The NBA world was stunned Tuesday when news broke that LeBron James had decided to leave the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that James informed the Lakers he would continue playing elsewhere in 2026-27, ending one of the most successful eras in franchise history.
According to Charania, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN that James will take his talent elsewhere:
“LeBron 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.”
Charania added that Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and Paul spoke shortly before the announcement, with James notifying the organization early “out of courtesy and appreciation” to give Los Angeles time to conduct its offseason business.
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The shocking development immediately shifted attention toward Pelinka, with many Lakers fans blaming the longtime executive for allowing the franchise’s all-time great to walk away.
“Day 1 of asking the Lakers to fire Rob Pelinka,” said one fan.
“I’m gutted. We lost Bron, the best player that has ever played the game,” wrote another. “They better bring Giannis or Wemby for this, otherwise fire Rob Pelinka.”
“FIRE ROB PELINKA. Been sitting on his damn thumbs ‼️,” another fan added.
“I can’t wait for that Los Angeles Lakers fire Rob Pelinka tweet might be the best day in my life ngl,” one fan remarked.
“Wherever LeBron goes I hope he immediately wins a ring this year so the Lakers organization realizes how inept and terrible Rob Pelinka is at his job. Hopefully they fire him,” another fan posted.
“Rob Pelinka lasting longer than LeBron with the Lakers is nauseating,” another fan shared.
James leaves Los Angeles after eight seasons that included the franchise’s 2020 NBA championship, six playoff appearances and eight All-Star selections as a Laker. He finishes his Lakers tenure averaging 25.9 points, 7.9 assists and 7.7 rebounds in 479 games, while becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and the first player in league history to surpass 50,000 combined regular-season and playoff points.
Attention now turns to where the four-time MVP will play next. Charania has reported that the Golden State Warriors remain one of the strongest contenders after aggressively positioning themselves for James.
ALSO SEE: Poll: Where Will LeBron James Be Next Season?
Meanwhile, NBA.com’s Chris Haynes has reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers have legitimate interest in bringing James back to the franchise where his NBA career began. With free agency officially underway, the biggest domino of the offseason is now in motion.
