LeBron James is expected to part ways with the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons, according to his longtime agent, Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports. Paul confirmed the decision to ESPN, stating that the four-time NBA champion intends to continue his NBA career but will do so with another team.
James joined the Lakers in 2018 and helped lead the franchise to the 2020 NBA Championship. During his time in Los Angeles, he became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and made history by sharing the court with his son, Bronny James, during the 2025-26 season.
While James has not publicly announced where he will play next, his impending departure is expected to reshape the NBA landscape. Several contenders are already being mentioned as potential landing spots as free agency approaches.
If this marks the end of LeBron’s Lakers era, he leaves the franchise as one of its most impactful stars, adding another championship to the organization’s storied history while continuing to build one of the greatest résumés in basketball.
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