sports
LeBron James Becomes Unrestricted Free Agent After Eight Seasons With Los Angeles Lakers
The 41-year-old informed the Los Angeles Lakers last month that he will play his 24th NBA season elsewhere. He averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds last season and seeks a team offering meaningful competition.
Jul 10, 8:54 AM·1m read1 source
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LeBron James informed the Los Angeles Lakers last month that he will play his 24th NBA season with another team, ending an eight-year run with the franchise. The 41-year-old is now an unrestricted free agent. He averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds on 51.5 percent shooting in the prior season.
James wants to play "meaningful, competitive basketball" at his next stop, a source familiar with his thinking told ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
The Cavaliers could use the $3.9 million veterans minimum exception or the $6.1 million tax midlevel depending on how they handle the contract of another player who declined a $42.3 million option. Cleveland sits $25.3 million below the first apron and $38 million under the second.
The team would need to trade Max Strus or Dennis Schroder to create more than $6.1 million in exception space. The roster includes size, ballhandling, scoring and shooting options. James played 11 seasons and 1,001 regular-season and playoff games for the franchise.
The Nuggets are over the luxury tax and first apron and have only the $3.9 million veterans minimum exception available. James' agent, Rich Paul, said last week that he had spoken to 27 teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat. The 41-year-old has not played in free agency since 2018.
