LeBron James to leave Lakers for 24th NBA season

sportsJun 30, 202625468

LeBron James, 41, will leave the Los Angeles Lakers and play the 2026-27 season with another team, the Lakers confirmed after the star announced he will return for a record 24th NBA season but not with Los Angeles. James spent eight seasons with the Lakers, led the franchise to its 17th NBA championship in the 2019-20 season, and joined the club in 2018 on a four-year, $153.3 million contract. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer and a four-time MVP announced the decision ahead of what will be his 24th season. The move came one day after his son Bronny’s contract became fully guaranteed. Team statements and multiple reports say James will play elsewhere rather than re-signing with the Lakers for 2026-27.

The Athletic

@theathletic.com

LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, will play in his 24th NBA season, but for a team other than the Los Angeles Lakers, The Athletic confirms. James has not announced where he will play next, but felt it was time to move on.

1517h ago

The Athletic25

“LeBron knows the Lakers are building for the future, and he also wants to compete for championships,” Rich Paul told The Athletic before James entered the final season of his contract. More from @danwoikesports.bsky.social. nyti.ms/4uYE35P

Soviet Space Cat3

He wants to coast to another easy ring. So maybe they try the Golden State super team, or he just ends up in San Antonio.

X? What the hell is X?2

Good day to be a Lakers fan.

Daniel2

Hope he takes his son with him 2

Lynda Pete2

About the same time that Dan Gilbert announces he is selling part of the team … my bet is CLE with ownership post retirement…

Russell Nish2

Welcome to the Bay! Steph or Coach Kerr will pick you up at the airport.

Quoting this

Todd in the Shadows153

Congratulations to the Guangdong Tigers!

Sara Montour Lewis10

We do need a 4.

Very Dumb Idiot9

ok it is pretty funny that three of the four western conference semi-finalists are in the market for a new power forward

Danny8

there’s only one team that has a history

Steve McPherson6

This fuckery can’t go on for much longer.

Gosh2

So NOBODY'S retiring from the court today?!

Forrest2

Vet minimum in Houston, obviously

RM Cooper2

washington wizards legend lebron james

Michael Preston2

That's right: it's the Seattle SuperSonics.

The Associated Press

@apnews.com

BREAKING: LeBron James will not be back with the Los Angeles Lakers and plans to play a record-extending 24th NBA season elsewhere, an AP source says.

466h ago

Fear None1

While I agree with this move, LeBron should not be trying recruit Anthony Davis to team up with again. Anthony Davis is the softest big man to ever play the game. Warriors is a great destination as Kerr is a players coach. I don't think Donovan Mitchell will want to share the spotlight in Cleveland.

Alan Smithee1

as a life-long Lakers fan since the day Magic Johnson arrived... LFG!!! time to move forward again towards #18!!!

Quoting this

Bruno Dias2

it really is the decade of first as tragedy then as farce

Ben McCormick2

But there is NO tampering! He has ZERO idea where will offer him a contract. Just that not all who wander are lost. He wants to be wild and free. Live laugh love.

Brian M

@legendofnerd.bsky.social

BREAKING: LeBron is leaving the Lakers to become the owner and CEO of the XBOX brand, best of luck King I know you can do it

483h ago

Forbes

@forbes.com

James joined the Lakers in 2018 on a four-year, $153.3 million contract.

276h ago

Steve1

Thank God they are can move on from his bs and that ridiculous contract.

Steph Noh

@stephnoh.bsky.social

Free agency isn't even starting for another hour. We've already gotten -Kawhi trade -LeBron leaving Lakers -Ja trade -Warriors "big four" plan -LaMelo trade -Julius Randle trade -Giannis trade

332h ago

The New York Times

@nytimes.com

From @theathletic.com: LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, is returning for a record 24th NBA season. But it won’t be with the Los Angeles Lakers. nyti.ms/3RfiGzr

206h ago

Tom Leykis

@tomleykis.bsky.social

THE SAD TRUTH ABOUT LEBRON JAMES IS: we'll never love him the way we loved Kobe Bryant.

206h ago

looism.bsky.social1

I hope he takes his son with him.

Chris Glass1

My biggest problem with sports is the lack of team loyalty by the players. But also I get giving them the freedom to leave.

Jemele Hill

@jemelehill.bsky.social

SPOLITICS QUICKIE: Why it was time for LeBron to leave the Lakers youtu.be/BI6lIfBe0z4?...

173h ago

Quoting this

@ApplePasta2

It was mutual. The Lakers wanted LeBron to leave; they just wanted it to look like it was LeBron's call

Law Murray 📘

@lawmurraythenu.bsky.social

As expected, the LA Clippers will be guaranteeing Kris Dunn’s contract for the 2026-27 NBA season

156h ago

Quoting this

dolemite ptolemy3

good. every team needs a kris dunn

J.E. Skeets

@jeskeets.bsky.social

Kawhi to the Raptors LeBron leaving the Lakers Everything is happening 2026 NBA Free Agency Special ➡️ bit.ly/4wapAVA

133h ago

Dart Adams

@dartadams.bsky.social

I had to get off of Instagram because those Lakers fans are something else, man… You mortgaged your future to go all in with LeBron James, traded for a superstar who puts asses in the seats & can’t play any semblance of defense then backed up the Brinks truck for… *checks notes* AUSTIN REAVES?

121h ago

Surf

@surf.social

#LeBronJames is coming back to the #NBA next season, but not to the #Lakers. Find news, reactions and more in @yorush.bsky.social's All Net Surf feed. surf.social/feed/surf%2F...

65h ago