LeBron James will take his talents elsewhere this summer.
The icon's agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, told ESPN's Shams Charania that James will keep playing during the 2026-27 season. However, the NBA's all-time leading scorer informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he intends to sign with another team in free agency.
James spent the last eight seasons with the Lakers, averaging 25.9 points, 7.9 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game. The four-time MVP led the franchise to one of his four NBA titles in 2020.
"It was time to move on," a source close to James told ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
NBA world reacts to LeBron news
© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images.
The NBA world responded to the groundbreaking development on social media. Observers wondered if this decision means there are legs to rumors linking the Golden State Warriors to James.
"And there it is," Kenny Beecham wrote. "Even though it has been looking like it for a while, still didn't wanna believe it until it happened."
"Oh my god," YouTuber SixringsofsteeI said. "It's actually happening."
"This is just fantastic news," Fox sports pundit Nick Wright declared.
"Wow he's gonna be a Golden State Warrior," content creator ThreeCone predicted.
"And LeBron new team watch officially begins," ESPN's Field Yates teased.
What's next for LeBron?
Even at age 41, James remains a major difference-maker capable of altering the league's landscape.
The 22-time All-Star could align with a longtime rival by joining Stephen Curry in Golden State. James played Curry's Warriors in four consecutive NBA Finals as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2015 to 2018.
According to Marc Stein, the Warriors are "at the front of the line" for James. They're also reportedly pursuing a trade for Anthony Davis, but that's not necessarily a requirement to land LeBron.
Another return to Cleveland could also make sense. The Cavaliers just reached the Eastern Conference Finals, so James could be tempted by the chance to bring another championship to his hometown team. The Cavaliers are interested in bringing back their 2003 top pick, per insider Chris Haynes.
James could again form an elite trio in South Beach by joining Bam Adebayo and the newly acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo on the Miami Heat.
