LeBron James’ tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers has ended. His agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN that James will continue his career but will sign with another team. James informed the Lakers of his decision on Tuesday.
Just hours before the news broke, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne said on NBA Today that in the 2025 offseason, when Rob Pelinka and the Lakers brass were trying to convince Doncic to sign a long-term extension, they laid out their 2026 offseason plans, which didn’t include James.
“Rob [Pelinka] had a big binder in his hand and at that meeting they laid out their plans,” Shelburne said. “That was to convince Luka Doncic to sign that extension that he ended up signing with them. … Those plans did not include LeBron James.”
Lakers fans were quick to react once Fullcourtpass and SMHighlights aggregated this report from Shelburne on X. One fan speculated whether Luka Doncic and LeBron James were on the same page, saying:
“Damn Luka ain’t rocking with LeBron?”
More reactions followed.
Warriors could sign LeBron James on Tuesday in blockbuster move: Reports
The LeBron James-Warriors rumors are picking up steam. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Golden State is attempting to lure James away from the Lakers and could get it done as early as Tuesday.
“I think the focus right now is, can they get LeBron James away from the Los Angeles Lakers?” Windhorst said on Tuesday morning’s segment of Get Up.
“That’s something they’re gonna try to get done today. Whether or not they can pull it off, let’s wait and watch.”
The Warriors have a $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception to offer James after his good friend, Draymond Green, opted out of his $27.7 million contract. With the Lakers no longer an option, it won’t be surprising to see James choose the Warriors, given his relationship with Steph Curry and Green.
On the other hand, he would remain closer to Los Angeles, where his family resides. James has also expressed an interest in playing with Curry before, so there could be real smoke to these rumors.
Read more:
- Draymond Green Reveals Real Reason Why He Turned Down .7M Player Option as Warriors’ Big Four Dreams Make Headlines
- “Kevin Durant Levels Of Internet Annoying”: Celtics Fans Infuriated at Jaylen Brown For Hinting He Feels Disrespected by Boston
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in the NBA, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
