LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers, setting the stage for another high-profile decision 16 years after his original "Decision" to leave Cleveland for Miami. James has informed the Lakers that his eight-year tenure with the franchise is over, and he intends to play a record-extending 24th NBA season with a new team, according to ESPN, which cited his agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports.
Motivation: Championships Drive the Next Move
James has repeatedly emphasized that winning more championships remains his primary motivation, making it highly likely he will choose a team capable of contending for the 2027 NBA title. Potential destinations include the Golden State Warriors, a reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers or Miami Heat, or a partnership with San Antonio Spurs' 7-foot-4 star Victor Wembanyama. "I've done it all. I've seen it all," James said after the Lakers' season ended in May. "Just being able to compete and trying to win championships, I think that's a motivating factor."
His family, including wife Savannah and 12-year-old daughter Zhuri, supported his decision to play at least one more season. The next step involves hearing pitches from interested teams. The person with knowledge of the plans told the Associated Press that money will not be a factor in James' choice.
Lakers Thank James for Historic Tenure
The Lakers released a statement thanking James for his eight seasons. "LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history," said Jeanie Buss, part of the Lakers' ownership group. "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 led the Lakers to the 2020 NBA championship and became the league's all-time leading scorer while with the team. His eight-year stint was the longest he spent with any franchise, surpassing his 11 total years with Cleveland across two separate periods.
Free Agency Process and Key Dates
The NBA free agency period opened at 6 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, allowing James and Paul to begin meetings with interested teams. However, James cannot sign a new contract until the league's offseason moratorium is lifted on July 6. The Warriors have emerged as a strong candidate after forward Draymond Green declined his $27.6 million player option for the upcoming season, a move widely seen as providing roster flexibility. Green stated on his podcast, "Personally, I'm always willing to work with the team on whatever is best, especially at this point in my career. My decision to opt out was for a few reasons. It's more of a family to me than anything."
James has faced the Warriors four times in the NBA Finals while with Cleveland and maintains close relationships with Green, Stephen Curry, and coach Steve Kerr. Curry was his teammate and Kerr his coach during the U.S. gold medal run at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Unprecedented Career and Statistics
At 42 years old in December, James is the NBA's oldest active player. He was the first to log 23 seasons and will extend that record in 2026-27. He also made history by playing alongside his son, Bronny James, with the Lakers. His accolades include 22 All-Star selections, 21 All-NBA nods, four MVP awards, four Finals MVP honors, and a spot on the NBA's 75th anniversary team. In the 2025-26 season, he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. For his career, he averages 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in over 1,600 games.
Lakers Hall of Famer Magic Johnson wrote on social media, "He created a whole new era for the Lakers, including leading us to an NBA Championship in 2020 and all the milestones he surpassed in a Lakers jersey. I'll always love and be grateful for him and wish him all the best in the next phase of his life, on and off the court!"
NBA Salary Cap and Other Moves
The NBA set the 2026-27 salary cap at $164.961 million, with the tax level at $200.428 million. Other figures include a minimum team salary of $148.465 million, first apron at $209.015 million, second apron at $221.686 million, non-taxpayer midlevel at $15.044 million, taxpayer midlevel at $6.064 million, and room midlevel at $9.366 million.
In other moves, Tim Hardaway Jr. agreed to a $6.5 million deal with the Miami Heat, joining his father's retired jersey franchise, while Simone Fontecchio agreed to a $2.5 million cap-hit deal with Miami.
