LeBron James is set to leave the Los Angeles Lakers after the 2025-26 season, according to a report from ESPN.
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul reportedly told ESPN that James plans to continue his NBA career in 2026-27, but with a different team. The development has immediately sparked speculation about where the 41-year-old superstar could land next, with rival teams said to be monitoring the situation closely.
James has spent eight seasons with the Lakers since signing with the franchise in 2018. During that run, he helped lead Los Angeles to the 2020 NBA championship in the bubble and became the league’s all-time leading scorer, adding to an already legendary résumé that includes four NBA titles, four Finals MVP awards and four regular-season MVP honors.
The report does not mean James is retiring. Instead, it suggests he is preparing for at least one more season in the league, while the Lakers may be bracing for life without him after what would be a historic chapter for the franchise.
James has not publicly announced a final decision on his next destination, and it remains unclear whether he will sign with a contender, return to a familiar team or weigh other options before the 2026-27 season begins.
More to follow…