LeBron James has confirmed that he will play for a 24th NBA season – but he will be in search of a new team.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, James has informed the Lakers that he will be playing elsewhere and that the franchise can ‘move on without him.’
The news, told to Charania by James’ agent Rich Paul, is sure to start a bidding war for the services of the 41-year-old in what could be his ‘last dance’ in the 2026-27 campaign.
Rumors around James’ future have linked him to a return to either the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Miami Heat.
There’s also the possibility he could join with USA Olympic teammate Steph Curry on the Golden State Warriors.
The Golden State links have particularly gained steam after rumors suggested the team may be looking to bring in both James and Anthony Davis to make a final push for a title.
LeBron James is set to leave the Los Angeles Lakers and will play his 24th NBA season
Considering his age, it’s hard to determine what James’ contract value would be. But his status as the most popular player in the game is enough for any team to consider offering him a deal.
On the court, James also hasn’t shown massive regression in terms of production. In his age 41 season he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 60 games played.
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