League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

LeBron James to leave Lakers, continue NBA career with new team

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 30, 2026, 5:06 PM

Last updated Jun 30, 2026

LeBron James to leave Lakers, continue NBA career with new team

Summary

LeBron James will leave the Los Angeles Lakers and pursue his 24th NBA season with a different team, according to media reports on June 30, 2026. After his eight-year stint with the Lakers, which included one championship in 2020, James has become a free agent following the Lakers' second-round playoff exit. His decision was communicated to the franchise ahead of free agency to allow them to prepare for the offseason. Possible destinations include a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers or Miami Heat, or a move to join Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•LeBron James informed the Lakers of his decision on June 30.
•He has played eight seasons with the Lakers.
•James won a title with the Lakers in 2020.
•His future teams include potential returns to Cleveland or Miami.
•James' status as a free agent affects team strategies this offseason.

Latest Updates

5:06 PMYahoo Sports — LeBron James to leave Lakers, continue NBA career - media reports

What they're saying

"
LeBron James, the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, is to leave the Los Angeles Lakers, but will continue his NBA career, according to media reports on Tuesday.The report is the first confirmation that James will indeed continue one of the most extraordinary careers in league history, with four championships and an unmatched collection of individual records.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Los Angeles Lakers NBA Basketball