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LeBron James not returning to Lakers, plans to play 24th season elsewhere, AP source says
By AP via Scripps News Group at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· June 30, 2026
· 3 min read
LeBron James will not be back with the Los Angeles Lakers and plans to play a record-extending 24th NBA season elsewhere, a person with knowledge of those plans confirmed Tuesday.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because James had not revealed that decision public...
Key takeaway IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | 'We won': One pass ends LeBron James' historic 18-year streakA slew of options will be available to James on the open market, including Golden State.
Why this matters in The Detroit
Detroiters who follow the NBA will be watching with interest as LeBron James explores new team options, including the possibility of joining the Golden State Warriors. While James' decision won't directly impact the Detroit Pistons, it could have a ripple effect on the league's balance of power. If James were to join the Warriors, it could potentially shift the competitive landscape of the NBA, potentially affecting the Pistons' chances in the Eastern Conference. Additionally, James' move could also impact the Pistons' offseason plans, as they navigate the free agent market and look to build a competitive roster. With the Pistons looking to rebuild and return to contention, James' decision will be one of many factors to consider as they shape their team for the upcoming season.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit 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 WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? LeBron James will not be back with the Los Angeles Lakers and plans to play a record-extending 24th NBA season elsewhere, a person with knowledge of those plans confirmed Tuesday.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because James had not revealed that decision public...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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