LeBron James to leave Lakers, will play 24th NBA season elsewhere
The four-time champion informed the Lakers he will not return for 2026-27, with Golden State emerging as a likely destination.
LeBron James has decided to continue his NBA career but not with the Los Angeles Lakers, his agent Rich Paul told ESPN on Tuesday. The 41-year-old, who turns 42 in December, ended an eight-season run with the franchise that included the 2020 championship and a collection of individual records.
The announcement
James communicated his plans to Lakers management ahead of the start of free agency on Tuesday evening, allowing the team to plan accordingly. The early move was described by ESPN’s Shams Charania as a courtesy reflecting his gratitude for the shared years.
James decided to inform the Lakers well before the start of free agency tonight out of courtesy and appreciation for the time they have shared, and to allow LA to conduct its business.
A career keeps rolling
After the Lakers were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals in May, James left his future open. Those close to him now confirm the all-time leading scorer will suit up for a record-extending 24th season.
He averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game in the 2025-26 regular season.I don’t have anything left to prove in this league. I’ve achieved everything, I’ve seen everything.
Possible destinations
Golden State Warriors, where he would team up with longtime friend Stephen Curry, is the early frontrunner. A return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the franchise that drafted him and where he won the 2016 title, also appears plausible. The San Antonio Spurs with Victor Wembanyama have been mentioned by some outlets as a dark horse. Free agency officially opened at 6:00 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday.
Lakers and the Bronny question
With James departing, Luka Doncic becomes the clear centerpiece for Rob Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office, which now has roughly $50 million in freed salary to reshape the roster. Bronny James’s future is less clear: his $2.6 million contract for 2026-27 is fully guaranteed by the Lakers, but some sources suggest the son could also seek a fresh start.
Legacy in motion
James leaves the Lakers as the league’s all-time scoring leader, a four-time champion and a four-time MVP. His career spans three other stops, Cleveland, Miami and Cleveland again, and a timeline of titles that stretches from 2012 to 2020. The next chapter will add to a resume that already includes more All-Star selections (22), more All-NBA honors (21) and more playoff games (300) than anyone in history.
- Drafted by Cleveland Cavaliers
- Signs with Miami Heat
- Wins first NBA title with Miami
- Wins second straight title with Miami
- Returns to Cleveland Cavaliers
- Leads Cleveland to historic championship
- Joins Los Angeles Lakers
- Wins fourth title with Lakers
- Announces departure from Lakers, enters free agency
