LeBron to compete in 24th NBA season elsewhere with Lakers return ruled out

LeBron James will play a record-extending 24th NBA season with a new team after it was confirmed he would not be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers.

A source with knowledge of James' intentions has revealed to the Associated Press that the 41-year-old will end his eight-year association with the Lakers after one of the most-iconic player-team partnerships in the league's history.

James can begin officially speaking to other franchises from 11pm UK time on Tuesday when the league's free agency period opens, although he cannot sign with a new team until the offseason moratorium is lifted on July 6.

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James will have no shortage of suitors, with the Golden State Warriors among the most intriguing options after creating additional roster flexibility by declining to exercise Draymond Green's £20.1m ($27.6m) option for next season.

"Personally, I'm always willing to work with the team on whatever is best, especially at this point in my career," Green said on his podcast.

"So my decision to opt out was for a few reasons. As you all know, I've always taken the approach of working with the organisation. I've been in one place for 14 years. It's more of a family to me than anything."

The move could yet help lure James to Golden State. The four-time NBA champion faced the Warriors in four consecutive NBA Finals during his time with Cleveland and has long-standing relationships with Green, Stephen Curry and head coach Steve Kerr.

James spent eight seasons with the Lakers - the longest stint of his career with a single franchise - and led them to the 2020 NBA title. He became the NBA's all-time leading scorer in Los Angeles and broke a host of other records while wearing purple and gold.

After beginning his career with seven seasons in Cleveland, James spent four years in Miami, winning the first two of his four NBA championships. He then returned to the Cavaliers for another four seasons before joining the Lakers in 2018.

The NBA's oldest active player turns 42 in December and is set to become the first player in league history to appear in a 24th season. He also became the first NBA player to share the court with his son, with Bronny James joining him at the Lakers.