local
LeBron James will play next season but plans to leave Lakers
By Logan Reardon at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS)
· June 30, 2026
· 2 min read
LeBron James isn’t retiring — but he will be on a new team next season.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer will leave the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent, the team confirmed Tuesday after multiple reports.
“LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history,” Lakers owner Jeanie Buss...
Key takeaway ” James, 41, spent eight seasons with the Lakers after previous stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2003-10, 2014-18) and Miami Heat (2010-14).
Why this matters in The Trophy Club
The departure of LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers may seem like a distant concern for Trophy Club residents, but the ripple effects of his decision could be felt in the Dallas-Fort Worth sports landscape. As James considers his next team, speculation about the Golden State Warriors' interest has sparked conversation about the competitive balance in the Western Conference. For local basketball fans, a potential Warriors superteam featuring James, Steph Curry, and Draymond Green could lead to exciting matchups against the Dallas Mavericks. Meanwhile, the Lakers' shift in focus towards younger stars like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves may influence how the Mavericks approach their own roster construction and free agency decisions. As the NBA's free agency period unfolds, Trophy Club residents who follow the Mavericks will be watching closely to see how James' next move impacts the team's chances in the upcoming season.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) . The Trophy Club surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? LeBron James isn’t retiring — but he will be on a new team next season.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer will leave the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent, the team confirmed Tuesday after multiple reports.
“LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history,” Lakers owner Jeanie Buss...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) and curated for The Trophy Club readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Logan Reardon at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS). To learn more about how The Trophy Club selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Trophy Club, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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