LeBron James leaving Lakers
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Lakers 'widely expected' to keep Austin Reaves
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The Lakers have identified Sandro Mamukelashvili and Quentin Grimes as top free-agent targets after LeBron James' departure.
NBA free agency begins at 6 p.m. ET Tuesday but we already know that LeBron James will be playing for another team next season.
LeBron James will not be back with the Los Angeles Lakers and plans to play a record-extending 24th NBA season elsewhere, a person with knowledge of those plans confirmed Tuesday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because James had not revealed that decision publicly.
With the 2026 NBA Draft in the rearview, the league's attention turns to free agency this week. The official negotiation period opened on Tuesday evening, but there's been plenty of action to keep everyone busy since the draft last week.
The clarity that the Los Angeles Lakers had been seeking ahead of free agency finally came on Tuesday with ESPN's Shams Charania reporting LeBron James has informed them he intends to sign elsewhere for the 2026-27 season.
After eight years with the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James confirmed he will not play his 24th NBA season in purple and gold.
LeBron James plans to leave the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency and play for a new team in 2026. James spent the last eight seasons with the Lakers.
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Lakers' Updated NBA Salary Cap Space Ahead of Free Agency After LeBron James' Decision to Leave LA
The Los Angeles Lakers have about $50 million in cap space to find a starter who can replace LeBron James. The Lakers are set to have $52 million in projected cap space following James' anticipated departure,
After eight seasons and an NBA title, the LeBron era for the Los Angeles Lakers is coming to an end.
LeBron James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he intends to play elsewhere in his 24th NBA season.
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to aggressively pursue frontcourt help this offseason, and Utah Jazz restricted free agent Walker Kessler remains one of the organization’s top targets. However, despite the Lakers’ significant interest, multiple NBA insiders believe prying the young center away from Utah will be easier said than done.
