What happened?
LeBron James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers he will play for a different team in the 2026-27 season, his agent Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania. James, 41, played in 60 games for the Lakers last season, his 23rd in the NBA. He averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game for Los Angeles.
Why it matters for Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers will be losing one of their most iconic players, who led the team to a title in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances. James, who became the NBA's all-time leading scorer in 2023, will be remembered for his eight years with the Lakers, including the title he led them to in 2020.
What comes next?
James will now be an unrestricted free agent for the fourth time in his career, and the first time since 2018, when he left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Lakers. He made $52.6 million last season as part of a two-year contract he signed with Los Angeles in 2024. The Lakers will likely be looking to rebuild, but they have already acquired a former MVP this offseason, reportedly agreeing to a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Recent form
The Lakers have struggled in recent form, losing their last five games. Their last result was a 110-115 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 12, 2026. Los Angeles has been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs three times in the last six seasons and has missed the playoffs once.
LeBron James' legacy
James, who will turn 42 in December, is one of the most decorated players in NBA history. He is a four-time NBA champion, four-time NBA Finals MVP, and four-time regular season MVP. He has been selected to 22 All-Star teams and has earned 20 All-NBA honors. Last season, he became the oldest player to average at least 20 points per game in the regular season. ```
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