James has officially announced his departure from the Lakers! Ending his 8-year tenure with the team, he will join another squad for the new season.

Just moments ago, renowned reporter Shams reported that James will continue his NBA career, competing in the 2026-27 season.He has told the Los Angeles Lakers that the team can proceed without him because he is heading to a different franchise.

Following eight seasons with the Lakers and winning a title with the team in 2020, James will depart and enter free agency, ready to join a new club.

Sources say that Lakers president Rob Pelinka and James' agent Rich Paul recently discussed James' plans. By informing the Lakers ahead of the free agency opening, James showed respect and gratitude for their shared journey, and also gave the team time to plan their offseason moves.

The Lakers expressed their desire for James to stay, but the NBA's all-time leading scorer turned them down and decided to go elsewhere.

Earlier, after the Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs, James stated he would take time to consult with his family before making any decisions about his future.

James maintained an extremely high level of play in his 23rd NBA season, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 60 games for the Lakers, shooting 51.5% from the field and 31.7% from three-point range. At age 41, he proved not only that he can still play, but that he can perform at an All-Star level.

A potential move to the Golden State Warriors is now the most likely scenario—something that was previously unthinkable, as the Warriors were once James' biggest Finals rivals. However, things have become clearer in recent weeks, with the Warriors aggressively recruiting him and even attempting to lure him by pursuing his former Lakers teammate Anthony Davis.

Noted reporter Marc Stein followed up today, stating that the Warriors hold the leading position in pursuing James, but they are not operating under the assumption that they must also acquire Anthony Davis.

Although the Warriors have limited salary cap space, they might be able to convince James to accept a mid-level exception contract worth around $15 million per year. While it would be painful for the Lakers to see James remain in the same division, they will enter a new era centered around Luka Dončić.

Another possibility for James is a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, though that would likely require a sign-and-trade deal.

In 2018, James chose to join Los Angeles when no other superstar was willing to come, and he brought the team its 16th championship in the 2020 Orlando bubble—something that should be appreciated. Now, he will finish his career elsewhere.

Currently, the Warriors have surged to the top of the odds list for James' next team at 75%. The Cavaliers rank second at 19%, and the Heat are third at 3%.

James will become the first player in NBA history to play 24 seasons. No matter where he plays, his happiness is what matters most.

If he really joins the Warriors, we'll unconditionally support his decision. Of course, it would be best if Anthony Davis could come to the Warriors with him.

Finally, let's say goodbye to the Lakers. Thank you for these eight years of companionship. We will follow James to his new destination.