LeBron James has parted ways with the Los Angeles Lakers after 8 seasons. The team reportedly declined to offer the aging superstar a max contract.
Sources say LeBron, 41, is close to signing a “below market” contract with the Golden State Warriors to play alongside his friend, Steph Curry.
Other sources say LeBron is still in talks with his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
LeBron and his son, Bronny James, made history in 2024 as the NBA’s first father-son duo to play together.
LeBron, who will turn 42 in December, completed his 23rd year in the NBA last season. His agent, Rich Paul, informed the Lakers that he will not return for the 2026-27 season. ESPN first reported the news on Tuesday, June 30.
The Cavaliers drafted LeBron out of high school as the 1st overall pick in 2003. The Lakers signed LeBron to a $154 million contract in 2018. He won 2 NBA championships with the Miami Heat (2012-2013), an NBA title with the Cavaliers (2016) and the so-called “bubble” championship in 2020 with the Lakers.
It’s no secret that LeBron is desperate to win a fifth ring in his final season. However, his eldest son, Bronny, won’t be along for the ride.
On Monday, June 29, the Lakers signed Bronny to a $2.3 million contract for the 2026-27 season. $1.3 million is guaranteed.
The move came as a surprise to Lakers fans. The team could have saved $1 million by letting Bronny become a free agent.
Many NBA fans say Bronny got his first Lakers deal because of his father. Fans believed the 55th overall pick in the NBA Draft shouldn’t be in the NBA.
But Bronny showed signs of future greatness – in the G League. The Lakers also have a team option on Bronny’s contract for 2027-28.