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LOS ANGELES () — LeBron James will continue his NBA career during the 2026-27 season, but has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, ESPN reported Tuesday.
ESPN reporter Shams Charania was first to report the development, citing Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul.
James will enter free agency to join a new team, according to ESPN. Sources told Charania on Monday that the Golden State Warriors were planning to pursue James once the free agency negotiating window begins Tuesday afternoon.
Lakers share heartfelt farewell
“LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history,” said Jeanie Buss, part of the Lakers’ ownership group. “We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers, including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances, and the countless records he broke in purple and gold. We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family.”
Draymond Green declined his $27.6 million player option Monday, opening up the flexibility for the Warriors to pursue James and a possible trade with the Washington Wizards for Anthony Davis, which would reunite the former Lakers teammates with Golden State.
LeBron says it was an honor to wear the purple and gold
James replied to the Lakers’ heartfelt post, thanking the team, and said it was an honor to wear the purple and gold.
“No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the (purple and gold) while trying to continuing the greatness and legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint,” he wrote.
What could be next for LeBron?
The 41-year-old could have returned for a ninth season with the Lakers or retired as arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. Instead, he will choose a new team — likely the last of his storied career.
In addition to the 2020 title, James broke the NBA’s all-time scoring record during his time with the Lakers.
James, who will turn 42 in December, saw his record 21-year All-NBA streak snapped last season as he played in just 60 games after missing the first month because of sciatica affecting his lower back and down his right leg.
LeBron James will return for an unprecedented 24th season in the NBA — but it won’t be with the Lakers. So what could be next?
The four-time champion and four-time MVP will be entering what many consider to be the final chapter of his first-ballot Hall of Fame career while maintaining a level of performance unheard of for any other aging player.
James was an All-Star last season, averaging 20.9 points per game on 51.5%, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds. He was equally effective in the postseason, upping his playing time from 33.2 to 38.4 minutes per game and averaging 23.2 points, 7.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds. He led L.A. to a first-round series win over the Houston Rockets while Luka Doncic was sidelined with a hamstring strain.
Doncic reacted to James’ departure on social media, writing in a post to his Instagram Story that it was “an honor to play with and learn from you @kingjames.”
“I think he could put the numbers up that he put up this year, you know? What did he have, 20 points, six rebounds, or something? Five or six assists… I think he’s still capable of doing that,” said two-time NBA champion Norm Nixon. “The part that he’s not capable of is to give you those 82 games and then the playoffs, carry a team by himself. I think he needs to be a complementary player for some team. As far as him getting numbers, oh, he’s going to get numbers.”
As far as James’ son, Bronny, as of Monday, the last year of his contract became fully guaranteed by the Lakers with an option for next year.
Laker fans react to end of LeBron era
Some fans suspected that a change was on the horizon, but, given James’ impact, the news is still shocking.
Eyewitness News spoke to fans about his legacy and the influence he leaves on the city.
“He came to L.A. and to the Lakers. He won one championship with Anthony Davis, so I’m very glad. But also, I’m on social media, right? I wrote a message to the Lakers account saying, ‘Thanks for everything’ to Lebron,” said Jose Aquino. “I wish him the best.”
“I think he’s leaving Lakers in a great place. He’s leaving in a better place than it was before,” said Ben Ng. “I think he’s left his legacy, and I think it’s all good for him.”
Fans also said when they hear James’ name, they think of his longevity, his leadership and his championships.
Other fans told Eyewitness News they are excited for a new era for the Lakers.
ESPN contributed to this report.
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