Report: James decided to leave Lakers before free agency

LeBron James appears set to leave the Los Angeles Lakers after deciding last week not to re-sign, according to an ESPN report by Ramona Shelburne.

Although his agent, Rich Paul, said he was "80 percent" sure James would stay following the Lakers' second-round playoff exit to the Oklahoma City Thunder, that changed over the following weeks.

James has yet to announce his next team but is not expected to retire after 23 NBA seasons.

Shelburne reported that neither side exchanged contract offers.

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