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LeBron James informs Lakers he won't return for 2026-27 season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 30, 2026, 11:24 PM

Last updated Jun 30, 2026

LeBron James informs Lakers he won't return for 2026-27 season

Summary

LeBron James has officially notified the Los Angeles Lakers that he will not return for the 2026-27 NBA season. The decision follows speculation regarding his next move, with the Golden State Warriors emerging as a potential landing spot. Former teammate Kendrick Perkins criticized James’ agent, Rich Paul, for handling the situation, stating Paul has ignored his attempts to communicate. Perkins’ remarks contribute to ongoing discussions about James’ free agency, as he looks for opportunities to continue playing competitive basketball. While James is committed to playing another season, he has not indicated if it will be his last.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•LeBron James will not rejoin the Lakers for the upcoming season.
•Golden State Warriors are considered a leading option for James.
•Kendrick Perkins criticized Rich Paul for lack of communication.
•James plans to explore all options before making a decision.

Latest Updates

11:24 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Little Turtle Head Snotty Nose… We Got a Problem’ — NBA Champion Wages War Against LeBron James’ Agent Rich Paul

What they're saying

"
On Tuesday, LeBron James made his first big decision of the offseason. The league’s all-time leading scorer informed the Lakers that he would not be returning to Los Angeles for the 2026-27 season.
— Yahoo Sports

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