LeBron James plans to leave Lakers for new team in 2026-27 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 30, 2026, 4:06 PM
Last updated Jun 30, 2026
LeBron James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he will look to play for another team in the 2026-27 NBA season. This announcement comes as he shifts focus from retirement speculation to continuing his career at age 41. James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds during the recent season, helping the Lakers secure a playoff spot before they were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round. With the Lakers moving forward with a younger roster, James aims to add to his career achievements, which include four championships and being the NBA's all-time scoring leader.
- •LeBron James will play elsewhere next season, ending his time with the Lakers.
- •He averaged 20.9 points and led the Lakers to a playoff spot.
- •The Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs.
- •James seeks to add to his legacy as a four-time champion and all-time scoring leader.
- •The Lakers are transitioning to a younger roster under Luka Dončić.
- 4:47 PMYahoo Sports — LeBron James to leave Lakers, play 24th season elsewhere in 2026
- 4:40 PMYahoo Sports — LeBron James Leaving Lakers Ahead Of His 24th NBA Season, Report Says
- 4:26 PMYahoo Sports — LeBron James Leaving Lakers for 24th NBA Season in Free Agency Bombshell
- 4:19 PMYahoo Sports — LeBron James will play next season, just not with the Lakers
- 4:06 PMYahoo Sports — LeBron James leaving Lakers, reportedly plans to return for 24th NBA season with a new team
"LeBron James plans to leave the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency and play for a new team in 2026. James spent the last eight seasons with the Lakers.
"LeBron James will play for an unprecedented 24th NBA season, but the 41-year-old informed the Lakers that he is moving on from the team.
"James will continue his run of unprecedented longevity and production for at least one more season.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 30, 2026, 4:47 PMLeBron James to leave Lakers, play 24th season elsewhere in 2026
LeBron James plans to leave the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency and play for a new team in 2026. James spent the last eight seasons with the Lakers.
- Yahoo SportsJun 30, 2026, 4:40 PMLeBron James Leaving Lakers Ahead Of His 24th NBA Season, Report Says
James joined the Lakers in 2018 on a four-year, $153.3 million contract.
- Yahoo SportsJun 30, 2026, 4:26 PMLeBron James Leaving Lakers for 24th NBA Season in Free Agency Bombshell
The NBA star, 41, will play for another team after eight seasons in Los Angeles
- Yahoo SportsJun 30, 2026, 4:19 PMLeBron James will play next season, just not with the Lakers
LeBron James will play for an unprecedented 24th NBA season, but the 41-year-old informed the Lakers that he is moving on from the team.
- Yahoo SportsJun 30, 2026, 4:06 PMLeBron James leaving Lakers, reportedly plans to return for 24th NBA season with a new team
James will continue his run of unprecedented longevity and production for at least one more season.
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