LeBron James to Leave Lakers

The end of an era has arrived in Los Angeles.

Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, James' agent, Rich Paul, notified the Lakers ahead of free agency that the 41-year-old plans to play a record-setting 24th NBA season but will do so elsewhere. His next destination has not yet been announced, though multiple teams are expected to pursue the four-time NBA champion.

James joined the Lakers in 2018 and helped lead the franchise to the 2020 NBA championship inside the NBA's Orlando bubble. During his time in Los Angeles, he became the NBA's all-time leading scorer while adding to a résumé that already included four MVP awards, four championships and numerous All-NBA selections.

Last season, James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds while continuing to perform at a high level despite being the oldest active player in the league.

His departure signals a major shift for the Lakers, who are expected to continue building around Luka Dončić and newly extended guard Austin Reaves.

Although James has yet to reveal where he'll play next, the Golden State Warriors have emerged as one of the teams most frequently linked to the future Hall of Famer. Other contenders are also expected to explore signing the NBA's all-time leading scorer as free agency gets underway.