LeBron James informs Lakers he plans to play elsewhere in 2026-27 - ESPN

LeBron James will return for an unprecedented 24th season in the NBA — but it won't be with the Los Angeles Lakers.

James has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday.

«LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. 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,» Lakers governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement. «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.»

LeBron James finishes his Lakers career ranked in the top 10 in franchise history in points, assists, field goals and 3-pointers.

James posted to X that it was «truly a honor to wear» the Lakers' uniform and that, «I hope I made a few proud during my stint.»

After taking time to decompress and undergo some self-assessment, James came to the conclusion that he wanted to continue playing «meaningful, competitive basketball,» a source familiar with James' thinking told ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

James has instructed agent Rich Paul to talk to everyone around the league who is interested and come back to him with what the options are so he can make his decision, the source said.

While James is committed to returning for a 24th season, he has not made any decision as to whether that will be his final season in the NBA, the source said.

Sources told Charania on Monday that the Golden State Warriors were one of the teams planning to pursue James once the free agency negotiating window begins Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET.

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