LOS ANGELES — LeBron James is set to play an unprecedented 24th NBA season, but his next chapter will not come with the Los Angeles Lakers.
James has told the Lakers they should proceed without him, as he intends to continue his career with another team, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Tuesday.
Sources told Charania on Monday that the Golden State Warriors are expected to make a push for James when the NBA’s free agency negotiating period opens Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET.
Draymond Green declined his $27.6 million player option on Monday, a move that could give Golden State additional flexibility as it explores a run at James. The Warriors are also considering a potential trade with the Washington Wizards for Anthony Davis, a scenario that would reunite the former Lakers teammates in the Bay Area.
James, 41, had the option of returning to Los Angeles for a ninth season or walking away from the game as one of the most accomplished players in basketball history. Instead, he is preparing to choose a new destination, likely for the final stop of his legendary career.
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James, who turns 42 in December, had his record streak of 21 consecutive All-NBA selections end last season. He appeared in 60 games after missing the opening month while dealing with sciatica that affected his lower back and extended down his right leg.
The four-time NBA champion and four-time league MVP now appears to be entering what many view as the closing stretch of a first-ballot Hall of Fame career, even as he continues to perform at a level rarely, if ever, seen from a player his age.
James still earned an All-Star selection last season, averaging 20.9 points on 51.5% shooting, along with 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game. He remained highly productive in the playoffs, increasing his workload from 33.2 to 38.4 minutes per game while posting averages of 23.2 points, 7.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds. With Luka Doncic sidelined by a hamstring strain, James helped lead Los Angeles past the Houston Rockets in the first round.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin contributed to this report.
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