LeBron James leaves LA Lakers but continues NBA career

LeBron James informed the Los Angeles Lakers of his decision to leave the franchise after eight seasons. At 41 years old, he plans to continue his NBA career, aiming for a record 24th season. Reports indicated that ESPN insider Shams Charania first broke the news on Tuesday afternoon, June 30, 2026. James, who led the Lakers to an NBA Championship in 2020, now enters free agency to explore new opportunities.

Earlier in the week, James had been linked with a potential move to the Golden State Warriors, raising excitement about the possibility of teaming up with fellow superstar Steph Curry. According to Charania, the Lakers wished to retain James but he expressed his intent to move on, allowing the franchise to plan their offseason.

Charania reported, "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." Sources confirmed that Lakers president Rob Pelinka and Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports and James’s agent, discussed the four-time champion's future plans shortly before free agency opened.

James's decision comes as he ends a notable eight-year tenure with the Lakers, during which he averaged 25.9 points, 7.9 assists, and 7.7 rebounds over 479 regular-season games. He was named Finals MVP in 2020 when he helped secure the Lakers' 17th title. As he navigates this pivotal offseason, speculation will heighten regarding his next team, be it the Warriors or another franchise.