Is he retiring from basketball?

LeBron James is officially moving on from the Los Angeles Lakers, bringing an end to one of the most memorable chapters of his legendary NBA career. After eight seasons in Los Angeles, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer has informed the organization that he plans to continue his career with another team during the 2026-27 season. The announcement closes a remarkable run that included an NBA championship, historic milestones, and countless unforgettable moments.

The decision comes just before the start of NBA free agency, giving James the opportunity to choose his next destination as he prepares for a record-breaking 24th NBA season. According to multiple reports, James personally notified the Lakers that they could move forward without him, while his longtime agent, Rich Paul, confirmed that the four-time NBA champion intends to play elsewhere, as reported by NBA.com. 

The End of an Unforgettable Lakers Chapter

LeBron joined the Lakers in the summer of 2018, instantly changing the direction of one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises. Although his first season was interrupted by injury and ended without a playoff appearance, the partnership reached its peak just two years later.

In 2020, James led Los Angeles to its 17th NBA championship inside the NBA Bubble, capturing Finals MVP honors and helping the franchise tie the all-time record for most championships. It became one of the defining accomplishments of his already extraordinary career.

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During his eight-year stint with the Lakers, James appeared in 479 regular-season games while consistently producing elite numbers despite entering his late 30s and early 40s. He averaged nearly 26 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists per game during his time in Los Angeles while continuing to rewrite the NBA record books. 

Historic Records in Purple and Gold

LeBron’s Lakers career will be remembered for far more than championships.

While wearing the purple and gold, he became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in several major statistical categories, and continued adding milestones that many believed would never be broken.

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He also achieved a personal milestone that transcended basketball by sharing the court with his son, Bronny James, making NBA history as the league’s first father-son duo to play together. The moment instantly became one of the most memorable images of the 2024-25 season.

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Even during the 2025-26 campaign, James remained remarkably productive. Despite missing time because of injury, he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds across 60 games, proving he could still compete at a high level heading into his 24th NBA season.

What Comes Next for LeBron James?

The biggest question now is, where will LeBron play next? At the moment, no destination has been announced. Once NBA free agency officially opens, James can begin discussions with interested teams before signing a contract when league rules permit.

Several organizations are expected to explore the possibility of adding the future Hall of Famer, even as he approaches his 42nd birthday later this year. Teams seeking championship experience, leadership and elite basketball IQ will undoubtedly monitor his decision closely.

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Although LeBron James’ Lakers career has come to an end, his legacy with the franchise is firmly established. He delivered an NBA championship, helped restore the Lakers to title contention, became the league’s all-time scoring leader while wearing a Lakers uniform, and created history by sharing the court with his son.