LeBron James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, is walking away from the Los Angeles Lakers after eight years. The shockwaves from his departure have travelled well beyond basketball, with four NFL franchises cheekily throwing their own hats into the ring.
James informed Lakers president Rob Pelinka of his decision on Tuesday, 30 June, before free agency officially opened, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. His agent, Rich Paul, confirmed the move shortly afterwards. The timing is significant. The Lakers had already handed the franchise to Luka Dončić following last season's blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks, and James reportedly had little interest in remaining through another transition if it meant taking a supporting role rather than competing immediately for a fifth NBA title.
