NBA News | LeBron James just told the Lakers he won't be back. He's not retiring.
ShireHub's read: Eight years, two Finals appearances, one championship — and James walked out the door to test free agency instead of calling it a career. The Warriors are the frontrunner, which would put him alongside Steph Curry for the first time ever. The NBA hasn't seen a player accumulation like this since Miami 2010.
The news
The word came out Tuesday: LeBron James is done in Los Angeles. Eight seasons. He's heading into free agency and looking for a new home in 2026-27.
The Lakers didn't fight it. Owner Jeanie Buss put out a a supportive and emotional letter, the kind of farewell you write when you know the relationship ended well even if it didn't end the way anyone hoped. She thanked him. The building thanked him. And then he walked out.
He's not retiring. He's 41 and he still wants to win. Somewhere that gives him a real shot at it.
Why the Warriors
Days prior to Tuesday's news, there were rumors suggesting the Golden State Warriors would make a play for the 23-year veteran. Draymond Green declined his own player option this week, reportedly to free up cap space for this exact move. The Warriors want LeBron and Stephen Curry on the same team.
Two of the four best players of the past two decades, playing together, for the first time, on the same side. Steph was the reason Cleveland needed four overtimes to win in 2016. LeBron was the reason Golden State's 3-1 lead became a loss. Now they could be chasing a ring together.
The NBA title odds will shift the moment that deal is confirmed.
What's left in LA
The Lakers just signed Austin Reaves to a four-year, $185 million max contract. They have Luka Dončić. They have a rebuild underway. Luka inherits the building. Whatever comes next for the Lakers, it starts without LeBron.
The rest of the league didn't wait
The free agency frenzy didn't start last night — the league has been reshuffling for a week:
Giannis Antetokounmpo — traded to the Miami Heat.
Kawhi Leonard — traded back to Toronto. Back to where he won in 2019.
Ja Morant — shipped to Portland. Memphis starts over.
LaMelo Ball — to Minnesota. Timberwolves getting more chaotic by the day.
Bradley Beal — opted out of the Clippers.
It's July 1st and the entire Eastern and Western Conference just got rearranged.
💬 LeBron + Steph on the same team. Is that the next dynasty, or the most overhyped roster in NBA history? Share your thoughts with us!
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