LeBron James to leave Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons

LeBron James, considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time, is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers. The 41-year-old spent eight seasons with the Lakers, helping the franchise win the 2020 NBA title. What's next? James, who began his NBA career with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, is expected to continue his career with another NBA franchise. Superstar LeBron James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, has announced he will be leaving the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons. James, 41, who helped the franchise win the 2020 NBA title, confirmed on X that he would be exiting the franchise before the 2026-27 season, which begins in October. According to US media reports, James, who began his career in 2003 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, has become a target for the Golden State Warriors. The Lakers thanked James for "the countless records he broke in purple and gold". Loading Twitter content "LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history," Lakers governor Jeanie Buss said in a post on X. "We will always be grateful for his eight years with the Lakers — including the title he led us to in 2020, under the most difficult circumstances imaginable, and the countless records he broke in purple and gold." LeBron became a hero in Los Angeles after helping the Lakers to NBA glory six years ago, nine months after LA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash at Calabasas, north-west of Los Angeles. It was the first NBA title for the Lakers in a decade. In the post on X, Ms Buss added: "He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family." James responded by saying it was an honour to wear the colours of the Lakers while "continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint". A four-time NBA MVP, James completed his record-setting 23rd NBA season, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds this past season with the Lakers. The Lakers were eliminated from the 2026 playoffs after being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has played alongside his 21-year-old son Bronny since 2024. James officially became a free agent on Tuesday evening, US-time. US media reported the Warriors could offer him a contract worth around $US15 million ($21 million) per year. Given James's career earnings and a net worth estimated by Forbes at $US1.4 billion ($2 billion), he reportedly is putting happiness over money this time around. In May, James said in an interview that he would decide on his future over a few glasses of wine. "Nobody has any idea what the future holds, and I don't either," he said. "I'll take time to recalibrate and look over the season and see what's best for my future, and when I get to that point, everyone will know."