1 of 5 | Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (L) plans to play for a new team next season. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
June 30 (UPI) -- LeBron James plans to leave the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency and play for a new team in 2026.
Agent Rich Paul told ESPN and NBA on Prime on Tuesday that James informed the Lakers of his decision to play elsewhere. A league source confirmed the move to The Athletic.
James, 41, averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game over 60 starts last season for the Lakers. He played the 2025-26 campaign on a $52.6 million player option.
His decision to leave the Lakers after eight seasons was announced just a day after star forward Draymond Green declined his player option for 2026 with the Golden State Warriors, potentially aiding in his team's efforts to pursue James in free agency.
