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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (L) plans to play for a new team next season. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
June 30 (UPI) -- LeBron James plans to leave the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency and play for a new team in 2026.
Agent Rich Paul told ESPN and NBA on Prime on Tuesday that James informed the Lakers of his decision to play elsewhere.
The Lakers effectively confirmed the move with a farewell post for James on X.
"LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history," Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said in a statement. "We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers -- including 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."
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) spent the last eight seasons with the franchise. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
James, 41, averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game over 60 starts last season for the Lakers. He played the 2025-26 campaign on a $52.6 million player option.
His decision to leave the Lakers after eight seasons was announced just a day after star forward Draymond Green declined his player option for 2026 with the Golden State Warriors, potentially aiding in his team's efforts to pursue James in free agency.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has been linked to the Golden State Warriors in free agency. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI
Green is expected to return to the Warriors with a multi-year deal. His decision to opt out gave the Warriors the flexibility to offer James a mid-level exception, worth about $15 million.
A source told NBA on Prime that the Cleveland Cavaliers are among other teams interested in acquiring James in 2026-27. James also has been linked to a reunion with his other former team, the Miami Heat.
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Star forward LeBron James (L) joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI
A source told The Athletic that James, who has not publicly stated if he plans to continue his career or retire, has not yet decided where he will play next.
The NBA's free agency negotiating window will open at 6 p.m. EDT Tuesday. Free agents can be signed starting at 12:01 p.m. Monday.
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LeBron James (R) spent the last two seasons playing alongside son Bronny James while with the Los Angeles Lakers. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI
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