LeBron James informs Lakers he plans to play elsewhere in 2026-27, says Rich Paul
· Yahoo Sports
After eight seasons and an NBA title, the LeBron era for the Los Angeles Lakers is coming to an end.
LeBron James will play his unprecedented 24th season in 2026-27, but he has informed the Lakers that the team can move forward without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells Shams Charania of ESPN.
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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.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2026
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
James, who led the Lakers to the 2020 NBA championship alongside then-teammate Anthony Davis, enters this offseason coming off a two-year, $101.36 million max deal — including a $52.63 million player option in 2025-26. According to reports, the Golden State Warriors are planning to pursue James in free agency once the negotiation window begins Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET. He will turn 42 in December.
James was an All-Star last season, averaging 20.9 points on 51.5% shooting, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 60 games after missing the first month because of sciatica. While playing increased minutes during the postseason (from 33.2 to 38.4 minutes per game), James led the Lakers to a first-round series win over the Houston Rockets while Luka Doncic was out with a hamstring strain.