LeBron James informs Lakers of intent to sign with new team

LeBron James has communicated to the Los Angeles Lakers that he will not return for the next NBA season, planning to sign with a different team. This development marks James' debut as a free agent since 2018 after spending eight years with the Lakers, including a championship win in 2020. The relationship between James and the Lakers has soured following their trade for Luka Doncic, which positioned Doncic as the team’s future centerpiece. As James moves on, he will look for a new situation to close out his NBA career on his own terms.

• 4:22 PMYahoo Sports — Why is LeBron James leaving the Lakers? Legend informs LA of plans to sign with new team