It is settled. LeBron James has signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million deal - announced on social media Friday, official Sunday. He chose Philadelphia over Miami and Cleveland, and has said he seriously considered retiring instead. He called it his “last decision”. Full breakdown of the deal and why the $8M figure matters →
In one of the most stunning moves in recent NBA history, multiple reports on July 1, 2026 indicate that LeBron James will leave the Los Angeles Lakers and, according to reporting from NBC Sports Bay Area and others, is set to join the Golden State Warriors for the 2026-27 season. NBA.com reported that James "will play for a team other than the Lakers," ending one of the defining superstar–franchise partnerships of the modern era.
The development landed on Day 1 of 2026 NBA free agency and instantly reshaped the balance of power in the Western Conference. If finalized, it would pair James with Stephen Curry in Golden State — a union of two of the greatest players of their generation.
What the Reports Say
Here is what is being reported across major outlets. As with any free-agency news, details can shift until deals are officially signed:
- Leaving the Lakers: NBA.com reported that LeBron James will play for a team other than the Lakers in 2026-27, confirming the end of his time in Los Angeles.
- Warriors in pursuit: Yahoo Sports and NBC Sports Bay Area reported the Golden State Warriors as the frontrunners, with NBC Sports framing it as "Warriors for LeBron."
- Porzingis to Golden State: As part of a busy day, the Warriors were also reported to have added Kristaps Porzingis, signaling an aggressive push to build around Curry and James.
- Kawhi Leonard: Kawhi Leonard was also among the marquee names reported to be on the move as the free-agency market opened.
- James Harden: Harden reportedly declined his option while negotiating with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Why This Is a Massive Deal
1. A Curry–LeBron Superteam
LeBron James and Stephen Curry have defined the last decade of the NBA from opposite sidelines, meeting four times in the Finals. Seeing them share a locker room — after years as the league's headline rivalry — would be a landmark moment for the sport and a marketing phenomenon on and off the court.
2. The End of a Lakers Era
James joined the Lakers in 2018 and delivered a championship in the 2020 bubble. His departure closes a chapter for one of the NBA's flagship franchises and forces Los Angeles into a rapid pivot as it reshapes its roster for the post-LeBron era.
3. The West Just Got Scarier
Adding James and Porzingis alongside Curry would immediately vault Golden State back into title contention in a loaded Western Conference — and pressure rivals to respond during the rest of free agency.
The Bigger 2026 Free-Agency Picture
The James news headlined a chaotic opening day. ESPN's team-by-team previews highlighted how much spending power was in play across the league, while trackers for teams like the Sixers, Trail Blazers, Suns, Knicks and Bulls lit up with signings and rumors. Expect the domino effect to continue over the coming days as contenders react to the new-look Warriors. One domino has already fallen: former Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga is suddenly a free agent after the Hawks declined his $24.3M option — with the Lakers among the teams circling.
What Happens Next
Reports are not the same as signed contracts. Watch for official confirmation from the Warriors and the league, the exact contract terms, and how the Lakers respond in the market. We will update this page as the situation develops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is LeBron James really leaving the Lakers?
According to multiple reports on July 1, 2026, including NBA.com, LeBron James will play for a team other than the Lakers in the 2026-27 season. Official confirmation from the teams is still expected.
Which team is LeBron James joining?
Reports from NBC Sports Bay Area and Yahoo Sports point to the Golden State Warriors as the frontrunners, which would pair LeBron James with Stephen Curry.
Did the Warriors make other moves?
Yes. Alongside the reported LeBron pursuit, Golden State was also reported to have signed Kristaps Porzingis as part of an aggressive Day 1 of 2026 free agency.
