LeBron James has made his decision, and the basketball world is in an uproar

The NBA world is once again revolving around LeBron James, despite the fact that he turned 41 on December 30: the American basketball superstar has decided to extend his incredible career for a 24th season, setting an all-time record, but the news that has shaken the entire league is something else: he will do so without wearing the Los Angeles Lakers jersey anymore.

According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, James has informed the Lakers’ front office of his desire to play elsewhere. This decision opens the door to unpredictable scenarios and comes amid an already red-hot free-agent market. James is leaving the Lakers after seven seasons in which he added the 2020 NBA Championship and the 2023 NBA Cup to his trophy case. He does so, incidentally, at the end of another season at the very highest level, averaging 20.9 points (rising to 23.2 in the playoffs), 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists during the regular season.

There are many possible destinations, but one is taking shape more and more: the Golden State Warriors. The latest rumors point to strong interest from the San Francisco-based franchise, eager to recreate the magic seen with Team USA at the 2024 Olympics, when James and Steph Curry shared the court and won the gold medal as key players. Draymond Green’s decision to decline his “player option” to pave the way for the King’s arrival is a sign that hasn’t gone unnoticed in this regard.

Then there’s always the possibility of a return to Cleveland—a third stint in Ohio that would drive local fans wild—not to mention the Miami option, where he could form a duo with few physical equals alongside newcomer Giannis Antetokounmpo. At the moment, however, the Warriors are the option that’s generating the most excitement and seems the most likely.

James enters the 2026–27 season as the undisputed leader in nearly every statistical category imaginable: 43,440 points (NBA record), 1,622 games played, 61,030 minutes, 15,961 field goals made, and among the top 6 all-time in three-pointers, assists, steals, and rebounds. He is also the only player in history with at least 40,000 points, 11,500 rebounds, and 11,500 assists. He has won four championships, been named regular-season MVP four times, received 22 All-Star Game selections, and been named to the All-NBA First Team 13 times.