LeBron James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he will not return next season and plans to play elsewhere in his 24th NBA campaign.

As reported today by ESPN’s Shams Charania through James’ agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, James told the franchise they can move on without him as he explores free agency options. The news was confirmed via the official Lakers X account.

James Leaving Tweet

Happiness for him and his family is reportedly the biggest factor in the decision, rather than money.

At 41, James just completed his eighth season with the Lakers, where he won the 2020 NBA championship. The team was swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals this spring.

In her statement, Buss noted the “countless records he broke in purple and gold.” Here are some of them:

  • All-Time Career Points: In 2023, he broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s nearly 40-year-old all-time scoring record, eventually pushing his career total well past the 40,000-point mark.
  • All-Time Field Goals: He broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record for the most career made field goals in NBA history.
  • Longevity Milestones: He became the first player in NBA history to reach 23 unprecedented seasons, and he eclipsed Robert Parish’s record for the most regular-season games played in league history. 
  • Lakers Franchise Marks: he also established a new league benchmark for the most All-NBA selections, further extending his own all-time record, while entering the Lakers’ top 10 all-time lists in categories like points, assists, and three-pointers.
  • James and his son Bronny also made NBA history by playing together for the Lakers for two seasons (2024–2026), becoming the first father-son duo to share the court in NBA history.

The move comes amid limited communication between James and the Lakers during the early free agency period. While the Lakers had expressed interest in a reunion, they had not yet made a formal offer as they navigated their salary cap situation, including a massive extension for Austin Reaves.

Speculation is already heating up around potential destinations, with the Golden State Warriors emerging as a strong rumored contender, alongside possible returns to the Cleveland Cavaliers or Miami Heat. James remains one of the league’s most impactful players and is expected to draw significant interest.

This departure closes a successful chapter in Lakers history and opens a new one for the four-time MVP as he continues his historic career. Free agency negotiations are underway.