LeBron James Sets Up Final Act With Major Career Move

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James informed the storied franchise on Tuesday afternoon that he will not be returning for his ninth season with the franchise.

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer will enter free agency to join the fourth team of what will be a record 24-year career, his agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN’s Shams Charania. Charania and NBA on Prime’s Chris Haynes first reported the decision on X.

BREAKING: LeBron James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he will play elsewhere for the 2026-27 season, his agent Rich Paul tells me. pic.twitter.com/JvEmgc0vOv

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 30, 2026

James took to X to express his gratitude for his time with the Lakers, where he won a championship in 2020.

No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the ???????? while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint. ???????????????? https://t.co/RmQ6uvvgv0

— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 30, 2026

James is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, but with his career winding down, many expect this to be James’ final season in the NBA. Although he is the oldest player in the league and will turn 42 during the season, James’ elite play is still on full display.

James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game last season, earning his 22nd straight All-Star selection. He even led the league in fast-break points per game at 5.7 in the 2025-26 season despite his age, a near-impossible feat for the oldest player in the NBA. He also became the oldest player in the history of the league to record a triple-double.

This news follows rumors swirling on social media that James was interested in a potential team-up with fellow future Hall of Famer Steph Curry on the Golden State Warriors. The two previously played together on Team USA when they brought home the gold in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Yahoo’s Kevin O’Connor reported that the Warriors were hoping to pair former teammates James and Anthony Davis in the Bay Area along with longtime Warriors Curry and Draymond Green. Davis and James would reportedly have to be a “package deal” with one another.

Haynes also reported that a reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers is possible. The Cavaliers have expressed interest in bringing the Akron-born hero home. However, a source close to James told Ramona Shelburne of ESPN that there is “no rush” for him to decide. Charania confirmed their interest, as the decision for James will be “happiness-led.”