with the franchise is over, and he intends to play a record-extending 24th NBA season elsewhere.
James Prioritises Championships in Next Move
James has repeatedly stated in recent years that adding more championships is his primary motivation, making it almost certain he will choose a team he believes can contend for the 2027 NBA title. The Golden State Warriors are reportedly on his list, though speculation also surrounds potential reunions with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat. Another possible landing spot is the San Antonio Spurs, where he could partner with 7-foot-4 phenomenon Victor Wembanyama.
According to multiple reports, James will not rush his decision. He has instructed his agents to 'talk to everyone around the league who is interested in him playing for them and come back to him with what the options are,' ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported.
James Reflects on Career and Motivation
'I've done it all. I've seen it all,' James said when the Lakers' season ended in May, after what proved to be his final game with the franchise. 'Just being able to compete and trying to win championships, I think that's a motivating factor.'
The first half of his decision is complete: he is returning for at least one more season, with his family's agreement. James had previously stated that his wife, Savannah, and 12-year-old daughter, Zhuri, would have significant input on whether he continued playing.
Lakers and Magic Johnson Pay Tribute
The Lakers released a statement thanking James for his eight seasons with the club. 'LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history,' said Jeanie Buss, part of the Lakers' ownership group. '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.'
Lakers legend Magic Johnson, who recruited James to the franchise in 2018, also paid tribute. '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,' Johnson said. 'He created a whole new era for the Lakers, including leading us to an NBA championship in 2020 and all the milestones he surpassed in a Lakers jersey. I'll always love and be grateful for him and wish him all the best in the next phase of his life, on and off the court!'
Free Agency Opens; Golden State Emerges as Suitor
James can now begin official discussions with new teams after the league's free agent period opened. He will not be able to sign until the league's off-season moratorium lifts on July 6. Momentum toward Golden State appeared to increase when longtime Warriors forward Draymond Green declined his $27.6 million option for the upcoming season, a move widely seen as providing the team with flexibility to make other roster moves. While all indications suggest Green will remain with Golden State, the move gives the Warriors options to pursue James.
Golden State is a franchise James faced four times in the NBA Finals with the Cavaliers. He also has close relationships with Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, and Warriors coach Steve Kerr; Curry was his teammate and Kerr his coach for USA Basketball's gold medal run at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
James' Legacy and Stats
At 41 years old, James is the NBA's oldest active player and will turn 42 in December. He was the first player in league history to log 23 seasons and will add at least one more. He also became the first player to have a son as a teammate, with Bronny James playing alongside him with the Lakers. James' accolades are unparalleled: 22-time All-Star, 21-time All-NBA selection, four-time MVP, four-time NBA Finals MVP, three-time All-Star Game MVP, and a member of the NBA's 75th anniversary team.
In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. For his career, he has averaged 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in more than 1,600 games.
