LeBron James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he intends to continue his NBA career elsewhere for the 2026-27 season, bringing an end to his eight-year spell with the franchise.
The Lakers confirmed the decision on Tuesday through a statement from team president Jeanie Buss, who thanked James for his remarkable contribution to the organization.
Buss praised James as one of the greatest athletes in sports history, highlighting his role in leading the Lakers to the 2020 NBA championship, his record-breaking achievements, and the lasting impact he made during his time in Los Angeles.
She added that the organization wishes him success in the next chapter of his career and considers him a permanent member of the Lakers family.
James responded on social media by expressing his gratitude to the franchise, saying it had been a privilege to wear the Lakers jersey and contribute to the club's storied legacy.
He also voiced hope that his time in Los Angeles had made the organization's fans and legends proud.
According to ESPN, the 41-year-old informed Lakers president Rob Pelinka of his decision before the opening of free agency out of respect for the relationship they had built together.
James has reportedly instructed his agent, Rich Paul, to engage with interested teams before he makes a final decision on his next destination.
Despite entering what will be his 24th NBA season, James remains one of the league's most productive players.
During the 2025-26 campaign, he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 60 regular-season games, helping the Lakers finish fourth in the Western Conference before their playoff run ended in the second round.
The Golden State Warriors have emerged as the leading favorites to sign James, according to multiple reports, while a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he won the franchise's first NBA championship in 2016, has also been widely discussed.
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