NBA superstar LeBron James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he will be leaving in free agency to finish out his NBA career elsewhere, according to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania. Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul confirmed that James has told the Lakers the franchise can move forward without him because he intends to continue his NBA career elsewhere this coming season.
Official Announcement via ESPN
“LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere,” Charania wrote Tuesday, citing Paul. The 41-year-old James joined the Lakers as a free agent in 2018 after his second stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
James' Stellar Performance with the Lakers
Since joining Los Angeles in 2018, James averaged 25.9 points, 7.9 assists, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. His tenure with the Lakers was marked by numerous accolades: he was an eight-time All-Star, a seven-time All-NBA honoree, an NBA champion and NBA Finals MVP in 2020, and an NBA Cup champion in 2023.
Historic Scoring Milestone
James also surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time regular-season scoring record of 38,387 points on February 7, 2023. He now sits at 43,440 regular-season points scored after an unprecedented 23rd NBA season. His decision to leave comes after he signed a four-year, $154 million deal with the Lakers during the 2018 offseason.
Impact on the Lakers and James' Legacy
James' departure marks the end of an era for the Lakers, who will now need to rebuild without one of the greatest players in NBA history. For James, this move allows him to chase a fifth NBA championship with a new team, potentially adding to his already legendary career. The announcement has sent shockwaves through the league, with many speculating on his next destination.
