LeBron James to leave Lakers, play elsewhere in 24th NBA season, team confirms

LeBron James, widely considered to be one of the greatest players in NBA history, will leave the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the 2026-2027 season, the Lakers confirmed.

The 41-year-old spent eight seasons on the team and led the franchise to its 17th NBA championship during the pandemic-altered 2019-2020 season. In a statement, Lakers governor Jeanie Buss thanked James for his tenure.

“LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers – including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold. We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family.”  

It’s not yet clear where James intends to play next season. The NBA’s free agency negotiation window opens at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

James became the NBA’s all-time leader in points scored, games played and seasons played while wearing the purple and gold.

He has not yet issued public comment.