LeBron James Leaving Lakers: Four-Time Champion to Sign Elsewhere in Free Agency
LeBron James' run with the Los Angeles Lakers has come to an end. Shams Charania reports that 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, according to Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul.
After eight seasons with the Lakers, including leading the franchise to the 2020 NBA championship, James departs and enters free agency, set to join a new team.
How the Lakers Found Out LeBron James Is Leaving
The decision was delivered directly and ahead of schedule. Lakers president Rob Pelinka and Rich Paul spoke a short time before the news broke about the four-time champion's plans, according to sources. James chose to inform the Lakers well before the start of free agency tonight out of courtesy and appreciation for their run together, and to allow Los Angeles to conduct its offseason business.
The early heads-up gives the Lakers a head start on retooling around Luka Doncic rather than waiting through a drawn-out free agency courtship.
LeBron James' 2025-26 Season Stats With the Lakers
James closes out his Lakers tenure still performing at a high level for a 41-year-old in his 23rd NBA season. He averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game across 60 regular-season appearances in 2025-26. He shot 51.5% from the field and 31.7% from three-point range, posting a 20.8 player efficiency rating.
James also led the Lakers in assists per game this past season, with Deandre Ayton pacing the team in rebounding. Availability remained a persistent question, as it has for several seasons. He played in only 55 of 82 regular-season contests the prior year and has missed at least 26 games in four of the past five campaigns, with a foot injury that nearly required season-ending surgery lingering even as the Lakers advanced through the playoffs.
Despite the wear and tear, James remained productive and durable by his own recent standard. He played in at least 70 regular-season games in back-to-back seasons, the first time he had reached that plateau in consecutive years since playing all 82 during his final season in Cleveland in 2017-18.
LeBron James' Legacy With the Los Angeles Lakers
James' tenure in Los Angeles spanned eight seasons and delivered the franchise's 17th championship. He led the Lakers to the 2020 NBA championship, cementing his place among the most accomplished players in franchise history alongside Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Kobe Bryant. The run also included multiple playoff appearances and a Western Conference Finals trip, as James spent the back half of his career mentoring and playing alongside the next generation of Lakers stars.
Where Will LeBron James Sign in Free Agency?
With confirmation that James is leaving, the focus now shifts entirely to his next destination. At least 10 teams have expressed interest in signing James if he left the Lakers, Rich Paul said earlier this offseason, with the Warriors and Cavaliers named as two of the potential landing spots. Golden State has reportedly pursued a trade for Anthony Davis to pair alongside James and Stephen Curry, while Cleveland is viewed as a potential homecoming spot alongside Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. An official announcement on his next team is expected soon.
What's Next for the Lakers Without LeBron James
The Lakers now turn the page fully toward a Luka Doncic-led era. With cap flexibility freed up by James' departure, Los Angeles is positioned to pursue additional frontcourt and defensive help alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, who recently agreed to a four-year extension with the team. Rob Pelinka and the front office are expected to move quickly to reshape the roster as free agency opens tonight.
We will continue to update this story as more details emerge.