After spending eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, legendary forward LeBron James is set to leave the Lakers ahead of the 2026-27 season.
ESPN insider Shams Charania reported on Tuesday that James informed the team of his decision to play elsewhere next season, as revealed by his agent, Klutch Sports’ CEO Rich Paul.
However, Skip Bayless seemingly does not buy the narrative set by James’ camp. On X on Tuesday, Bayless said he thinks LeBron’s departure was not on his own terms. He also faulted the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron’s former teammate Luka Dončić for his exit, accusing the $160,380,000-worth guard of not wanting LeBron back.
“No, Rich Paul did not ‘inform the Lakers’ that LeBron will play elsewhere next season. They had already made it clear to him he’d have to take very little money to play for the Lakers BECAUSE THEY DON’T WANT HIM BACK. LUKA DOES NOT WANT HIM BACK. Lakers are now relieved,” Bayless TWEETED.
While the exact reason behind the split between LeBron and the Lakers remains unknown, the four-time NBA champion is now on the lookout for his next destination as he is slated to continue his career this season.
League Sources Reveal LeBron & Luka Had No Personal Issues
Contrary to Skip Bayless’ accusations against Luka Doncic, a new report suggests how the LeBron-Lakers split is not related to the Slovenian guard.
According to Lakers senior writer Dan Woike, two anonymous league sources revealed that James and Doncic had no personal issues with each other.
They further disclosed how the duo also often bonded over golf, a newfound hobby that LeBron and Luka picked up over the past year, with LeBron also supposedly batting for Doncic to have his name revealed last during lineup announcements, a spot traditionally saved for the team’s biggest star.
Read More:
- LeBron James Could Receive Massive Warriors Offer Today As Golden State Chases Dream Team: Report
- “Luka Ain’t Rocking With LeBron?”: Lakers Fans React to LeBron James Getting Snubbed in Team’s 2026 Offseason Plan Given to Luka Doncic
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