sports
LeBron James Becomes Unrestricted Free Agent After 23rd NBA Season
The 41-year-old averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds for the Lakers. Brian Windhorst said negotiations with Los Angeles are underway.
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LeBron James completed his 23rd NBA season and entered unrestricted free agency after his eighth year with the Los Angeles Lakers. 1 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 regular season. The Lakers' season ended with a second-round playoff loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
James carried a heavy load in the postseason after Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were sidelined by injuries. ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst said James intends to play and is focused on reaching a new deal with the Lakers. Windhorst made the comments during a Tuesday radio appearance on ESPN Cleveland.
"I think LeBron James' intention is to play, and I think the focus right now is making a deal with the Lakers," Windhorst said. "Right now, he's allowed to negotiate with the Lakers, and I believe they are negotiating," Windhorst added. " James has three options: retire, re-sign with the Lakers or sign with another team.
Windhorst, who has covered James since high school at St. Vincent-St. Mary, said the player is currently allowed to negotiate only with Los Angeles.
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2 sources · across multiple outlets
CorroborationModerate · 2 sources
