LeBron James To Play The 2026-27 Season Elsewhere After Informing Lakers

LeBron James has told the Los Angeles Lakers that the 2026-27 NBA season will be with another team. James informed the franchise on Tuesday that free agency will mark his departure, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. The Lakers had interest in a new deal, but James plans to continue elsewhere.

Rich Paul of Klutch Sports has reportedly made clear that Los Angeles should plan for a future without James. The 41-year-old is expected to enter free agency and begin a 24th NBA campaign away from the Lakers, ending an eight-season spell with the Western Conference organisation.

James arrived in Los Angeles for the 2018-19 season and quickly became central to the franchise. Across eight campaigns, James helped secure the 2020 NBA championship and guided the Lakers into the play-offs six times. The departure ends a period where James again carried a storied team into contention.

Despite the age of 41, the future Hall of Famer continues to produce strong numbers. During the 2025-26 campaign, James completed a 23rd professional season and appeared in 60 games. James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds, and earned selection for a 22nd NBA All-Star Game.

Attention now turns to which franchise will secure James for the 2026-27 season. Reports in the United States suggest interest from the Golden State Warriors, where Stephen Curry and Draymond Green remain key figures and Anthony Davis has been linked. A third spell with the Cleveland Cavaliers is also being discussed.

James’ decision reshapes planning for the Los Angeles Lakers and will influence contenders across the league. The move closes a successful chapter that featured a championship, regular play-off appearances and sustained production from the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, who is preparing for a 24th season with another organisation.