The uncertain future of LeBron James had hovered over the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA from the time the Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs in the middle of May through the final Monday of June.
It’s now known how James won’t end his legendary playing career.
LeBron James informs Lakers of intentions
On Tuesday afternoon, NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN revealed that “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.”
“James chose to inform the Lakers well before [the] start of free agency [Tuesday night] out of courtesy and appreciation for their run together, and to allow L.A. to conduct its offseason business,” Charania added. Charania also shared that the Lakers “wanted” James back for at least one more season.
What’s next for LeBron James after Lakers decision?
Per Dan Woike of The Athletic, James “has not yet decided where he’ll be playing next season.” Tuesday’s developments could lead one to believe that James will either return to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a third stint with that organization or join the Golden State Warriors.
James left the Cavaliers for a second time during his Hall of Fame career after the 2017-18 season, but many local and national media members have suggested for years that the Akron native would eventually spend one final campaign as a member of the organization. James famously guided the Cavaliers to an NBA title in the spring of 2016, and he remains one of the most popular figures in the history of Cleveland sports.
Most recently, the Cavaliers were swept by the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks in this year’s Eastern Conference Finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers have interest in a second reunion with LeBron James with the appeal of the franchise’s greatest player finishing his career where it all started, league sources tell me.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 30, 2026
That said, Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic is among those who have mentioned that the Warriors could assemble a squad that features James, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Anthony Davis.
“Sources told Charania on Monday that the Golden State Warriors were planning to pursue James once the free agency negotiating window begins Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET,” ESPN noted.
James could also potentially explore reuniting with the Miami Heat. He earned the first two of his four career NBA championship rings while with the Heat from 2010-14, and Miami adding Giannis Antetokounmpo could make the club a desirable destination for the 41-year-old.
Per ESPN, James’ next team will likely be “the last” of his storied career.
