LeBron James Leaves Lakers as Free Agent, Opening Roster Moves for Multiple Teams

LeBron James left the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent, placing several teams in a holding pattern while they await his decision. ESPN reported that Cleveland, Denver, Golden State, Miami, Minnesota and Philadelphia each have at least two roster spots open. The Nuggets and Warriors have a combined eight openings.

The Milwaukee Bucks signed Trent to a $64 million, four-year deal. Victor Wembanyama signed a $252 million max extension with the San Antonio Spurs. The Charlotte Hornets traded LaMelo Ball. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown were also traded.

The Lakers used their cap space to sign players after James' departure. DeMar DeRozan, who averaged 18.4 points per game and shot nearly 50 percent from the field last season, became available as an unrestricted free agent. DeRozan turns 37 in August and has played in at least 74 games in each of the past five seasons.

Other unrestricted free agents include Bradley Beal, Bruce Brown, Russell Westbrook, Jonathan Kuminga, Matisse Thybulle, Kelly Olynyk, Nick Richards and Drew Eubanks. The Nuggets, 76ers and Timberwolves can each offer James the $3.9 million veteran's minimum exception. The Miami Heat can offer $6 million via its non-tax midlevel exception.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick met virtually with Kuminga to pitch him on a role next to Luka Doncic. Rich Paul, James' agent, said on his podcast that happiness, not money, will drive the decision. "If it's about happiness, because if it's the most money, then it's not necessarily the most happiness," Paul said.

"As you're going through this process, I'm saying to LeBron, 'You really have to think this through,'" Paul said. "Everything looks great in July.