After the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs, LeBron James made it clear that he would take some time and speak with his family before making any decisions on his future.
James still played at an extremely high level in his 23rd NBA season, but first he had to decide if he wanted to keep playing and if so, where he would finish his career. It appears James has finally made a decision as he has informed the Lakers that he will be playing elsewhere, per Shams Charania of ESPN:
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
After eight seasons with the Lakers, including leading the franchise to the 2020 NBA championship, James departs and enters free agency set to join a new team.
Lakers president Rob Pelinka and Rich Paul spoke a short time ago about the four-time champion's plans, sources said.… https://t.co/QPwbkJi9OJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2026
In 60 games for the Lakers last season, James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 51.5% from the field and 31.7% from 3-point range. At age 41, he showed that not only can he keep playing, but he can still do so at an All-Star level.
James signing with the Golden State Warriors may now be the likeliest scenario and is not something that would have even been a possibility in that past as they were his biggest rivals. Things started to come into focus in recent weeks though with Golden State recruiting him hard and even trying to acquire his former Lakers co-star Anthony Davis as a way to lure him.
While the Warriors did not have much cap space to work with, they may be able to convince James to sign for the mid-level exception of around $15 million annually. While James staying in the division is a bit of a gut punch for the Lakers, they will move forward with a new era building around Luka Doncic.
Another possibility for James could be returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers, although that would likely require a sign-and-trade.
James’ Lakers tenure was a rocky one, but he should be appreciated for coming to L.A. when no other star would and bringing the organization its 16th championship in the Orlando bubble in 2018. Now, he will finish his career elsewhere.
LeBron James gives favorite Lakers memory
After last season came to an end, James reflected on his time with the Lakers and gave his favorite memory from his tenure.
“There’s a lot. Obviously winning a championship in 2020 stands at the top,” James said. “That was the reason why I came here. To restore that level of play and restore this franchise back to what it was known for of winning championships and playing at a high level. To be out there with that group, go out there and win a championship and compete at a championship level, was something I envisioned. That will stand at the top, for sure.”
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