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LeBron James is leaving LA, even after the team paid his son, Bronny, big money.
According to NBA reporter Keith Smith, Bronny James Lakers contract became fully guaranteed yesterday.
Bronny James’ contract with the Los Angeles Lakers became fully guaranteed for $2.3M yesterday.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 30, 2026
A day after Bronny’s contract became fully guaranteed, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that LeBron had decided to leave the Lakers to play elsewhere.
LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN.
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 the 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 year, LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, indicated that the Lakers were moving in a different direction.
“LeBron knows the Lakers are building for the future, and he also wants to compete for championships,” Paul told The Athletic. “We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive, and want what’s best for him. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie (Buss) and Rob (Pelinka) and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”