LeBron James moves on from Los Angeles Lakers as free agency opens
CBS NBA • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 30, 2026, 4:15 PM
Last updated Jun 30, 2026

LeBron James will not return to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2026-27 season, as confirmed by his agent Rich Paul. James, who has spent eight seasons in Los Angeles, is set to enter free agency at 6 p.m. ET today. Reports indicate that the Golden State Warriors are the frontrunners to sign him, potentially reuniting him with former teammates Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. This marks the first time James will switch teams since joining the Lakers in 2018, with his role diminished this past season after the Lakers acquired Luka Dončić.
- •LeBron James confirms he will not return to the Lakers.
- •James enters free agency at 6 p.m. ET today.
- •Golden State Warriors reportedly interested in signing James.
- •Lakers acquired Luka Dončić in a trade during the 2025 season.
- •James is set to play in his 24th NBA season.
- 4:15 PMCBS NBA — LeBron James ends Lakers tenure, and Warriors move could be next in free agency
"LeBron spent eight seasons with the Lakers, but informed the team Tuesday he will be moving on next season
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