LeBron James is set to continue his NBA career with a new franchise, bringing an end to his eight-season run with the Los Angeles Lakers as he prepares for a record-extending 24th season in the league. James informed the Lakers he intends to play elsewhere in 2026-27, ending the longest continuous stretch James has spent with any single franchise since he entered the professional ranks in 2003.
James’ agent Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports, confirmed the decision to ESPN. He now becomes eligible to begin discussions with other teams when the NBA’s free agency negotiating period opens, while contracts can be finalized after the league’s moratorium concludes on July 6.
The move closes a successful chapter in Los Angeles, where James helped guide the Lakers to the 2020 NBA championship and added to one of the most decorated careers in league history. Across his historic career, James has secured four NBA championships, earning Finals MVP honors in each instance across his respective tenures with Miami, Cleveland, and Los Angeles.
During his tenure with the Lakers, he became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer while continuing to rewrite the record book with milestones that include the most seasons played and the most All-Star selections. Last season, the 41-year-old averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 60 games, demonstrating he remains a productive player despite entering his third decade in the league.
The Lakers organization formally acknowledged the departure Tuesday afternoon with a commemorative statement reflecting on the forward’s extensive impact. “LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history,” said Jeanie Buss, part of the Lakers’ ownership group. “We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers, including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances, and the countless records he broke in purple and gold. We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family.”
Speculation on where James will land has centered heavily on the Golden State Warriors as a primary suitor for the four-time league Most Valuable Player. Roster flexibility for Golden State expanded significantly earlier in the week when veteran forward Draymond Green declined his $27.6 million player option, a transaction intended to afford the Warriors the financial bandwidth necessary to restructure their lineup. Rumors also persist regarding a potential reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where James began his career out of high school, or the Miami Heat, where he secured his first two professional titles.
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