Story by
NBA rumors: LeBron James stiffed Lakers’ attempts to re-sign him
- Story by
- NBA rumors: LeBron James stiffed Lakers’ attempts to re-sign him
NBA rumors: LeBron James stiffed Lakers' attempts to re-sign him appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
On Tuesday, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that impending free agent LeBron James had informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he will not be re-signing with the team and will instead take his talents elsewhere. The news comes just hours before the NBA free agency period is set to open for business on Tuesday evening.
Advertisement
Now, Charania has provided additional context to those reports.
"The Lakers expressed to James that they wanted him back, but the NBA's all-time leading scorer decides to move on elsewhere," reported Charania on X, formerly Twitter.
Charania also reported on X that "Lakers president Rob Pelinka and Rich Paul spoke a short time ago about the four-time champion's plans, sources said. James chose to inform the Lakers well before start of free agency tonight out of courtesy and appreciation for their run together, and to allow LA to conduct its offseason business."
Earlier this week, rumors had heated up that James might be an option for the Golden State Warriors to pursue in a potential team-up with pals Stephen Curry and Draymond Green , and possibly even Anthony Davis if they could orchestrate such a trade. Those rumors are likely to increase tenfold now that James is officially not coming back to Los Angeles .
Advertisement
Meanwhile, the Lakers will now turn their attention fully to rebuilding around Luka Doncic , having already committed max dollars to Austin Reaves and with big decisions to make on players like Marcus Smart as free agency looms. Although James and Doncic have maintained a positive relationship on the court and in the media, some have wondered if James felt disrespected by the Lakers' clear desire to build around Doncic over the last year.
In any case, free agency is set to open at 6:00 pm ET.
Related: Skip Bayless unleashes on LeBron James, Rich Paul after Lakers exit
