For months, there has been speculation that once free agency begins, LeBron James will say his last goodbyes to the Los Angeles Lakers. Well, it has officially happened. James told the Lakers’ organization they can “move on without him,” as he no longer has the desire to be in purple and gold. This is, of course, sad for half of the city of Los Angeles, but for the Clippers, and particularly Tyronn Lue, it’s good, as they finally have the opportunity to reunite for the four-time champions' last ride.
BREAKING: LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/zzVk6xUVF1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2026
It’s also worth noting that Lue and James still have a strong connection, despite not working with each other for the last decade. With them being close friends and having the same agent, Rich Paul, the Clippers’ head coach is, out of everyone, the most excited at the moment.
LeBron James signing with the Clippers makes complete sense
The 2016 NBA Finals, a 3-1 comeback against one of the greatest teams ever assembled, which also stopped a three-peat, was special for LeBron James and Tyronn Lue. James brought on-court dominance on both sides of the ball, while Lue contributed his genius game plan behind the scenes, making an elite player-coach combo.
That’s a big majority of why James walking up the street to sign with the LA Clippers is like music to Lue’s ears.
The rest of the reasons why joining LA is ideal come down to the superstar himself. With the Clippers, James wouldn’t have to pack his bags, find a new place to stay for a season, and, most importantly, figure out a way to still remain close to family, which are things no other team in the NBA can offer.
Financially, just like other organizations that may pursue James, he will have to take a pay cut. This may not be an issue at all, though, as he is likely anticipating his next salary will look very different from his prior years in the NBA.
Regarding the Clippers as a whole, adding James, potentially alongside Brandon Ingram (following the trade of Kawhi Leonard), Darius Garland, and more, keeps the team in contention as one of the best in the Western Conference.
He might be 41, and turning 42 in December, but he’s easily a top-20 player in basketball, and proved it in the playoffs, where he was phenomenal in rounds one and two.
So, at the end of the day, James signing his name on the dotted line to come to the Clippers would be perfect. He gets what he wants, and Lue, out of everyone, might be the happiest.
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