LeBron James Set to Leave Lakers for Fresh Start in 2026-27 Season

LeBron James is preparing to exit the Los Angeles Lakers before he opens what would be his 24th NBA campaign, bringing to a close an eight-year association with the club that featured a title run during the shortened 2020 bubble playoffs.

The veteran has advised the Lakers that they may plan ahead without him, as he intends to continue his career with a different organisation in the 2026-27 season. His agent and Klutch Sports chief executive Rich Paul relayed that decision to ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday.

At 41 years old — he marks his 42nd birthday in December — James could have extended his stay in Los Angeles for a ninth season or ended his playing days as many regard him as the sport's greatest ever talent. ESPN reports that he has instead chosen to pursue a new chapter with another team.

His Lakers record places him among the franchise's all-time top 10 in points, assists, field goals and three-pointers made. Across 479 regular-season appearances he averaged 25.9 points, 7.9 assists and 7.7 rebounds, and he claimed Finals MVP honours in 2020 when the Lakers secured their 17th championship.

According to ESPN sources, the Golden State Warriors were already preparing to chase James once the free-agency negotiating window opened on Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET. Draymond Green's decision on Monday to decline a $27.6 million player option created additional salary-cap space for Golden State to target James and to consider a possible trade with the Washington Wizards for Anthony Davis, a move that could reunite the two former Lakers teammates in the Bay Area.

NBA.com reports that James has not yet chosen his next club.

His final Lakers campaign was shaped by injury troubles. A recurring sciatica condition kept him sidelined for the opening month and broke a streak of 21 consecutive All-NBA selections; he still featured in 60 games, earned another All-Star selection, and posted averages of 20.9 points on 51.5 percent shooting, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds. He elevated his output in the playoffs with 23.2 points, 7.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds across 38.4 minutes per game as the Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets in the first round while Luka Doncic was out with a hamstring injury.

Wherever he lands, NBA.com expects James to push toward what would be a record-extending 24th season in the league.