sportingnews
The LeBron James era in Los Angeles is officially over.
James, who is set to hit free agency when the new league year begins, has informed the the Los Angeles Lakers that he plans on signing with a new team for next season.
The 23-year veteran spent the past eight years with the Lakers, the singled longest tenure he had with one team in his career, and even though the Lakers wanted him back, James decided to move on.
BREAKING: 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, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN.
pic.twitter.com/zzVk6xUVF1 Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2026 Now, James becomes a true free agent for the first time since he signed with the Lakers in 2018, as he will end his career elsewhere.
Here's why James is moving on from the Lakers.
MORE: Ranking LeBron James' landing spots Why is LeBron James leaving Lakers? James spent the past eight years with the Lakers, including winning an NBA title in 2020, but his relationship with the team is not what it used to be.
Ever since the Lakers traded for Luka Doncic, the team has made it clear that Doncic is the future of the organization, leaving James in uncharted waters as not being the center of a team for the first time.
Now, James will have more freedom in how he gets to finish his NBA career, with a chance to go out on top if he chooses the right team.
*This story will be updated*.