Why is LeBron James leaving the Lakers? Legend informs LA of plans to sign with new team

Why is LeBron James leaving the Lakers? Legend informs LA of plans to sign with new team originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The LeBron James era in Los Angeles is officially over.

James, who is set to hit free agency when the new league year begins, has informed the the Los Angeles Lakers that he plans on signing with a new team for next season. The 23-year veteran spent the past eight years with the Lakers, the singled longest tenure he had with one team in his career, and even though the Lakers wanted him back, James decided to move on.

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

Now, James becomes a true free agent for the first time since he signed with the Lakers in 2018, as he will end his career elsewhere. Here’s why James is moving on from the Lakers.

MORE: Ranking LeBron James’ landing spots

Why is LeBron James leaving Lakers?

James spent the past eight years with the Lakers, including winning an NBA title in 2020, but his relationship with the team is not what it used to be. Ever since the Lakers traded for Luka Doncic, the team has made it clear that Doncic is the future of the organization, leaving James in uncharted waters as not being the center of a team for the first time.

Now, James will have more freedom in how he gets to finish his NBA career, with a chance to go out on top if he chooses the right team.

The breakup does appear amicable, as the Lakers thanked James for his time with th eorganization.

Thank you, LeBron 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/SW910ZVqSu

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 30, 2026

In response, James said it was an honor for him to wear the purple and gold for a part of his career.

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

LeBron James contract details

James just completed a two-year, $101 million contract with the Lakers that included a $52 million player option for last year.

James’ initial contract with the Lakers was for four years, $153 million with a player option for the final season. In 2020, James began a stretch of signing two-year extensions with Los Angeles ahead of hitting free agency, doing so in 2020, 2022 and 2024.

LeBron James landing spots

There are two clear landing spots for James in free agency: the Golden State Warriors or the Cleveland Cavaliers.

James could decide to play for the Warriors and team up with Stephen Curry, giving fans a chance to see two former rivals try to win a title together for a brief window. Golden State is reportedly trying to make this happen as a way to maximize the end of Curry’s career.

However, James could also return to Cleveland for a third time to try and win another title with the Cavaliers before retiring. James is already the best Cavalier of all time and a legend for bringing the city a title in 2016, and this would be a sentimental way for him to end his career.

James could still decide to sign with a different team that isn’t Golden State or Cleveland, but those teams have clear-cut paths for the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. James could try and play with Victor Wembanyama with the San Antonio Spurs, or maybe the Detroit Pistons make a run at him.