Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James does not plan to return to the team for the 2026-2027 season, his agent told ESPN.
The outlet’s Shams Charania reported June 30 that Klutch Sports CEO and James’ agent, Rich Paul, said the player told the Lakers that he would not be returning. The agent noted that James intends to play in the 2026-2027 season. Lakers executive Jeanie Buss thanked the NBA player for his time with the team in a June 30 post on X.
“LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers — including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold,” she said.
Thank you, LeBron 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/SW910ZVqSu
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 30, 2026
“We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family,” Buss continued.
The Lakers reportedly did not offer James a contract, with Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic already under contract, RoundtableSports reported. (RELATED: NFL Football Legend Deion Sanders Says He’s Cancer Free)
Sources told Charania that the Golden State Warriors are interested in adding James. Warriors forward Draymond Green reportedly declined his player option, potentially creating cap flexibility to pursue both James and his former teammate, Anthony Davis. Green is also represented by Paul.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is declining his $27.7 million player option to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. This move gives the Warriors flexibility to pursue LeBron James in free agency and Anthony Davis via trade to form a Big 4. pic.twitter.com/jBVRe1YZ1B
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2026
James has previously expressed interest in playing alongside Warriors guard Stephen Curry on his podcast “The Shop” in 2022. “Steph Curry’s the one that I want to play with for sure, in today’s game. … I love everything about that guy,” he said.
Shams has also linked James to both of his former teams: the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers.
James is widely considered one of the greatest players in NBA history, with four NBA titles and the league’s all-time scoring record.