With LeBron James deciding to leave the Lakers, the purple and gold will now fully become Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves' team. How far they can lead the squad will be a major storyline of the new season. Since 2010, no team has made the playoffs the year after LeBron's departure. After James left the Lakers, former teammates Doncic, Svi Mykhailiuk, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jaxson Hayes all posted photos with best wishes.

Gone, the Heat's best backcourt is no more. Newsbreaker Shams: Powell signs with the Bulls for two years, $45 million. Born on May 25, 1993, he stands 1.91m tall with a 2.10m wingspan, and was the 16th pick in the second round of the 2015 draft. Last summer, Powell was traded to the Heat, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as he played the best season of his career in his new home. In the regular season last year, he averaged 29.

On July 1, Beijing time, according to renowned reporter Shams, ESPN sources revealed that free agent John Collins has reached a three-year, $51 million contract agreement with the Detroit Pistons. The new frontcourt addition will serve as a fresh alley-oop finisher alongside Cade Cunningham.

On July 1, Beijing time, renowned reporter Shams continued to cover James' decision to leave the Lakers on his show. When asked what factors drove James to keep playing but not stay with the Lakers, Shams gave the following response—the core issue is that James and the Lakers are completely unable to agree on a plan to compete for championships and maintain top-tier competitiveness.

On July 1, Beijing time, according to renowned reporter Shams, sources revealed that free-agent guard Marcus Smart has reached a two-year, $13 million contract agreement with the Houston Rockets, with a player option on the second year. The former Defensive Player of the Year will once again team up with Ime Udoka, securing significant playing time in the Rockets' backcourt.

On July 1st Beijing time, agent Rich Paul revealed LeBron James' thought process behind deciding to leave the Lakers during a show. Here's what happened—"Obviously, he has always been a max-level superstar, and the team used to free up max salary cap space to keep him... But this time was completely different. I told him: Listen, this is your 24th year in the league, you don't owe anyone anything.

This could also be the final team in "The Klaw's" career.

On July 1, Beijing time, according to renowned reporter Amick, league sources told The Athletic that Detroit Pistons restricted free agent center Jalen Duren had a smooth meeting with the Lakers today, with both sides scheduled to talk again tomorrow morning local time.

On July 1st Beijing time, the NBA free agency market officially opened. Here is a summary of the first day's trades and signings—1. Leonard returns to the Raptors in a 1-for-7 trade. The Clippers and Raptors completed a deal involving Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers sent Leonard to the Raptors in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks. Leonard plans to retire as a Raptor.

James will play his 24th season, but not with the Lakers. After days of speculation about his future, some clarity has finally emerged. James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that they can proceed with their roster-building plans without him, as he will continue his career with another team.