After eight years and a shared NBA title, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are parting ways. Could a superteam of veteran stars be forming next?
It’s official: LeBron James has informed the Lakers that he will not be playing in «Purple and Gold» next year, expressing a desire to play for a different team. This news was reported by ESPN insider Shams Charania.
According to the report, a clarifying conversation took place between General Manager Rob Pelinka and LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul. While the Lakers emphasized their desire to continue with «The King,» he declined, partly due to the current situation in Los Angeles. He will now enter the free-agent market for the first time.
The Lakers’ long-term plan is known to focus on building a championship team around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Last season, LeBron found himself in a new role as the third option in the Lakers’ lineup. Despite this, the Lakers had a strong regular season with the trio, and LeBron demonstrated his continued high level of play, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists. However, in the playoffs, due to injuries to Reaves and Doncic, their limitations were clearly exposed by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round (a 0-4 sweep). Before that, in the first-round matchup against the Houston Rockets, LeBron had turned back the clock at times, carrying the Lakers with strong performances.
The possibility of Los Angeles becoming an immediate contender before the start of LeBron’s record-breaking 24th season was virtually impossible, and this is believed to have played a role in the four-time MVP’s decision. His agent, Paul, had already stressed during the turbulent 2025 offseason that LeBron aims to pursue his fifth NBA title in the twilight of his career. As this is evidently not immediately feasible in Los Angeles, LeBron is embarking on a new path in the NBA for what is likely the last time after eight years in the City of Angels.
During his eight years with the Lakers, LeBron missed the playoffs twice (2018, 2021) but also secured his fourth NBA title in 2020 within the unique circumstances of the Orlando bubble due to COVID-19. This was followed by three first-round playoff exits, a decisive loss in the Conference Finals to the eventual champion Denver Nuggets in 2023, and the second-round elimination by OKC in the past season.
«LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. We will always be grateful for these eight years, especially for leading us to a title in 2020 under the most challenging circumstances,» stated Jeannie Buss, Governor of the Lakers. «He broke countless records in the purple and gold jersey. We wish him all the best for the future, both on and off the court. He will always be a part of the Lakers family.»
LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Stephen Curry: A Legendary Team at the Warriors?
Now, the speculation can begin about where the 41-year-old will head for this endeavor. A return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were reportedly interested in their most famous son’s comeback, was recently considered unlikely. Instead, a spectacular reunion with Stephen Curry and his former Lakers teammate Anthony Davis at the Golden State Warriors appears to be on the horizon.
According to NBA insider Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo, this is the plan for the Warriors. The core idea, as O’Connor outlines, is for the Warriors to first acquire AD via trade and then sign LeBron as a free agent. At the very least, «The King» is now available, and the first domino for the acquisition of the NBA legend has fallen.
As of Monday, it’s also confirmed that Warriors icon Draymond Green will become a free agent, freeing up nearly $28 million in salary cap space for the Warriors due to his declined player option, potentially facilitating a LeBron acquisition. Reports suggest the Warriors could offer the 41-year-old at least $15 million. According to the Bleacher Report, LeBron would be open to accepting an offer in this range.
In such a scenario, «The King» would be playing significantly below a max contract but still for a considerable sum. ESPN insider Brian Windhorst had previously reported that any notion of financial concessions for a potential return to the Cavs, for example, should be disregarded.
Golden State Warriors’ Plan with Anthony Davis and LeBron James
As far back as last summer, the Dubs reportedly pursued the King’s services, and efforts were made to orchestrate a deal even in 2024 before the Olympic Games. ESPN insider Brian Windhorst had analyzed weeks ago regarding LeBron: «If it doesn’t work out with the Lakers, then I would look at the Warriors.»
Jimmy Butler, currently recovering from a torn ACL, would not be part of the Warriors in this «Dream Team» scenario. To acquire Davis from the Washington Wizards, «Jimmy Buckets» would need to be traded to the capital in return. According to O’Connor, this deal would also require additional draft picks. The Dubs possess two future first-round picks and four potential pick swaps that could be included in a possible trade.
On Monday evening (CET), Butler’s agent Bernie Lee issued a statement to ESPN, stating that there were no thoughts of departure: «The Warriors are resolutely supporting Jimmy in his rehab so he can get back on the court and help the team compete for a title. (…) Jimmy is fully focused on that and wants to contribute his part – and that will be with the Warriors.»
There are also doubts about whether the Wizards would even consider letting Davis go. Just last week, Washington extended point guard Trae Young long-term and drafted the top-pick supertalent AJ Dybantsa. After years at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, the team under Head Coach Brian Keefe is signaling an offensive push towards the playoffs. Young and Davis were only acquired at the beginning of the year for this purpose.