LeBron James leaves Lakers, explores free agency with several options
CBS NBA • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 30, 2026, 6:37 PM
Last updated Jun 30, 2026

LeBron James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he will not return for the 2026 season. The 41-year-old forward is set to enter free agency, with options including a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers or a potential move to the Golden State Warriors. Averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in the past season, James remains a productive player. His decision will hinge on several factors, including financial considerations and team competitiveness, as he evaluates his future in the league.
- •LeBron James won't return to the Lakers for the 2026 season.
- •James has averaged 20.9 points and 7.2 assists in the past season.
- •Potential landing spots include the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers.
- •Financial factors will influence James' decision this summer.
- •His performance in playoffs has sparked interest from various teams.
- 6:37 PMCBS NBA — LeBron James landing spots: Four teams that make sense as The King leaves the Lakers
"The Warriors and Cavaliers lead this list, but there will be some darkhorses in the LeBron free agency sweepstakes
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NBA•Sep 7, 2026, 5:51 AMClippers’ Max Strus Reveals He Had To Sacrifice His Individual ‘Bag’ To Make It In The NBA
NBA•Sep 7, 2026, 4:31 AMNick Van Exel: Kobe Bryant’s Infamous Misses Were Key To Building His ‘Mamba Mentality- NBA•Sep 7, 2026, 3:58 AMMax Strus reveals why being a shooter is not enough to maintain a role in the NBA
NBA•Sep 7, 2026, 3:25 AMDelonte West says LeBron James recruited him to Cleveland during a game- NBA•Sep 7, 2026, 3:22 AMMikal Bridges credits the Knicks' experience for their ability to make big comebacks
NBA•Sep 7, 2026, 2:54 AMSasha Vujacic on Luka Doncic's minicamp: 'He's finally a Laker'
