LeBron James Becomes Free Agent, Eyes Multiple Teams After Eight Seasons With Lakers

LeBron James informed the Los Angeles Lakers on July 1, 2026, that he will continue his NBA career with another team. He became an unrestricted free agent at 6 p.m. that day after completing his 23rd NBA season.

James, 41, spent the past eight seasons with the Lakers and helped the franchise win the 2020 NBA title. He averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds during the 2025-26 season. Rich Paul, James' agent and Klutch Sports CEO, said on his "Game Over" podcast that James would have signed with the New York Knicks if they had not won the NBA title in June 2026.

The Knicks ended a 53-year championship drought. Paul noted that the Knicks remain a possible destination but said James would face scrutiny if he joined the defending champions. He added that the Philadelphia 76ers drew attention after acquiring Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks.

Other teams listed as contenders on Paul's whiteboard included the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets. The Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks were also mentioned as potential candidates. James is a four-time NBA MVP, 22-time All-Star and four-time champion.

He holds the NBA records for points scored with 43,440 and games played with 1,622.