LeBron James set to leave Lakers as Warriors lead free-agency chase

LeBron James informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he will seek a new team for the 2026-27 season, ending speculation that he might retire after the 2025-26 campaign. The NBA’s free-agency window opens on Tuesday, June 30, at 6 p.m. ET, and several clubs have expressed interest.

NBA insider Marc Stein said the Golden State Warriors are "at the front of the line in pursuit of LeBron James." ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the Warriors aim to build a "big four" with James, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Anthony Davis, though a trade for Davis appears less likely after recent reports. The Warriors are currently the favorites to sign James, with DraftKings odds of -500, while the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs trail at +300, +1000 and +2000 respectively.

The Cavaliers, James’s former team, have also shown interest in a possible reunion, according to insider Chris Haynes. James remains the franchise’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists and steals.

James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 60 games this season, helping the Lakers secure the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. After injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves in the first-round series, James led Los Angeles to a 4-2 win over the Houston Rockets, but the team was swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.

Earlier in the week, James Harden declined a $42.3 million player option to negotiate a new multi-year contract with the Cavaliers.