It’s the end of an era for LeBron James. The 22-time NBA All-Star will continue his career next season and has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday, citing James’ Klutch Sports agent Rich Paul. 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 Charania also reported, citing sources, that Lakers president Rob Pelinka and Paul spoke on Tuesday about James’ plans and that James chose to inform Los Angeles of his decision before the start of the NBA’s free agency negotiaiting window, which opens at 3 p.m. PT, out of courtesy and appreciation for their tenure together.
The Lakers’ official X account put out a statement from team president Jeanie Buss, who thanked James for his tenure with the team. Thank you, LeBron ...