LeBron James leaving Lakers for new team, reports say

(Gray News) - LeBron James and the Lakers are done after eight seasons, according to multiple reports.

According to ESPN, the 41-year-old NBA star informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere during the 2026-2027 season.

James spent the past eight seasons in Los Angeles, after signing with the Lakers as a free agent in 2018.

During the 2025-26 season, James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.2 steals in 33.2 minutes over 60 games. He dialed things up in the playoffs, bumping his averages to 23.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. L.A. was bounced from the playoffs in the second round after being swept by the Thunder.

At this time, it’s unclear which team he will play for next.