Nationwide — LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers and will hit the free agent market this offseason, his agent confirmed. He is not retiring and plans to continue his NBA career with a new team. There is no news currently about the future of his son and teammate, Bronny James.
The confirmation came through his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, who told ESPN that James informed the Lakers of his decision, according to CNN. AA Klutch Sports representative later verified the report in an email but did not provide additional details.
The Los Angeles Lakers issued a public statement thanking LeBron James for his impact over eight seasons with the franchise. The statement read, “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. 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.”
James arrived in Los Angeles in 2018 and delivered a championship in 2020 during the NBA bubble season. He also set records with the Lakers, including becoming the league’s all-time leading scorer while wearing purple and gold.
After the 2024-25 season ended, James admitted uncertainty about his future. That uncertainty is now cleared, with reports confirming he will prepare for a 24th NBA season, extending his record for most seasons played.
Under NBA rules, free agency negotiations can begin on Tuesday evening, with official signings following shortly after. No destination has been confirmed yet, but early speculation has linked him to a possible return to the Cleveland Cavaliers or interest from teams like the Golden State Warriors with available cap space.
His departure ends an eight-year stretch in Los Angeles that included both a championship peak and several playoff disappointments. Despite major roster changes over the years, including the 2025 arrival of Luka Dončić, the Lakers were unable to return to the NBA Finals and were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs.