BREAKING: LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN.
- Shams Charania reports that LeBron James will play his 24th NBA season in 2026-27 but has told the Lakers he will join another team, entering free agency.
- The decision prioritizes happiness and family over money, with teams like the Warriors, Heat, and Cavaliers showing strong interest as a 41-year-old LeBron seeks a potential fifth ring.
- This marks the end of LeBron's Lakers era after eight seasons, including the 2020 title, and opens a new chapter while accelerating the Lakers' roster rebuild.
BREAKING: LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/zzVk6xUVF1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2026