LeBron James latest rumors: Where will superstar play next season?

James’ agent, Rich Paul, told Rob Pelinka and the Los Angeles Lakers‘ front office that the 23-year NBA veteran would not return to the franchise and would explore other options.

James spent eight seasons with the Lakers, the longest single stint in his career. The partnership proved to be mutually beneficial to both sides. 

The 4-time NBA MVP provided the Lakers with their 17th NBA championship – second behind the Boston Celtics – in 2020 during the COVID-19-impacted season. He also reached several individual milestones, including becoming the league’s all-time leading scorer.

In return, the Lakers catered to James by drafting his son, Bronny James, in 2024 and appointing JJ Redick as head coach.

Redick and LeBron co-hosted a podcast before Redick was hired.

James decided to move on from Los Angeles, and thanked the team with a heartfelt post on social media, Tuesday, June 30, writing, “Truly a honor to wear the (purple and gold) while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint.”

When it comes to what teams James will consider ahead of his 24th NBA season, the superstar has reportedly told his agent to talk with teams around the league and learn what everyone’s interests are so he can make an informed decision, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Dec 28, 2021.

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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Dec 28, 2021.

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LeBron James answers a question during an interview session with reporters during the Los Angeles Lakers media day at the UCLA Health Training Center on Sept. 24, 2018 during his first season with the team.

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Golden State was rumored to have strong interest in signing James as a free agent and working out a trade to acquire Anthony Davis from the Washington Wizards to join Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. But ESPN’s Marc J. Spears reported that the Wizards were not interested in trading Davis and were not listening to offers.

If Davis is not available, the Warriors could potentially keep Jimmy Butler, who would still need time to recover from the ACL tear in his right knee.

James has spoken highly of Curry when the pair played in the 2024 Olympics together for Team USA and won a gold medal.

James is also said to be interested in a potential reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cavs could welcome home the star that brought the team its first NBA title in 2016 when he returned to the franchise for his second stint.

James was drafted by the Cavaliers with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft. He spent the first seven years of his career in Cleveland, winning two MVP awards. His second stint started with the 2014-15 season, spending four years with the team.

In a potential third stint, he would be joining a team that reached the Eastern Conference finals in 2026, has Donovan Mitchell under contract for next season and intends to re-sign James Harden.
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Much like with Cleveland, there’s a potential for James to land with his other former team.

James won back-to-back titles in Miami in the middle of his four-year stint from 2010-2014 after forming a super team with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade as a member of the Heat.

If James decided to head to South Beach, he would form a new threat in the Eastern Conference alongside Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo.