LeBron James plans Lakers exit after eight seasons
Rich Paul told ESPN that James will play a 24th NBA season, but not in Los Angeles, according to Reuters.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
2 min read
LeBron James has told the Los Angeles Lakers he plans to continue his NBA career with another team, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN on Tuesday, according to Reuters. The decision matters because it would close an eight-season run in Los Angeles for one of the league’s most decorated players.
Reuters reported that James, 41, will return for the 2026-27 season, which would be his 24th in the NBA. Paul’s account to ESPN said James informed the Lakers that his next season will not be with the franchise.
James joined the Lakers eight seasons ago and helped them win the 2020 NBA championship, Reuters reported. His time in Los Angeles added another title to a career that already includes four NBA championships and four Most Valuable Player awards.
Warriors linked to possible move
Reuters reported that the Golden State Warriors are expected to make a strong attempt to add James. Those reports came after Draymond Green declined his player option, with the purpose of creating salary-cap room to add to the roster, according to Reuters.
The Warriors link gives the first clear public indication of a possible destination, though Reuters did not report that James has chosen a new team. Paul’s comments to ESPN established only that James plans to keep playing and that his Lakers tenure is set to end.
Record-setting season
James has just completed his 23rd NBA season, a league record, Reuters reported. He averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds for the Lakers this season.
Reuters reported that James is a 22-time All-Star and remains the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. He also holds the league records for games played, with 1,622, and points scored, with 43,440.
The Lakers now face the prospect of moving on from the player who has been the center of their roster for nearly a decade. For James, the next step would extend a career that Reuters described as already record-setting, while shifting it away from the franchise where he won his most recent title.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.