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LeBron James Tests Free Agency After Lakers Offer Nothing

7/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

LeBron James left the Los Angeles Lakers to test free agency.
Rich Paul said the Lakers made no formal or informal offers before free agency began.
James rejected a pay cut, saying a $10-$15 million offer could feel like a cut if team offered the maximum.
Sources said James might have taken a cut from $52.6 million he earned because the Lakers never explained the offer, weeks of discussion influencing his exit.

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Story summary

LeBron James left the Los Angeles Lakers to test free agency.
Rich Paul said the Lakers made no formal or informal offers before free agency began.
James rejected a pay cut, saying a $10-$15 million offer could feel like a cut if team offered the maximum.
Sources said James might have taken a cut from $52.6 million he earned because the Lakers never explained the offer, weeks of discussion influencing his exit.