LeBron James informs Lakers of intent to sign with new team
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 30, 2026, 4:22 PM
Last updated Jun 30, 2026
LeBron James has communicated to the Los Angeles Lakers that he will not return for the next NBA season, planning to sign with a different team. This development marks James' debut as a free agent since 2018 after spending eight years with the Lakers, including a championship win in 2020. The relationship between James and the Lakers has soured following their trade for Luka Doncic, which positioned Doncic as the team’s future centerpiece. As James moves on, he will look for a new situation to close out his NBA career on his own terms.
- •LeBron James informs Lakers of his plans to leave.
- •James spent eight seasons with the Lakers.
- •He won an NBA title with the team in 2020.
- •Trade for Luka Doncic altered James' status with the franchise.
- •James will be a free agent for the first time in years.
- 4:22 PMYahoo Sports — Why is LeBron James leaving the Lakers? Legend informs LA of plans to sign with new team
"The 23-year veteran will hit free agency for the first time since 2018.
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