LeBron James Leaves Lakers: Cherished Franchise Moment After Exit

LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers after informing the franchise that the 41-year-old will not remain for the 2026-27 NBA season. The Lakers say James will always be considered family, while James plans to keep playing and is expected to sign with a new team once free agency begins.

James arrived in Los Angeles for the 2018-19 campaign and stayed eight seasons. During that spell, James guided the Lakers to the 2020 NBA Championship and reached the playoffs six times. The franchise highlighted those achievements while acknowledging how many individual records James set in the Lakers colours.

Jeanie Buss paid tribute to James on social media, writing: “LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history,” in a message reflecting the organisation’s respect. The Lakers also issued a longer statement that underlined James’s impact in difficult circumstances, especially in the title-winning 2020 season.

“We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakersincluding the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold. We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off.He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family.”

Next season will be James’s 24th in the NBA, and speculation has already started about the next move. James has been linked with the Golden State Warriors, with talk of a partnership with Stephen Curry, while reports have also mentioned the possibility of a third spell with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

During the 2025-26 season, James played 60 games and earned selection for a 22nd NBA All-Star appearance. Across those matches, James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds. Those numbers showed continued influence, despite James entering the later years of an extensive professional career.

The Lakers shared a farewell message on social media, including a short video tribute.

James replied on Instagram with a message to the club and supporters, writing: “No, THANK YOU! Truly an honor to wear the [team colours]while trying to continue the greatness andlegacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint.” The exchange underlined the mutual appreciation between player and franchise at the end of this chapter.