LeBron James to Leave Lakers but Play for Another Team in 2026-27

LeBron James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he will play for a different team in the 2026-27 season, his agent Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania on June 30. James, who turns 42 in December, completed his 23rd NBA season and eighth with the Lakers.

He appeared in 60 regular-season games, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists, and improved to 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists across 10 playoff games.

Lakers owner Jeanie Buss issued a statement the same day. "LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history," Buss said. " James was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 and signed with the Lakers after his second stint in Cleveland.

He led Los Angeles to its 17th championship in the 2019-20 season and became the NBA's all-time leading scorer during the 2022-23 campaign. He is a four-time champion, four-time Finals MVP, four-time regular-season MVP, 22-time All-Star and 20-time All-NBA selection. The NBA free-agency negotiation window opens at 6 p.m.

ET on June 30. Players cannot sign new contracts until the league's offseason moratorium lifts on July 6. James' son Bronny, drafted by the Lakers in 2024, remains on the roster. Reports have linked James to the Golden State Warriors, where he could reunite with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

Green opted out of his $27.6 million option for 2026-27 to create roster flexibility.