LeBron James Leaving Lakers for 24th NBA Season in Free Agency Bombshell

Anna Lazarus CaplanTue, June 30, 2026 at 4:26 PM UTC

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LeBron JamesCredit: Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty -

LeBron James will not return to the Lakers next season

The NBA star plans to play elsewhere for his 24th year in the league

James played eight seasons with the Lakers

LeBron James is taking his talents … elsewhere.

On the first day of free agency on Tuesday, June 30, the NBA star informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he will not be returning to the team.

James' agent, Rich Paul, confirmed the news to ESPN.

"LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN," Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania posted on X.

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James played eight seasons with the Lakers and won the NBA championship in the 2020 COVID bubble season.

"Lakers president Rob Pelinka and Rich Paul spoke a short time ago about the four-time champion's plans, sources said," Charania wrote. "James chose to inform the Lakers well before start of free agency tonight out of courtesy and appreciation for their run together, and to allow LA to conduct its offseason business."

James has been outspoken about his interest in winning another championship in his final years in the league.

Among the many teams now aiming to sign the future Hall of Famer are the Golden State Warriors, who have a reunion in mind, hoping to sign both James and his former Lakers teammate (and friend) Anthony Davis.

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Source: “AOL Sports”