LeBron James' time in L.A. is set to finish, ending an incredible Lakers era.
The Los Angeles Lakers will officially turn the page on one of the most memorable chapters in franchise history.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, LeBron James has decided to continue his playing career, but with another organization.
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul confirmed to ESPN that James informed the Lakers they should move forward without him.
Shortly after the report exploded the NBA world, ESPN's Dave McMenamin shared additional insight, citing a source close to James who said, "It was time to move on."
The decision ends James' eight-year run with the Lakers after he signed with the franchise in free agency in 2018. His arrival immediately changed the trajectory of the organization, helping return L.A. to title contention after several difficult seasons.
James' Unforgettable Time in L.A.
James' list of accomplishments in a Lakers uniform is extensive. He led the franchise to the 2020 NBA bubble championship, earned Finals MVP honors and became the NBA's all-time leading scorer while representing L.A., along with many more accolades.
Lakers forward LeBron James (23) smiles after receiving the MVP award after game six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers won 106-93 to win the series. Over 479 regular-season appearances with the Lakers, James averaged 25.9 points, 7.9 assists and 7.7 rebounds while continuing to perform at an elite level throughout his tenure.
Even during the 2025-26 campaign, James showed he remained one of the league's premier players.
In 60 games, the 41-year-old averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds, earning his 22nd All-Star selection as he helped the Lakers finish 53-29 and secure the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference.
His career résumé stands among the greatest the NBA has ever seen. James leaves L.A. as a four-time NBA champion, four-time MVP, four-time Finals MVP, 22-time All-Star and 21-time All-NBA selection, adding another remarkable chapter to a career that has spanned more than two decades.
LeBron James (23) shoots the ball against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) and guard Amen Thompson (1) in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.The Future of the Lakers
The move also signals a complete transition for the Lakers. With James departing, the franchise can fully commit to its new core led by Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
President of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka has already begun constructing the roster with that vision in mind, adding younger, more athletic pieces this offseason while securing Reaves on a four-year, $180 million contract extension to make him the highest-paid undrafted player in NBA history.
Austin Reaves (15) is congratulated by forward LeBron James (23) and guard Luka Doncic (77) after a three-point basket in the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena.Now, attention shifts to two major questions: where James will play next, and how quickly the Lakers can establish themselves as contenders in the post-LeBron era.
There have been links to him teaming up with Stephen Curry and Dramond Green in Golden State or going back home in Cleveland.
After eight unforgettable seasons, the LeBron James chapter in L.A. has come to a close, leaving the franchise ready to begin its next era with Dončić at the forefront.
