LeBron tells Lakers he plans to play elsewhere

LeBron James will return for an unprecedented 24th season in the NBA -- but it won't be with the Los Angeles Lakers. James has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday. Sources told Charania on Monday that the Golden State Warriors were planning to pursue James once the free agency negotiating window begins Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET. The 41-year-old James could have returned for a ninth season with the Lakers or retired as arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. Instead, he will choose a new team -- likely the last of his storied career. James, who will turn 42 in December, saw his record 21-year All-NBA streak snapped last season as he played in just 60 games after missing the first month because of sciatica affecting his lower back and down his right leg. The four-time champion and four-time MVP will be entering what many consider to be the final chapter of his first-ballot Hall of Fame career while maintaining a level of performance unheard of for any other aging player. James was an All-Star last season, averaging 20.9 points per game on 51.5%, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds. He was equally effective in the postseason, upping his playing time from 33.2 to 38.4 minutes per game and averaging 23.2 points, 7.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds. He led L.A. to a first-round series win over the Houston Rockets while Luka Doncic was sidelined with a hamstring strain. ESPN's Dave McMenamin contributed to this report.