LeBron James LEAVES LA Lakers, Will Play 24th NBA Season 'Elsewhere'
LeBron James LEAVES LA Lakers, Will Play 24th NBA Season 'Elsewhere' Published By, Last Updated: June 30, 2026, 23:34 IST LeBron James leaves Los Angeles
LeBron James LEAVES LA Lakers, Will Play 24th NBA Season 'Elsewhere' Published By, Last Updated: June 30, 2026, 23:34 IST LeBron James leaves Los Angeles Lakers after eight years, becoming a free agent ahead of his 24th NBA season. LeBron James (AP) LeBron James has ended his eight-year association with the Los Angeles Lakers after deciding to continue his NBA career elsewhere, with the 41-year-old set to play an unprecedented 24th season in the league. The Lakers confirmed James’ departure on Tuesday, shortly before the start of the NBA free agency negotiating period, bringing the curtain down on one of the most successful spells in franchise history. Team owner Jeanie Buss thanked the four-time NBA champion for his contribution, describing his legacy in Los Angeles as one that will endure. “LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history," Buss said. “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." James became a free agent following the Lakers’ playoff exit and, according to his longtime agent Rich Paul, personally informed the franchise that he intended to sign with another team before negotiations officially opened.
While his next destination has not been announced, reports have linked him with former teams Cleveland and Miami, as well as a potential move to Golden State alongside Stephen Curry. His departure closes a chapter that reshaped the Lakers’ recent history. James guided the team to the 2020 NBA title inside the Covid-19 bubble, lifted the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament and rewrote the league record books by overtaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Last year also saw him achieve another career milestone when he shared the court with his son, Bronny James, after the rookie was selected by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft. Although sciatica sidelined James for the opening month of the 2025-26 campaign, he returned in vintage form, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists while shooting 51.5 percent from the field. He helped the Lakers secure the fourth seed in the Western Conference despite injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, then averaged 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists in the playoffs.
Los Angeles defeated Houston in the opening round before falling to defending champions Oklahoma City in the conference semifinals. James later reflected on having to constantly adjust his role during the season, particularly after Doncic’s arrival and subsequent injury. “To be able to thrive in that role for that period of time and then have to step back into the role that I’ve been accustomed with over my career, over my life, playing a sport and being able to thrive under that, and then just my teammates allowing me to lead them under extreme circumstances, that was pretty cool for me at this stage in my career," James said. Buss concluded her farewell by saying: “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." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: June 30, 2026, 23:34 IST News sports other-sports LeBron James LEAVES LA Lakers, Will Play 24th NBA Season 'Elsewhere' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s.
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