Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James didn't chose free agency over the Los Angeles Lakers overnight ... Rich Paul says The King's odds to return to the Lakers were hovering at around 80% until LBJ decided to move on.

Speaking on his "Game Over" podcast with Max Kellerman, the Klutch Sports boss says LBJ initially leaned toward another season in L.A. But after weeks of conversations, he says the four-time NBA champ ultimately decided he was "100% sure" it was time to move on.

Rich says the turning point here had nothing to do with squeezing out one last max contract. Instead, he says he challenged LeBron to figure out the one thing he wanted most heading into Year 24 ... and the answer was simple: happiness.

NBA big man Walker Kessler just touched down in Los Angeles for a free agency meeting with the Lakers ... and he tells TMZ Sports it would've been great to play with LeBron James, but Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves ain't too shabby!!

The 7'2" center is expected to be a hot commodity this offseason ... and the Lakers are reportedly super interested in bringing him on board after four seasons with the Utah Jazz.

We caught up with 24-year-old Kessler at LAX minutes after the news broke that James would not return to L.A. for the 2026-27 season ... and it's safe to say he's not canceling any appointments over it.

LeBron James is speaking out after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers ... thanking the organization for adding him to the family eight years ago.

The 41-year-old King went to X a few hours after the news broke ... and shared his heartfelt reaction to the team's statement on his departure.

"No, THANK YOU!" James said on Tuesday. "Truly a honor to wear the 💜💛 while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint. 🙏🏾🫡👑."

Luka Doncic is bidding farewell to LeBron James ... saying he enjoyed their brief time together on the Lakers.

The Slovenian superstar went to Instagram on Tuesday ... fresh off the news 41-year-old King James was officially on the hunt for a new home after eight seasons in L.A.

In his tribute post, Doncic, 27, shared a pic of the two embracing after a game ... including the caption, "An honor to play with and learn from you @kingjames."

LeBron James WILL play next season ... just not for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The four-time NBA champion's agent, Rich Paul, informed the team of his decision on Tuesday ... stating the King isn't hanging up his crown just yet, but he's done with the Purple and Gold.

There are rumblings 41-year-old James will team up with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green on the Golden State Warriors ... with Anthony Davis' name being thrown in the mix as well.

Ex-NBA player Chris Carr is one proud dad ... telling TMZ Sports he's thrilled to see his son follow in his pro hoops footsteps and get drafted to the Los Angeles Lakers!!

We caught up with the former Suns and Timberwolves shooting guard at LAX on Friday ... and he's still over the moon after 21-year-old Cameron -- a standout at Baylor -- went No. 24 in Tuesday's draft.

Carr loves how Cameron is joining such a historic franchise ... but now that he's got his NBA home, it's time to get to work.

Before this boy grinning ear to ear was runnin' down the court, he was just celebrating his February birthday ... and was absolutely fascinated by basketball at just 7 months old!!!

He currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers -- he is commonly referred to as one of the greatest European players of all time.

It sure sounds like Austin Reaves wants to be a Los Angeles Laker next season ... but not only that -- he tells TMZ Sports he'd love to "run it back" with LeBron James, too!!

We caught up with the upcoming free agent after the Purple and Gold's playoff exit ... and asked how he'd feel about getting the King to stay in L.A.

Of course, Reaves would have to put pen to paper himself before he thinks ahead to the 2026-27 roster ... but Lakers Nation has gotta be wondering how they could've done this postseason if everyone was healthy.

LeBron James made a high-profile splash Saturday in Las Vegas, showing up with his wife, Savannah James, for the opening weekend of Omnia Dayclub at Caesars Palace.

In video obtained by TMZ, the NBA superstar arrived in the afternoon while the party was already in full swing, with RÜFÜS DU SOL keeping the crowd going as the dayclub packed in a full Saturday scene.

LeBron didn’t linger on the sidelines for long ... as we're told he was quickly escorted to a VIP cabana where he settled in and held court throughout the afternoon.

Spencer Pratt brought his political ambitions to the hardwood last night ... showing up courtside at a Lakers game and turning the NBA spotlight into a very public campaign moment.

The reality star–turned–mayoral candidate was spotted soaking up the action at the arena ... chatting with fans and treating the high-profile game like an unofficial campaign rally.

At one point, Pratt appeared to be chatting it up in the crowd more than watching the court, all while wearing a "Los Angeles Pratt" hat that resembles the L.A. team's famous yellow logo.

Austin Reaves was in a heated feud with officials throughout the Lakers' Game 2 loss to the Thunder on Thursday ... and it came to a head when he appeared to call a ref a "p***y" during an argument late in the contest.

The moment went down with less than six minutes left in the fourth quarter ... when Reaves went at it with John Goble, who yelled in the L.A. star's face amid an argument over a call.

Reaves wasn't having any of it ... and took issue with how Goble handled the ordeal, calling it "bulls***."

Vanessa Bryant's had it with the rumor mill ... and she's clapping back loud and clear.

Kobe Bryant's widow jumped on Instagram over the weekend to shut down wild speculation that she's either walking down the aisle again or expecting a baby … and she's definitely over it.

Vanessa lit up her IG Stories Sunday night with a sarcastic jab at the nonstop gossip ... writing, “Can you guys decide already ..... Am I pregnant for the 100th time or am I getting remarried???”

Rick Fox is still an enforcer 22 years after retiring from the NBA -- the former hooper and actor was ready to throw hands at a campaign event this week -- after he claims death threats were hurled at him and his manager over a tent.

The chaotic scene was caught on video ... showing Fox -- who is running for office in the Bahamas -- and Carlyle Bethel in a dispute with a man over the placement of their campaign hub.

At one point, they're told they gotta move their tent elsewhere ... and when Fox asked a question about the guidelines in place, someone clapped back with an aggressive comment.

LeBron James absolutely unloaded on Rockets' big man, Alperen Sengun, for complaining about a foul during Game 5 on Wednesday ... saying he has no right arguing the call 'cause he's a "soft ass tall guy."

The wild moment went down as LBJ stood at the free throw line with less than six minutes left in the Los Angeles Lakers' loss ... when Sengun appeared to disagree with the officiating.

The King wasn't having any of it ... saying what's best for him is to sit that one out.

Jeanie Buss is used to watching the Los Angeles Lakers win ... and, now she's looking to bring that winning magic to the city's mayoral race -- throwing all her support behind Spencer Pratt.

According to paperwork filed by Pratt's campaign ... Buss made an $1,800 donation to Pratt for Mayor 2026 just last week.

Buss probably had more than $1,800 lying around in her couch cushions -- remember, she and her family agreed to sell a majority stake in the franchise to Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter for $10 billion last year -- but, $1,800 is actually the most people are allowed to donate to a political candidate in the race.

Age ain't nothing but a number as 41-year-old LeBron James enters the playoffs ... so says his former teammate, Channing Frye, who tells TMZ Sports the only thing on the King's mind right now is winning ... not Father Time.

All eyes will be on the four-time champion as L.A. prepares for its date with the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2026 postseason ... even more so now that Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are out with injuries.

Frye -- who won a title with James on the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers -- explained the superstar's mindset ahead of a showdown with Kevin Durant and Co. ... and he said it really is as simple as scraping together some victories.

Of course, James has had enough success for 10 NBA careers ... but it doesn't mean he's cool with mailing it in at all just 'cause his team's short-handed.