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LeBron says he'll leave Lakers after 2025-26 season

7/3/2026

29 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

LeBron James (player) told the Los Angeles Lakers he will play elsewhere in the 2026-27 season, after the 2025-26 season per agent Rich Paul (representative).
The 2021 Russell Westbrook (player) trade sparked a disconnect that began in 2021-22.
The Lakers went 33-49 in 2021-22, their only playoff miss in seven seasons.
Russell Westbrook was dealt to the Utah Jazz in 2022-23 and later had his contract bought out.

History

Historical Context

On July 8 2010 LeBron James announced he would join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, using the Heat’s nearly $46 million cap space to sign three All-Stars to six-year contracts. Pat Riley’s superteam reshaped NBA roster strategy, prompting other franchises to pursue star-driven overhauls through the 2020s and influence league parity.

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Story summary

LeBron James (player) told the Los Angeles Lakers he will play elsewhere in the 2026-27 season, after the 2025-26 season per agent Rich Paul (representative).
The 2021 Russell Westbrook (player) trade sparked a disconnect that began in 2021-22.
The Lakers went 33-49 in 2021-22, their only playoff miss in seven seasons.
Russell Westbrook was dealt to the Utah Jazz in 2022-23 and later had his contract bought out.

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